SWNOVELXO Chapter 18 - Various Figures
When I return to my desk, all eyes are on me.
Well, of course…
I was called out by the section chief and the team leader.
…Can I talk about this now?
Well, it’s probably better not to say anything yet.
It’s not a definite matter yet…
When my work takes a breather, Noboru comes to talk to me.
“Yuma, what is it? …A promotion?”
“Umm… No, it’s not that. Just that I’ve been asked to start guiding some of the newcomers and second-year staff.”
“Ahh, I see. Well, we’re in our fifth year, and you’re good at teaching.”
“…Really?”
“Yeah, because you explain things clearly. I’ve been saved by you many times.”
“Is that so…”
I wasn’t aware of that…
I’ve been mechanically working at the company…
I see… If I’m going to be teaching from now on, maybe I should make a move.
“Hey, Noboru.”
“Hm? What’s up?”
“I know it’s a bit late, but… Can I join the drinking party?”
“Eh!?”
“Hot!”
“I’m sorry! I was distracted…”
When I turn around, Section Chief Matsuura is standing with an apologetic expression.
Looking down, I see that tea has been spilled… It seems I was the one who spilled it.
“No, please don’t worry about it. Are you okay, Section Chief Matsuura? Didn’t you get burned anywhere?”
“Eh, yes, kind… I mean, come here!”
“Huh?”
“Yokoyama-kun, could you wipe this up for me?”
“Yes, sure!”
“I’m sorry. Then, let’s go.”
“Wait a minute–!”
In the state where she held my hand, we leave the office.
Her hand is so soft…! Were women’s hands always this soft?
My heart is racing… Even though I’m an adult…
We enter the empty break room.
“Mito-kun!”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry!”
“Well, I heard you earlier. It’s okay, it was just a little spill.”
“But… it’s getting red… And I remember that too much cold water is not good…”
It’s such a time, but… She’s cute when she’s flustered…
And she’s still holding my hand…
“Section Chief Matsuura, could you bring me some room temperature water?”
“Eh? Ah–That’s right! You know more about this, Mito-kun!”
“Well… I’m the son of a cook, after all.”
After that, Section Chief Matsuura applies water to the affected area.
“How, how is it? Does it hurt?”
“I’m fine. At this rate, it probably won’t even blister. Just cooling it down should be enough.”
“I’m glad…”
This is not good… She’s being cute, even in the office…
Is this… because I’m here?
If that’s the case… I…
“Mito-kun…? Are you okay?”
“Huh? Yes, I’m fine.”
Peeking from below is not fair…
Her décolletage is… Oh no!
“But… you look angry…”
“No… this is…”
I think my face is just stiff…
I can’t tell her that I’m nervous around her…
“Ah–I’ve been thoughtless! That’s right! Something to wipe…”
“Section Chief Matsuura…?”
“There it is! With this…”
“Wai–!”
“It didn’t get on your shirt… It’s on your pants… The different colored area… here maybe?”
“I can do it myself!”
I take the cloth and wipe my lower body.
What a pose…! Is she unconscious!? Does she realize it!?
Squatting, right in front of me… No, don’t think about it…!
“I’m sorry…”
“No, I’m not angry, but…”
It’s hot…! In many ways…!
“So, is it…?”
“Yes, so please don’t make that sad face. You look better when you’re smiling.”
…What? What did I just say?
“He…? Wha, wha, wha–!”
“I’m sorry!”
“No, it’s… Thank you… Um, are you going to the drinking party?”
“Huh? …Yes, I thought it might be good once in a while. If I’m going to mentor the juniors, I have to do such things.”
“Uh…! Yeah, that’s true… Uh… It’s complicated…”
“Section Chief Matsuura…?”
“…Alright! I’ve decided!”
“Huh?”
“You will take a break here, Mito-kun! Is that okay!?”
“Ye, yes…”
With that, Section Chief Matsuura left the break room…
“…I wonder what that was all about…?”
After taking a break, I return to work…
“Hey, are you okay? With everything?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. She apologized properly.”
“That’s true. She also thanked me… I feel like she’s become gentler recently. She was always a beauty, so if she acts like this, she’d be a great woman.”
…What is this feeling?
Am I irritated? Why?
Isn’t it a good thing for everyone to know about Section Chief Matsuura’s good qualities?
It would help with work, and the atmosphere would improve…
…It can’t be… That’s impossible, right?
“So, what are you going to do?”
“I’m not going to do anything. She’s my boss.”
“Huh? No, I mean, are you going to the drinking party?”
“…Sorry, I forgot. Yeah, is it okay if I join?”