SWNOVELXO Chapter 16 - Two People
Yesterday was quite eventful, wasn’t it?
I didn’t expect to run into you at the supermarket, let alone get invited to your house.
I had planned to avoid any interaction with Section Chief Matsuura.
Partly, it’s my sister’s fault… but there’s a part of me that can’t strongly refuse.
Perhaps I’m actually attracted…
But then again, you’re my boss at the company, it’s not like we’re going to do anything…
Moreover, someone like me isn’t on par with you…
Yeah… I’ll just wait for time to pass.
I’m sure Matsuura will eventually realize it’s just novelty…
That I am a worthless and boring person…
The next morning comes, and it’s time for my sister to leave.
“Say hi to mom for me.”
“Sure, I’ll let our parents know. They might be thrilled that their son might be dating a beauty.”
“Huh!? There’s no way a beauty like her would be interested in me… She must be bothered by it.”
“Really? I thought you two looked good together. You were having a conversation across the kitchen counter, feeding each other… It seemed like Miss Reina was happy, too.”
“Were you even awake? Geez, that was… just how things turned out. Besides, I don’t even know her contact details, and dating a coworker is a hassle. Also, I’m not capable of such smooth moves.”
“Oh, you’re being too stubborn. Well, do as you please. I think she’s the one who can help you with that — your self-esteem is too low.”
“Just leave me alone.”
“Well, I guess it can’t be helped. Anyway, I’ll visit again.”
“Sis… I’m sorry for all the trouble.”
“Huh?… That’s unlike you! I do what I love, so there’s no need for you to worry.”
Saying that, my sister left the room.
“Thanks, Sis…”
As I cleaned the room, I was lost in thoughts…
Our family runs a small Western-style restaurant.
It’s a tiny eatery run by mom and dad.
The first floor of our two-story house serves as the restaurant.
Having been exposed to cooking from a young age, I naturally picked it up.
Not that I like or dislike it.
Of course, I do like it…
“But… Just because I like it, doesn’t mean I want to do it.”
Dad naturally assumed that I would take over the family business.
I did cook, and even started helping in the kitchen since middle school.
However, when I was about high school age, Dad started to seriously train me.
I was yelled at, my head was hit, I was criticized…
Even though I was just helping at home without pay…
“Of course, I was also at fault…”
Unknowingly, I must have led Dad to have certain expectations.
The world of cooking is tough, and Dad was probably trying to teach me that.
If I was said to lack guts, I had to accept it.
“But… I didn’t want to become a chef.”
I loved cooking…
But going through those days made me realize it was just… a hobby.
And because I loved it, I didn’t want to hate it…
“That’s right… That’s why I told my father… I didn’t want to become a chef.”
But… it seemed to have touched a nerve with Dad.
That I was just lacking in perseverance!
That if I truly loved it, I should be able to endure!
That if I gave up over this, I wouldn’t be able to get by anywhere!
“I know… I know all that.”
After that, Dad and I didn’t speak until the day I left home.
I caught up on my studies and managed to get into a reasonably priced national university.
Then I left home and moved into my sister’s apartment, who was already working.
“I owe my sister a lot…”
Dad wouldn’t pay my tuition…
My part-time job and the remaining amount was covered by my sister.
And I paid her back in full during my third year as a working adult.
“But…”
Although she didn’t tell me, I’m sure my sister was scolded by Dad.
Also… she was told to bring home a husband.
In this day and age, even the thought of getting married is daunting…
Finding a live-in son-in-law, who is also expected to be a chef…
Finding someone like that isn’t easy.
“My sister is attractive and has a great personality…”
There must have been people who considered marrying her…
But because of me…
That’s why… I’m always indebted to my sister.
“And yet…”
There’s no way I can match someone as beautiful, cute, and capable as her.
Even if we did end up dating due to some mistake…
She would surely become disillusioned and leave me…
So, before I get hurt, it’s better for me to distance myself…
——————————————
Reina’s Perspective
The following Sunday… I was rolling around in my futon, bewildered for many reasons…
“What, what should I do!? It wasn’t a dream…!”
I… I actually went to Mito-kun’s house…!
My first time at a man’s house… I was excited but…
It was fun… I got to see many different sides of Mito-kun.
“Mito-kun looked so cool when he was cooking~”
People who can effortlessly cook are… attractive.
And I got to meet his sister.
“Seeing Mito-kun talking with his sister… I don’t know, he seemed kind of like a child.
“Hehe… I thought it was a bit cute.”
And… he even fed me.
“It’s like… we’re newlyweds or something!”
But… why was I dressed like that…!
“Ugh… I should have worn something cuter.”
I didn’t realize until after I got home…
“In my usual clothes, without any makeup…”
Mito-kun didn’t say anything.
He was probably being considerate.
“I’m such a fool!”
Did he think I was a slob!?
That I don’t have any dignity as a boss!?
That I’m just pretending to be something I’m not!?
“That’s not it! This is the real me!”
But the biggest regret is…
“Why did I run away before asking for his phone number!”
Just ask and then run away… That’s the worst!
Mito-kun must think I’m weird…
And… being alone with a man in a car was a first for me…
That’s why I was so overwhelmed…
“How can I be like everyone else?”
Other women casually ask at work…
Men also ask, even if they’re being cautious…
“I can’t… I’ve never done it… No one ever taught me…”
…Oh no! I shouldn’t!
In the middle of the day, being so miserable… Mito-kun would hate that, wouldn’t he!?
“Alright! Let’s move on!”
With that decision, I start my morning stretches.
“I can’t be a slob… Mito-kun would hate that…”
What… am I imagining!?
That’s impossible!
“We’re not even dating… and I don’t know his contact information…”
Next, I have breakfast.
I spread the tomato sauce Mito-kun gave me on bread.
“Oh, it’s delicious! It really goes with anything…”
He’s so good at cooking… why didn’t he become a chef?
Hmm… the atmosphere changed yesterday too…
“I shouldn’t pry too much…”
I also… have things going on.
Sigh… I have to send money home this month…
Then, after finishing a few tasks, I check the mail…
“Oh? What’s this? A note… eh…?”
It says, “I’m sorry for suddenly inviting you yesterday. I was curious about my brother’s situation at work. But I’m relieved to see someone like you there. He can be a little stubborn, but he’s a really good kid. Is it a sister’s bias? Anyway, I bet he didn’t give you his phone number or address. Here, please use this if you’d like. From Mito Yuma’s sister.”
“…Phone number and address… huh? His sister… did she notice…?”
That I… like Mito-kun…
“What! How…!?”
How embarrassing…!
But… I’m happy.
However…
“Does this mean… it’s okay to contact him? And what am I supposed to do after that?”
His sister must think I’m a normal woman…
But… I’m a thirty-something virgin, and I’ve never had a boyfriend…
So… even if I got this… I wouldn’t know what to do…
Please… someone… teach me…