Chapter 3

(…And that’s how I started my work experience.)

I’m glad I was able to start this coffee truck shop.

But I feel kinda bad that I roped you into all of this, Natsume-san. You just happened to be there.

Fufu. There’s no need to fret.

If I could aid you all in being able to experience “the joy of moving someone’s heart,” then nothing would make me happier.

…Though, you probably have experienced this yourself through making music, haven’t you, Nanaki? My apologies if I’m just pointing out the obvious.

No, it doesn’t feel like that. …That customer from earlier… Touma-san, right? He said that the coffee I made was delicious.

Getting paid, providing something of worth in return, and then seeing a person’s gratitude and happinessー

I never thought I could do something like that outside of music, so it’s a little embarrassing, but… It kinda makes me happy.

So… Since I have this chance, I want to improve at making coffee.

Fufu, is that so? Then, I’ll be coming along with your practice for a little longerー

Having said all of that…

OUR SALES ARE THROUGH THE FLOOOOR!!!

Based on the reviews from the customers we did get, our product isn’t bad. But our sales are still far from our target goal.

Raito-san. Here it is. This is our income and expense report for today. I was planning on writing it down in a notebook, but is this kind of feel okay?

Right, thanks. …Wow, you wrote a proper sales log on top of the financial report as well, huh?

Yeah, the content looks good. This format is fine. It’d be great if you could write the rest of them like this as well.

Forget that, let’s have a strategy meeting! We wanna boost our sales even more tomorrow and make buttloads of money!!

Hahah. That’s the spirit.

I’m also in favor of holding a strategy meeting. Since we haven’t achieved any results as of yet, we need to make gradual improvements.

Right. If there’s anything you’d like to do as well Natsume-san, please let me know. Like the kind of coffee you like, or anything else you’d wanna serve―…

We could put a pin in my opinion for now. I would like to help with what you three want to do more than anything.

But you’re a coroner too, Yodaka-san. It’s just gonna bite you in the ass if you don’t speak up now, right?

Isotake, it’s co-owner. Things would have to take a rather grim turn for him to become a coroner.

Fufu, thank you. That consideration towards me is more than enough.

(These boys are the main characters this time.)

(Being able to experience these things without an adult interfering, going through the motions of success and failure repeatedly, and gaining insight from it in turn― This is a golden opportunity for them.)

(I couldn’t possibly intrude on precious time like that.)

………

―Okay, then from today on, let’s start offering café au lait and other milk-based drinks on the menu. It might take some extra effort to make, but there’s more of a demand for them.

Understood.

How about we try to have a more creative approach to our method of advertising? For example, we could use drones, or perhaps even AI advertising robots―

That isn’t a bad idea, but with a budget increase like that, you would need to meet a significantly higher sales target.

Uhh, about that order from earlier… They wanted to change the milk to Oa… something, and then they wanted to add something that tastes like cocoa and makes their heart go BOOM! I think…?

So they wanted to add a shot of espresso to oat milk? That’s… definitely not something we can do with our current menu… But we could try switching the coffee beans to a stronger and more cocoa-like flavor, and then try a more concentrated brew…?

―It’s been a few weeks since we opened. It seems we’re finding our footing well

Agreed.

LET’S GOOOO!! I’M GONNA YELL THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON TOO!

Coffee! Get your coffee here! We got our cold café au lait and some freshly brewed hand-drip coffee too!

It’s so hot… It’s a miracle he can shout that well. Well, I guess it’s around that time, so I’ll step out for a quick break―

Excuse me. Is now a good time?

Ah, yes!

Oh? A customer?

Welcome. May I take your order?

Yes, thank you. I heard about this truck from someone I know, so I was a bit curious…

That’s certainly an honor. If you’d like, please feel free to relax and enjoy your drink in the shade.

Thank you. Then, I’ll have one of your hand-drip coffees please.

Understood. Certainly.

Nanaki. Muneuji and I can handle the rest from here, so you could go on your break now.

Ah, okay. Then, take your time.

May I ask for your name to write on the cup please?

I’m Aika Utsumi. It’s spelled using the kanji for “love” and “flower”.

Ah, and… Would it be alright if I eat the lunch I brought with me?

The person I know… Or I should say my partner, told me that the coffee here goes well with sandwiches, so I got curious…

(…Coffee and sandwiches… Perhaps her partner is the man we saw on our first day…)

…Oh no, am I mistaken…?

Ah, excuse my rudeness. Please feel free to enjoy your meal. The coffee has just finished brewing as well.

Wah, thank you so much!

…Yeah, it’s true…! It’s just as he said, it’s very delicious! The method you use to grind the beans is great, and the drip process is excellent as well…

I’m pleased to hear that. Are you knowledgeable about coffee, perhaps?

I work in the food industry, so… I suppose I am a little. Do you brew all the coffee yourselves?

The boy who just went on break earlier is also skilled in that aspect. The two of us are the ones who brew the coffee.

We’re still in the middle of training ourselves, so we haven’t been able to help much where it counts… I’m rather ashamed.

That’s not true. Preparing the truck for opening, serving customers their orders, and attracting new customers is more than enough―

In that case, how about trying out a French press?

!

It’s easier to learn compared to hand-dripping. Anyone can make a tasty cup of coffee pretty consistently once you’re used to it, so you guys might be able to do it too. The equipment is pretty cheap on top of that.

A French press huh… That information is helpful. I’ve never heard of that before.

Also, since the coffee you guys serve pairs this well with sandwiches, I think it’d be a good idea to add food options to the menu…!

It’d be really cost-effective if you made coffee affogato using your own coffee, also―…

Mhm, mhm. I see―

………