SWNOVELXO Chapter 58 - Shambles
The weekend is over and a new week is beginning. On Sunday, I spent my time indulging in my hobbies and thinking about today’s work. And then… I arrived at the office.
Why is it like this?
“Mito-senpai, the cake was delicious, wasn’t it?”
“What! Morishima-san, could you please not discuss non-work related topics?”
“Eh, isn’t it fine? It’s not yet working hours. Oh, should I make some tea? Then you won’t have any complaints, right?”
“I’m not complaining, but…”
Calm down…first, I need to assess the situation calmly.
I arrived at my usual time, and as always, Reina-san is here…
Morishima-san, who usually isn’t here, is talking to Reina-san…
I greeted them briefly and sat at my desk without interrupting their conversation…
I was contemplating how to convey something to a new employee today…
Suddenly, they started talking to me…
Wait, even when I calm down…I still don’t get it!
The only thing I can say is…
“Um, both of you… it’s almost working hours…”
“Hmph… well, it’s fine.”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“There’s nothing we can do… Mito-senpai, shall we go eat cake again?”
“Yeah, I look forward to it.”
“Hehe, there’s nothing we can do, right? Shall I introduce you to my special recommendation?”
“Really?… I’m even more excited.”
That cake was delicious…
It seems like they know about various other shops.
Ideally, I’d like it to be a shop where men don’t usually go.
“Huh? When…Mito-kun, I’m looking forward to lunch. Let’s eat together, just the two of us as usual.”
Wait, is it okay to say that?
Why…does her face seem tense?
I don’t think she’s angry…
“Eh, yes… I’m also looking forward to it.”
“Oh…I see. Well done, Matsura section chief.”
“Let’s start working. Morishima-san… you understand, right?”
“Yes, of course… I won’t disturb your work, right?”
“Yes, that’s a given.”
Saying this, they both returned to their desks…
“What on earth… was that?”
“Hey, Yuma.”
“Oh, Noboru. If you’re here, don’t just stand there, help me out.”
Noboru, who had arrived at some point, pulled up a chair to my desk.
“Don’t be stupid. How can I get involved when there’s a tiger and a dragon there?”
“Tiger and dragon…?”
“No, it’s nothing…whoa, she’s glaring at me.”
“Huh?”
In the direction of Noboru’s gaze was Matsura section chief.
With a very fierce expression…
“I must get back to work.”
I was the one who said it’s working hours, and I haven’t started working yet. That’s probably why she’s angry.
In order to match Matsura section chief, I must focus on my work.
When it was time for lunch, I headed to the usual room.
“Hello, Mito-kun.”
“Hello, Reina-san. What’s wrong? Are you angry?”
Are you still worried about this morning?
What was that all about in the first place?
“No, it’s not like that. Let’s eat for now.”
“Alright, got it.”
I don’t quite understand, but I feel like I shouldn’t pry.
The atmosphere is similar to when my sister was dumped by her boyfriend.
Wait!? Could it be that…!?
Is there really a man who would toy with such a beautiful and cute woman…?
No, it’s not necessarily the case…
“Today, I tried a Western-style dish. The main dish is salmon meunière and butter rice. The side dish is potato salad and tomato penne. In a separate container, there’s a salad of lettuce, onions, and carrots. Please eat it with onion dressing. The soup is corn potage in a thermos.”
She spread out the bento and explained each part.
“Wow… amazing! It’s like a restaurant!”
“No, you’re exaggerating. But thank you.”
“The butter rice with onions… yum! It’s sweet and delicious!”
“Ideally, I would add garlic, but it wouldn’t be good in a workplace.”
“Ugh… it’s a pity. Why is it so delicious? Is it because of the sense of immorality?”
“That might be a factor. Also, I tend to avoid it the day before work.”
“I… I want to eat it…”
“It’s fine, I’ll make it. After all, I haven’t taught you how to cook yet.”
“That’s right! Hehe! With this…”
I don’t quite understand, but I’m glad she’s in a good mood.
After all, her smiling face is wonderful.
…Someday, when I gain confidence, I want to tell her that.
“Now, please try the rest.”
“Thank you… huh!? This dressing is spicy but delicious!”
“I’m glad… it’s simple and highly recommended.”
“You said it’s onion dressing, right?”
“Yes. It’s made with onions, salad oil, dark soy sauce, and lemon juice. Ideally, I would also add garlic…”
Reina-san is looking at me with sparkling eyes… she’s cute, but…
“Ha… I’ll teach you that too.”
“Thank you, Mito-kun! I’m in the lead now!”
Reina-san… are you having a cooking battle with someone?