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'What is a small kid doing here in the kitchen, Nakamura-san?' said the beautiful lady in her early twenties with a worried look on her face, while looking at me.

'Well, Saki-san don't get angry.' Nakamura-san replied to the lady and he turned to me and said 'Kazami-kun introduce yourself.'

Standing beside me was the manager Joichiro Nakamura of M.N Restaurant. And infront were two male cooks and a female cook. They were glaring at me.

'My name is Akashi Kazami, 12 years old. I am going to work here from now on. So, please look after me.'

'Yes, guys. he is a new comer. He will be working with you all, so look after him for me.' Nakamura-san introduced me to them and he turned to me and patted my head gently, then affectionately said' Kazami-kun they are your senior colleagues, the one in left is Ayano Saki, and the other two are Kakeru Takei, Jun Shirasu.'

'Did his parents give him permission to work here? What can a small kid do here?' Kakeru-san in the middle pointed at me and said.

'Don't worry, I don't have parents.' I replied bluntly. Those three were shocked listening to my reply.

Nakamura-san looked at me and said 'Kazami-kun I am giving you, your first work. Go and clean the tables, the customers will be rushing here by 10 A.M. After cleaning, help the chefs in washing plates, watch them how they cook for three days and after that you will also help them in cooking.'

(As Joichiro saw Akashi leaving, he turned to them)

'Well guys, Don't be so shocked. Let me tell you about Kazami. He specifically asked me not mention about his private life to anyone, but it looks like you guys can't relax. Kazami-kun's father died when he was 2 years old. After his father's death his mother took care of him herself. She did many part time jobs, because of which all the works at home were taken care of by Kazami. Either due to over work or by a disease, his mother died last month.'

'Since he lives opposite of my house, he asked me to give him work, so that he will earn the money himself for his tuition fee and needs. I know it sounds ridiculous to hear this from a twelve year kid ,but he asked this himself. Since he doesn't have any relatives to rely on, he decided to take care of his own life. Since he will be entering the middle school next month, he asked me to appoint him in the kitchen, so that no one from his school or neighborhood notice him and think that he is being made to work.' after saying the story Joichiro paused for a while.

Ayano interrupted 'Nakamura-san are you serious? What will you do if something happens to him?' Even though it is sad to hear about him, he is still a small kid. He may get injured while working.'

He looked at the worried expression of them and replied 'Don't worry, I have already verified his work myself. His work is as good as you guys do. He works precisely and neatly. If you don't believe me lets go outside to check it ourselves.'

(All of them went out to have a look at Akashi's work. The three of them were shocked to see how neat the room became. Even Joichiro was amazed, he thought that he had underestimated Akashi. The work which Akashi did exceeded there expectations. Even though it was only cleaning it was amazing how a twelve year old kid did the work in such a short period of time and also how good it was. The room, tables and the chairs were practically shining.)

After cleaning the room and tables, I turned back and noticed that all of them came to look at my work. It seemed that they were amazed at how clean the room became. Since I had finished my work outside, I asked permission to go to kitchen and wash the plates.

As I was working in the kitchen I noticed that those three cooks suddenly became affectionate towards me. I think Nakamura-san had told them about me even though I told him not to mention.

'Hey, kid can I call you Kazami-kun?' the beautiful lady asked me after the rush hour.

(rush hour is in between 10.am to 11.am)

'O.K.' I replied her. I sat on the chair near the sink. That lady came near me and sat on the opposite chair. The other two male cooks and the manager were busy outside.

'You can call me Saki-san, Kazami-kun.'

'O.K.'

'I was the younger one around here before you came.'

'Oh, I see.'

'Kazami-kun, Do you have any siblings?'

'No.'

She then continued to question me about my school, home and other irrelevant things.

I became angry at her continous questions and blurted out 'Aunty, please don't talk to me so casually!'. I didn't like how she suddenly became friendly despite rejecting me in first.

'Hey, don't call me aunty. I am still 20 and a university student.'

'So what, you look like an old lady to me.' as I was trying to insult her

Tap...tap

The girl beat me hard on my head by making a fist.

'Kid, What did you call me just now?' She furiously asked me as she was showing her clenched fist.

'N..No...Nothing Saki-san. I was just trying to say that how beautiful you are.' I replied her sincerely since I was afraid to receive another fist.

'Oh! Then it's okay.' It seemed as if she calmed down. But she continued

'But what is your attitude? Despite me being polite and trying to know you why are your answers half-assed.' She glared at me as if she was going to punch me if I talked her back. I think she was showing her true nature.

I was afraid to answer her. To my rescue Nakamura-san came in and soothed Saki-san who was angry at me. After she left Nakamura-san said 'Kazami-kun, don't hate her. Despite her temper she is a kind and polite girl.'

"Yes, I know, sir.'

'Oh, Kazami-kun I remember you asking for an empty house near here right?'

'Yes. Did you find it, sir?'

'A friend of mine has a small house near to your school. He asked me to find him on monday. I will introduce you to him then.'

'Okay, sir. Thanks for helping me. Then I will get back to work.'

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