SWNOVELXO Chapter 51 - At the Bar
…Hmm? What’s this about?
There’s no specific reason mentioned, and it says I don’t have to come if it’s too much trouble…
“Does this mean it’s not an urgent matter?”
Truth be told, I’m exhausted from my first job…
“But she’s a person I like, and Reina is kind, she might be taking me into consideration…”
For example, she might want to talk about something that’s bothering her, but she’s being considerate of me…
Yeah, that sounds about right.
“I should go… for various reasons.”
I reply to Reina and head to the master’s shop by taxi.
…Hmm? I hear a voice…
“Customer!”
“Whoa!?”
“We’ve arrived.”
“Ah, sorry.”
Damn, I was spacing out.
I must’ve been more mentally drained than I thought.
But at the same time, I feel somewhat refreshed.
After paying the fare, I enter the shop.
“Mito-kun, good evening. I’m sorry for calling you so suddenly…”
“Reina-san, good evening. No, it’s fine.”
“Please, have a seat first.”
“Good evening, Master. Yes, thank you.”
I order something light for now, and turn to Reina.
“So, what’s up?”
“Huh?”
“Do you need something?”
“No, you said last time that it was okay even if I didn’t have anything…”
“Eh?… Well, yes, but it was rather sudden…”
If it was decided, she should know my contact… I thought she was the type to contact in advance.
“That… how’s your new job?”
Her expression keeps changing…
Hmm… Is it like Reina being four and Chief Matsuura being six?
“I see, so that’s it. Well…”
I tell her about the new employee and becoming a leader.
“Eh!? Is that so… I didn’t know. That section chief… he has a way of doing things like that.”
“Have you experienced it, Reina-san?”
“Before I became a team leader, there was a bit of a fuss… some people with old-fashioned views about women… at that time, I thought about refusing… but the section chief said, ‘Don’t run away. You’re the one who should go up. He may have a way with words, but he’s a person who properly evaluates people. And you need income for your family. I’ll lend my support, even if it’s small.'”
“Heh… So he kept it a secret from me…”
“He probably thought you’d refuse or back down.”
“…I can’t deny that.”
Indeed, if I had been told in advance, I might have refused.
“But I think he thought you’d be fine based on your work and recent behavior.”
…Before I knew it, Reina became ten.
Her cute atmosphere… a face only I know.
“I see… That’s comforting.”
“Also… I said that if it was Mito-kun, I wouldn’t worry…”
“Huh? I thought you didn’t know.”
“I didn’t know the details… but when I was asked about your experience with subordinates and such… I thought you could handle it.”
“I see… Thank you. It’s reassuring to hear that from you, Reina-san.”
Being recognized by the person I most want to be recognized by… there’s nothing happier than that.
“Hehe… Really? That’s good.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Here are your drinks and snacks.”
As always, the master appears at the perfect timing.
“Mito-kun, you’re having red wine… Master, can I have the same?”
“I thought you might say that… Here you go.”
“Wow…! Master is amazing!”
He’s truly a professional…
He reads the customer’s needs and prepares in advance.
“Is this smoked beef?”
“Yes, well spotted.”
“Heh… It’s flavorful but not too heavy. The umami of the beef is condensed.”
“Hehe… Does it give you a good idea?”
Ah——Matsuura section chief mode activated.
“Well… I’ve decided to go with Western food for now.”
“I didn’t have time to watch today, but I’ll look at the report tomorrow… and I plan to visit the site as well.”
“Oh, I see. You left right away today.”
“Ah, that’s because… it’s… it’s Mito-kun’s fault!”
Ah—— It’s Reina… I could get used to this…
“What did I do?”
“Ugh… You’re mean…”
Huh? Her face is red… Is the alcohol hitting her?
“Is that so…”
After that, she gets quite drunk and closes in on me.
She’s so close! She smells so good! And her cleavage is showing!
“More importantly, what about lunch!?”
“Huh?”
“What do you think the company is!? You’re flirting with Morishima-san!”
“No, that’s not what it’s about…”
“Don’t make excuses! Ugh…”
Is it not good…?
Is that what she really thinks?
If that’s the case… wouldn’t our meals together also be inappropriate?
It’s a shame, but… can’t be helped.
“I understand. You’re right. Then, I should also refrain from eating with Reina-san…”
“I don’t want that.”
“Huh?”
“I demand Karaage-kun for tomorrow’s lunch!”
“Er… okay…”
“I’m going home today since Mito-kun is tired too!”
“Wait… what…?”
“Lunch will be together!”
“I understand…”
Oh boy, I don’t really understand…
But I don’t mind being tossed around by Reina…
With that in mind, I get into the taxi.