I arrived at the Animate store, a 15-minute walk from my high school, to look for a light novel I'd wanted. However…
"I am very sorry, but 'Sucking S-Class Beauties' Boobs in Another World and Absorbing Their Cheat Skills' is currently sold out due to its popularity."
"…I see."
I sighed after hearing that from the Animate cashier.
I had come here to buy the book version of my favourite web novel, "Sucking S-Class Beauties' Boobs in Another World and Absorbing Their Cheat Skills," which had just been published. But, to my disappointment, it was out of stock.
It was a popular isekai novel on the web, boasting tens of thousands of followers, so I guess it couldn't be helped.
I headed back home, feeling dejected.
(Animate has exclusive bonuses, so I wanted to buy it here if possible… sigh.)
"Today is just not my day."
There's also the option of buying the e-book, but I've heard that purchasing physical books can increase the chances of getting sequels… So, what should I do?
(I want to read it during break time, so I guess I'll have to buy the book.)
I used my smartphone to search for nearby bookstores. There's a bookstore called Tatsuya near Animate… Maybe there's a chance there.
If it's sold out at Animate, though, Tatsuya might be sold out too.
(I should at least call to check their stock.)
Leaving Animate, I called Tatsuya while walking in its direction.
"Hello, this is Tatsuya Station Store."
"Ah, excuse me. I'm looking for the light novel 'Sucking S-Class Beauties' Boobs in Another World and Absorbing Their Cheat Skills.' Do you have it in stock?"
"Oh, the light novel? Got it."
The female clerk's voice was unusually cheerful. It sounded somewhat familiar… was it just my imagination?
"Um, we have about four copies left of that boob-something book."
"Got it. Thank you. I'll head over now."
"Alrighty."
The call abruptly ended. Normally, the customer hangs up first, right?
(It was a young voice, so she must be a new part-timer.)
I've never worked part-time, so I don't understand how tough it is. I shouldn't be too harsh.
(Our high school forbids part-time jobs unless given special permission, so I can't work even if I wanted to.)
"…And I'm here."
I walked into Tatsuya. The clerk at the register was busy with something, so I approached.
"Excuse me, I just called about… huh?"
"Ah! We have 'Sucking S-Class Beauties' Boobs in Another World and Absorbing Their Cheat Skills'… here."
The female clerk at Tatsuya, wearing a white blouse and a navy apron, grimaced when she saw my face. Her bright hair was in twin tails, and her large chest was noticeably prominent over the stack of new books she held.
(Those boobs… there's no mistaking it.)
"Mi-Miyama?"
"Ugh, the otaku from the seat behind me…"
For some unknown reason, Airi Miyama was working part-time at Tatsuya.
(Wait, wasn't Miyama supposed to be on a date with her boyfriend?)