Chapter 8 – Jewelry Designer
It’s done. Today’s work is finished! It’s finally the end of the workday. I ignored my surroundings, stood up, and picked up my smartphone.
“Iwabuchi-senpai!”
“Sorry, but I can’t help you today… Um, hello, Aoi-san? I’m finished now, so I’m thinking of going to your place. Can you please tell me your address?”
I noticed that Hayama beside me turned pale.
“I’m nearby, so I’ll come to pick you up. Let’s choose some drinks and go back together.” Aoi replied.
“That sounds great. Alright, I’ll wait for you in front of the office.”
“Sure, I’ll be there.”
I’m sure Aoi-san must have smiled at that. With that thought in mind, I was about to end the call when Ishiyama-senpai grabbed my shoulder.
“Do you understand what going to a guy’s place means?” he asked.
“That’s right! Think it over, Iwabuchi-senpai!”
“He’s just treating me to a meal, nothing more.”
“We’re definitely up for it!”
What’s with these useless brothers!
“You don’t get it, huh? After he treats you, you’ll be treating him, Iwabuchi!”
If he treats me, I’ll be grateful, won’t I?
I haven’t been in it for about 3 years, but I’m not a virgin, and Aoi-san is attracted to many different women, so it seems unlikely that he’s inexperienced.
Wearing special underwear for today’s showdown is just basic etiquette, isn’t it?
I’m trying not to overdo it with my enthusiasm; it’s like an insurance for my heart.
I don’t want to come off as flashy or desperate.
It might not create that kind of atmosphere, and I don’t dislike Aoi-san, I feel like there’s a connection… It might be a bit too fast, but we’re adults, so it shouldn’t hurt to be prepared.
“So?”
“So? You don’t get it!”
“Ishiyama-senpai and Hayama are so close… Why don’t you two just date each other?”
“Creepy!”
You guys are a perfect match, I think, useless brothers.
“Iwabuchi-senpai, is it a date~? I want to see your boyfriend~ Introduce him to me~”
Is it my imagination that Himekawa’s smile looks like a hunter?
“Oh, I don’t think he’s the type I would introduce…”
“Eh~ I don’t mind that kind of thing, so it’s okay~”
For some reason, Himekawa’s face looks like she’s mocking me, and it annoys me. She must have decided that Aoi-san is of low standard. I don’t want to show… I got a text message.
“I’m here.”
He’s here already.
I packed my things and said, “Okay, I’m leaving.”
“I’ll come along~”
“You don’t have to.”
Despite my refusal, Himekawa followed me.
The lobby is clearly noisy because of Aoi-san. When I head toward the commotion, I see Aoi-san surrounded by female employees.
“Who are you waiting for?”
“It’s Iwabuchi Mikoto.”
“Huh? It’s that person again?”
“Again?”
Good stories don’t seem to be happening.
“Aoi, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“She’s here now.”
Aoi rushed over to where I was, away from the female employee.
“You must be tired.”
“Aoi, you look a bit tired too.”
“Hahaha, I’m used to it.”
“Yeah, I understand.”
As I said that, Aoi gave a slight smile.
“What drink would you like?”
“It depends on the dish.”
“Italian.”
“Meat or fish?”
“Fish.”
“Then, white wine or rosé?”
“Champagne is also an option.”
“Aoi, you’re a genius.”
“Of course?”
Aoi-san chuckled happily.
“Wait, why is Aoi Kawakami here…?”
Suddenly, a low voice came from behind, and when I turned around, Himekawa was glaring at me.
Scary!
She regained her composure and made a smiling face, standing in front of Aoi and tilting her head.
Aoi made a refined smile and shook hands with her.
“I’m a junior of Iwabuchi-senpai! Can I join you for the meal?”
Himekawa directed a sparkling and cute smile at Aoi.
“Sorry! I’m planning to seize the heart of someone today, so please don’t disturb.”
“Huh?”
Himekawa seemed surprised that her sparkling smile didn’t work on Aoi.
“I’m okay with it though?” I said
“I don’t want that!”
Although I said it as a joke, Aoi’s forehead wrinkled.
“It was just a joke.”
“Good to know. Well, let’s go before someone becomes a hindrance.”
Himekawa’s fierce expression was scary.
I looked away from Himekawa and was pulled away by Aoi, leaving the scene.
“…Aoi is really famous, isn’t he?”
“Oh? You didn’t know?”
“No.”
“It’s written in celebrity magazines, don’t you think?”
“I don’t even know of the existence of celebrity magazines.”
“Even my three measurements are in there.”
“Set it on fire right now.”
“I don’t want to.”
Aoi is grinning.
“I wonder if Aoi’s fishing book is with your father? Let’s go get it later.”
“If you see my fishing book, you’ll fall for me, you know!”
“I heard for the first time yesterday from my brother that he’s a famous jewelry designer.”
Aoi looked at me with a slightly troubled expression. What’s going on?
“But, I kind of understand now. Because Aoi’s sweets are sparkling and beautiful like jewels.”
“…So?”
“What do you mean ‘so’?”
“So? What do you want, like a necklace or a ring…”
I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.
“How many annoying girls are you involved with? I’m fine on my own. I’ll buy what I like myself.”
“…But somehow, that makes me feel lonely!”
I chuckled.
Aoi-san looked at me like he’s seeing something rare.
“Maybe I’d like to see the jewelry you designed?”
“Do you want to see them? There’s a shop nearby where my works are displayed.”
“Yes.”
Aoi-san grabbed my hand, and led me to the nearby shop.