"Working for you is fine and all." I said, my tone light but deliberately teasing as I leaned on the counter. "But what about my paynt?...Are we sticking to kisses, or are you planning to up the stakes this ti?"
Nina froze mid-step, her back to , and I watched as her ears turned pink before the colour spread to her cheeks. Slowly, she turned her head, her eyes narrowing in what she probably thought was an intimidating glare.
"Y-You...! Don't say things like that so casually!" She stamred, her hands curling into fists at her sides.
"But I'm serious," I said, shrugging as if this was a normal workplace negotiation. "If I'm going to guide your guests and make this place even more popular, I need so kind of incentive."
Her blush deepened as she flailed for a response.
"Only if-" Finally she started, then paused, biting her lip before continuing in a mutter. "Only if you do your job well...And I an really well!"
"Really?" I grinned, leaning closer to her beautiful face. "You'd better prepare a lot of paynt, then...I don't do half-hearted work, you know."
Nina spluttered, her eyes darting everywhere but at .
"Y-You little brat! Don't you dare tease a grown-up like , or else I'll tell your mom!" She exclaid, her voice rising just enough to show she was nearing her limit; even she didn't dare tell my mother about the relationship we had.
Before I could tease her further, she grabbed my wrist and pulled forward with surprising strength.
"Stop talking nonsense and focus, you fool!" She said, her words sharp, though her face was still as red as a sunrise.
I let her drag , laughing softly under my breath. "You're awfully eager to put to work." I teased. "Almost like you're looking forward to being your employee and giving a whole lot of kisses as your reward."
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" She shot a look over her shoulder, equal parts flustered and determined.
At that mont, faint voices carried through the air, coming from the entrance. Nina's eyes widened as she froze in place, her ears practically perking up like an alert tigress.
"The guests are here!" She squeaked, panic overtaking her embarrassnt, not wanting her custors to see the boss of the place flirting with a school kid.
"We don't have ti for this! Get behind the counter—now!" She spun around to face , her expression frantic.
"I'm here to help, boss." I said with mock seriousness, saluting her as she tugged behind the counter.
Her urgency was so endearing that I couldn't resist one last jab.
Nina glared at but didn't argue, instead focusing on straightening up the counter and checking everything one last ti. Her energy was infectious, her nervous excitent making the air around us feel alive.
I couldn't help but smile as I settled into place, ready to see her shine in her elent. Whatever the day brought, I already knew it was going to be worth it.
As Nina darted around behind the counter, her focus laser-sharp, she turned to with a determined look.
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"Alright, Kafka, listen up." She began, her voice carrying that no-nonsense tone she loved to use when she was trying to act tough. "You need to be polite to the guests...No teasing, no acting weird, and definitely no slacking...Just do whatever they say, got it?"
"Whatever they say, huh?" I leaned back against the counter, crossing my arms with a mischievous smirk.
"So..." I said, tilting my head as if deep in thought. "If so lovely lady asks to follow her to a quiet corner and...do so dirty little favour, I should comply?...I an, you did say whatever they say."
Nina froze, her face a blank slate for a full two seconds before her cheeks exploded in a brilliant red.
"Y-You—!" She spluttered, pointing a shaky finger at . "You're such a pervert!...How could you even think of sothing like that?!"
Wham~
Before I could defend myself, she smacked on the arm with just enough force to sting but not hurt.
"Ow!" I protested, rubbing the spot and laughing. "It was a joke, Nina! A joke!"
"That's not funny!" She snapped, though her lips twitched like she was fighting a smile.
"Co on, admit it." I teased, leaning closer. "You'd get jealous if I actually said yes to soone, wouldn't you?"
"As if! I'd be too busy kicking you out to care!" She narrowed her eyes, her blush intensifying.
Her huff and the way she crossed her arms were so cute I couldn't stop grinning.
"Noted, boss." I teased, raising my hands in mock surrender. "I'll keep my dirty thoughts to myself while on duty." Then I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "But if you ever need any favours, Nina, I wouldn't mind going into a corner and helping you out."
Her face turned crimson, and she stamped on my foot in response.
"Ow!" I yelped, hopping back. "What was that for?"
"Do I really need to say? !" She turned her back to , crossing her arms tighter.
"I was serious, you know. The offer stands." I laughed, rubbing my sore foot.
"You're lucky the guests are coming." She huffed, clearly flustered, and stomped behind the counter.
Ding~ Ding~
Just then, the door opened, and an elderly couple entered the hot spring. They looked like they were on vacation, probably enjoying their retirent. Their warm smiles and relaxed deanour suggested they weren't locals, and they seed excited to experience the place. The woman was holding a small bag, while the man adjusted his glasses as they scanned the room, looking for guidance.
As Nina stepped forward, ready to greet the couple like always, I smoothly beat her to it to her surprise.
"Welco to Paridis Hot Springs!" I said, flashing them my warst smile. "I'm Kafka, and I'll be happy to make sure your visit is as relaxing as it can be."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Nina freeze mid-step, her brows knitting together.
She probably thought I was rushing in without thinking it through, like I usually do. Her lips twitched—half an attempt to stop herself from saying sothing, half a smirk.
Yeah, I could almost hear her inner monologue: 'Alright, let's see how he screws this up...Then I'll step in and show them how it's really done as his big sister who's been running this place for years.'
The elderly couple exchanged delighted glances. The woman, her silver hair neatly tucked into a bun, stepped forward first, her kind eyes sparkling.
"Thank you, young man. This is our first ti here, and we've heard so many wonderful things. We're hoping to relax after our travels."
The man beside her, tall with a steady posture that belied his age, nodded in agreent.
"We've been on the road for a while and wanted sowhere peaceful to rest...We heard your springs work wonders for old bones like ours, and we were wondering if that's true.."
I smiled, leaning in slightly to et their warm expressions.
"Well, you've co to the right place." I said confidently. "Our hot spring is known for its therapeutic properties—perfect for easing joint pain and sore muscles. The minerals in the water are a natural redy, and the tranquil atmosphere does the rest."
I didn't have to look to know Nina was blinking rapidly, her head tilting just a bit as if she was trying to process what I'd said.
She hadn't stepped in yet, though. She was still waiting—still sure I'd fumble eventually. I could almost feel her curiosity bubbling beneath her scepticism, but she was destined to not be able to intervene, as there was no way I was going to screw this up and let her get one over .
"Therapeutic properties, you say?...Could you please tell us more? The woman tilted her head, intrigued.
"Of course." I replied smoothly, folding my hands in front of like I'd been doing this for years. "The water here is rich in minerals like sulphur and magnesium—great for reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and soothing aches. It's a favourite for guests looking to unwind and heal. Most people feel the difference after just one soak."
A stifled gasp was heard behind , and I knew that it was Nina again.
I could picture her arms crossing over her chest, her fingers drumming against her arm as her eyebrows climbed higher. She wasn't just surprised anymore; she was trying to figure out how I was dealing with it so effortlessly when it was my first ti.
I didn't even have to turn around to see the confusion painted all over her face.
"That sounds perfect for us. Can I ask how long we should soak?" The man rubbed his shoulder thoughtfully.
"Start with about fifteen to twenty minutes." I said, gesturing toward the baths. "Take a break to hydrate, then go back for another session if you're feeling up to it...The benefits build over ti, and it's all about listening to your body."
They both nodded along, their expressions filled with the kind of awe you'd usually reserve for soone handing out life-altering wisdom.
"That sounds wonderful!" The woman said with a satisfied smile. "We've been to other springs, but this one feels special already."
"That's because it is." I said, giving them a small bow. "And I'm sure that you yourself will feel the difference here."
As they turned toward the changing rooms, I allowed myself a quick glance back at Nina.
Her arms were still crossed, but her lips were slightly parted now, her gaze flicking between and the couple like she was trying to solve a particularly tricky riddle.
She wasn't sceptical anymore; no, this was sothing closer to reluctant admiration, looking at like she was wondering how I knew all of this. And judging by the way her mouth twitched, she hated the answer: Because I was a little too good at whatever I did.
But just before the couple disappeared completely, the woman turned back with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, like she couldn't help but say out the comnt she had in her mind for a while.
"I'm sorry to be so nosy and a bother, but I must say..." She said, her voice light and teasing. "...you two make a lovely pair. You look like a husband-and-wife team running the place together, which I'm sure you are, with the strict but loving way your wife gazes at you."
For a second, I was caught off guard, but then a grin spread across my face. I glanced over my shoulder at Nina, who was standing stiffly behind the counter.
"Well, we're not quite there yet..." I said, chuckling. "...But thank you for the complint."
I caught the way Nina froze for a mont, her cheeks flushing pink as the words registered. Her gaze snapped to , wide and flustered.
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