Chapter 12 – Confession?

Today is a “No Overtime Day”! It’s a day when we’re not supposed to work overtime.

Of course, my work is done, and I’ve finished helping out the Clumsy Brothers too. I have a date planned for later today.

“Iwabuchi-senpai!”

“What is it, Hayama?”

“I like you, Senpai Iwabuchi! Please go out with me!”

What’s with this guy? Doesn’t he realize he’s a klutz?

No, maybe even a klutz has his own way of thinking?

Is he building a wall so that he doesn’t run away in front of everyone at the company?

But he can’t escape this situation either.

“It’s impossible! I’ve never seen you as a man, Hayama! I don’t intend to in the future either! I have a boyfriend already! We’re madly in love! So, I’m sorry!”

Hayama looked pale, but he’ll probably be fine since he’s surrounded by girls who are trying to console him and make him theirs.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too much in front of everyone?”

“But, I’ve never seen Hayama and Ishiyama-senpai as guys even for a moment.”

“Hey! Don’t just lump me in with Hayama!”

While Ishiyama-senpai was shouting, a call came in.

Of course, it was from Aoi-san.

“Hello, Aoi-san?”

“Can I come pick you up? I’m nearby since I was close by for work.”

“I just finished too. I’ll get ready right away.”

“No need to rush.”

“I’ll hurry. You know Aoi-san, if you’re alone, you’ll be surrounded by carnivores, right?”

“… …”

“Wait for me.”

“Got it.”

After hanging up the phone, I waved to Ishiyama Senpai.

“Well then, I’m going home for a date with my boyfriend.”

“A girl who can’t cook will get dumped quickly! If you break up, I’ll be there to comfort you.”

“If I get dumped, I’ll get comforted by Misato, so I won’t need you. Take care!”

I said just that and left the scene.

Today, I managed to get everything ready before Aoi-san arrived.

After waiting in front of the company for about 5 minutes, I saw Aoi-san approaching.

There were two things that caught my attention.

The first was that Aoi-san was dressed in a suit. He looked so handsome, just as I thought during our blind date!

The second was a girl, around 10 years old, clinging to Aoi-san’s arm.

… Could she be his hidden child?

“Iwabuchi! Sorry for keeping you waiting!”

No, no, instead of apologizing for making me wait, how about explaining the child first?

“Oh, is this Aoi-san’s child?”

“No, I was asked by a friend… just for two hours, they said… Sorry.”

“What’s her name?”

The adorable girl peeked at my face and said, “I heard you’re Aoi-chan’s girlfriend…”

“I’m Mikoto Iwabuchi. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Chiharu. Can I call you Miko-chan?”

Chiharu had slightly brownish, fluffy hair that reached her shoulders, and her big round eyes were cute.

She’s so cute, but I wonder why she’s wearing pants instead of a frilly skirt, which would suit her so well.

“Oh man, she’s seriously cute! It’s fine, it’s fine! You can call me Miko-chan! If I marry Aoi-san, will Chi-chan come along?”

Aoi-san looked surprised and then said, “I know Chi is cute in appearance, but… Iwabuchi…”

As Chiharu moved away from Aoi-san, she hugged onto me.

“I want to marry Miko-chan because I like her.”

“Huh?”

“Chii! Iwabuchi belongs to me, so no! Let go!”

“Chii-chan is soft and smells nice.”

Aoi-san put his arm under Chiharu’s armpit and pulled her away from me.

“I said she’s mine too, didn’t I? Only I’m allowed to touch Iwabuchi’s boobs and pinch them! Did I give you permission?”

“Did you? I don’t remember.”

“Is that not allowed?”

“…”

Chiharu smiled sweetly.

“Aoi-chan! I’m hungry! I want tempura!”

“Tempura, huh… Iwabuchi, is tempura okay?”

“I can eat anything delicious!”

“That’s the best answer. Iwabuchi, Would you prefer eating at home or outside, Chi?”

“Is Miko going to cook?”

“I absolutely won’t cook!”

“Is that so? I want to try Miko’s cooking.”

“Go die.”

“Huh?”

“Aoi-san is the one who makes delicious things!”

“… Let’s eat out.”

Aoi-san chuckled.

“Yeah, let’s go to a good tempura place!”

When Aoi-san let go of Chiharu, she clung onto my arm.

“Hey, Chi! Let go.”

“It’s okay, Aoi-san.”

“I just don’t want any guy other than me touching you, Iwabuchi!”

Wait, does this mean Chiharu is a boy?

Even though he’s so cute?

I guess there are quite a few cute guys these days.

“Anyway, let go!”

I wrapped my free arm around Aoi-san’s arm.

“I’m hungry too! Plus, getting jealous over a child?”

“Is that so? Dammit.”

“I’m happy!”

“You’re going to keep being all sweet and clingy like this, aren’t you?”

“That’s not it! I was just genuinely happy. Tempura, tempura.”

Walking with both of them on either side, I began to walk.

There’s no point causing a scene here. I needed to eat soon, or my stomach would start rumbling, but I kept that secret to myself.

Chapter 11 – Close Friends

It seems that there’s something special about Kawaue Aoi within me. For some reason, he tends to spoil me. All the guys I’ve been with before were always ones who wanted to be spoiled by me, so I don’t know how to handle Aoi-san’s desire to pamper me. Of course, I’m happy, but it’s a bit puzzling.

“… So, what kind of guy is the new one?”

“He’s a wild-looking handsome guy.”

“Do you have a photo?”

“Huh? Do I?”

“If you’re a woman in love, wouldn’t you set that handsome guy as your wallpaper?”

This straightforward woman is my best friend, Misato Ookuma.

We became close as colleagues at the same company. She’s a capable and cool woman on the path of an office lady. Her boyfriend seems to be a cute-type submissive guy. But that story can wait.

Right now, we’re in the cafeteria during our lunch break. I’m in the middle of reporting to Misato about my new boyfriend.

“Set it as wallpaper? Wouldn’t that be creepy?”

“Yeah, it’s creepy. But I want to see him! He’s handsome.”

“Isn’t Misato’s boyfriend handsome too?”

“Even when we’re together, he sometimes gets hit on. People always assume we’re a lesbian couple. And if I make him cross-dress, is he more cute than me, who is a handsome guy?”

“I don’t know!”

“See? That’s why show me the photo.”

I don’t quite understand, but it seems I have to show them the picture.

“Call and ask him to send it now!”

“Oh, okay…”

With no refusal rights, I took out my smartphone. After a brief call, Aoi-san answered the phone in a hurried tone.

“Hello, what’s up?”

“Oh, well, I wanted a photo of you, Aoi-san…”

“I see. I’ll send it now, so wait.”

Aoi-san said that and hung up. I waited for a while, sipping on soba noodles.

“Are you continuing the story?”

“… Aoi-san is different from the guys I’ve been with before, so I hope it continues…”

Misato was grinning at me, making the situation awkward.

At that moment, the sound of an incoming message, presumably with a photo, rang.

I opened the picture and froze.

The photo from Aoi-san was of him shirtless with a towel on his head and another towel wrapped around his waist.

Why is this happening?

Wild has become even wilder!

“Which one?… Wild~”

“He’s got six-pack abs. Who is this guy? He’s your boyfriend, right?”

“Yeah, uh, yeah.”

For now, I called Aoi-san.

“Hello?”

“Why are you sending a semi-nude picture?”

“I just got out of the bath.”

“…”

“You can set it as your wallpaper if you want.”

“I won’t do that. If I set this as my wallpaper, it’ll be too embarrassing! People might even think I’m sexually frustrated…”

“Send me a picture of yourself later. I’ll enjoy looking at it with happiness.”

“That’s creepy!”

“You hurt my feelings!”

“I couldn’t just stay silent!”

“If you don’t send me a candid photo later, I’ll take one next time we meet.”

“Okay, fine then.”

“I’ll take a sexy photo.”

“No way!”

Aoi-san hung up with a cheerful laughter.

He seems to have said something he shouldn’t have.

“So, you’ve been embraced by this wild guy.”

“He just hugged me tightly.”

“Huh? Why?”

“My stomach growled.”

“…Your appetite is something else, seriously.”

I think the same.

“But he’s a good guy, isn’t he? What about his job?”

“He’s a jewelry designer… Do you know ‘gunjo’?”

“You mean there’s a woman you don’t know?”

“I-Is it that famous?”

“Accessories with delicate craftsmanship inspired by nature that go well with any style? Even some princess is said to be a fan. But anyway… huh? The designer for gunjo?”

“Yeah…”

“Tell him to sell it cheaply for me.”

“I won’t! It’s not like I fell for him because he’s a jewelry designer!”

Misato said with a grin.

“Then, what made you fall for him?”

“He’s good at cooking!”

“…You… well, do your best.”

Misato took my smartphone and stared at Aoi-san’s photo intently.

Is it okay to seriously look at someone else’s boyfriend’s semi-nude photo?

Well, Aoi-san probably wouldn’t be embarrassed even if he’s seen.

“He has a good body.”

“Yeah…”

I couldn’t help but get close to him that morning.

His breakfast was so delicious that day…

“Senior Ookuma, what are you looking at~?”

“Huh?… Send it to my phone!”

“Who the hell are you? Go away.”

By the way, Misato doesn’t like Himekawa.

Misato handed my smartphone back to me.

“Well, it’s okay. Let him make you happy.”

“Yeah, I am. He’s making me happy.”

“No, really, you’re cute.”

Misato said that and started slurping her curry udon.

It’s only natural to want to say, “Stop splattering curry sauce in my direction.”

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.

Chapter 6 – Strawberry Tart

After enjoying the delicious sea bream rice, when I looked at Aoi, she smiled mischievously.

“This person is seriously drunk,” I thought.

“What would you like next?” asked the chef.

“Hmm… I’ll have dessert, please. I got a bit carried away with the Tai-meshi,” I replied.

“Alright,” said the chef.

He brought out a fruit tart topped with plenty of strawberries. The strawberries were sparkling like jewels.

“They look so beautiful,” I remarked.

“I know, right?” Aoi chuckled.

Aoi received the fruit tart the chef served.

The palm-sized tart got me excited.

“Let’s dig in!” I said.

“Well… how is it?” Aoi asked.

“…” I was speechless.

I really love the sweets Aoi makes!

“You like it?” Aoi asked.

“Love it!” I exclaimed.

“!”

“I really love the sweets you make, Aoi.”

“…Sweets, huh…” he muttered

Aoi slumped a bit.

“Thank you, Aoi. You always treat me to such delicious food,” I said gratefully.

“And what about me?” Aoi asked.

“Huh?”

“Do you like me?”

“…This is only our third time meeting today.”

“Even after three times, I love you,” Aoi confessed.

He was confessing to me at a sushi restaurant, and he seemed to be nicely tipsy. I shouldn’t take this too seriously, I know that much.

“You’re quite used to this kind of thing,” I said.

“This is the first time I’ve said something like this,” Aoi replied.

“Well, say it when you’re not drunk. Then I’ll consider it,” I teased.

“Your response is quite well-practiced,” she said.

“I’ve been approached by drunks before, so I’m used to it,” I replied.

Aoi gazed at my face for a while, then turned to the chef.

“Clam soup and tea,” he requested.

A collaboration of liquids.

“Sure thing. Today, the lady wins,” the chef said.

“Huh?”

“Clam soup is good for reducing intoxication. It seems Mr. Kawakami has realized he’s had too much to drink,” the chef explained.

Aoi looked embarrassed and tried to hide it from me.

Despite this wild appearance, he’s so cute.

“I like people who can admit their faults,” I said.

Aoi smiled at my words.

“Just keep liking me as I am,” he said.

“I’ll consider that as time goes on. Please treat me again without hesitation.” I replied.

“Next time, I’ll cook for you. Will you eat it?” Aoi asked.

“Of course! I’d love to try something other than the sweets you make!” I replied.

Aoi happily messed up my hair as she laughed.

I wonder if there’s a way to do something about this situation.

After the meal, I hailed a taxi and got a ride home.

“Thank you so much for the wonderful treat today,” I said.

“…Don’t you usually say something like, ‘Would you like some tea?'” Aoi responded.

“I told you, I won’t invite someone I’ve only met three times to my single-person household,” I explained.

“I see. I like that about you,” Aoi said.

“Drunkard!” I thought.

“I’d say the same even if I wasn’t drunk. I love you, Kawakami.”

What a drunkard! My heart’s going to explode!

“I have to go to work early tomorrow, so I should get some sleep. Until next time,” I said.

“Once again, a well-practiced line,” Aoi replied.

“It’s the first time someone has escorted me all the way to my doorstep.”

“You’ve never been dropped off at your doorstep before?” I asked.

Aoi smiled awkwardly and said, “I haven’t.”

“I’ll invite you again,” Aoi said.

“Yes,” I replied.

“Are you free tomorrow night?” Aoi asked.

“Can you message me tomorrow? Drunkards tend to forget things,” I teased.

“I get it. I won’t forget!” Aoi said.

I smiled at him, and Aoi reluctantly left.

Honestly, I had a great time.

But that doesn’t mean I’ll invite him into my home.

He’s drunk after all.

Once I got home, I took a bath, freshened up, and relieved my fatigue After getting out of the bath, I received a message from my brother.

“Heard you went on a date with an amazing guy! Good luck!” he wrote.

“Amazing guy? Who are you talking about?” I replied.

“You didn’t even look at the business card of your matchmaking partner?” my brother asked.

“I don’t remember being given any business card,” I replied.

“He’s a famous jewelry designer, right?” my brother continued.

“Oh, really? All I know is he’s a wild and handsome guy who’s good at cooking,” I replied.

In my brother’s last message, he wrote something interesting.

“Glad my sister is marrying a man.”

Wait, is he implying that Aoi is my future husband?

…I can’t deny it.

The thought of Aoi as my husband… Sorry, I couldn’t help but imagine him wearing a frilly white apron, welcoming me home.

Even though he’s a wild and handsome guy, it might suit him a bit?

I burst out laughing while holding my stomach. Please forgive me for that.

Chapter 5 – Sea Bream Rice (Part 1)

The place Aoi took me to was a high-class sushi restaurant. The middle-aged chef behind the counter had a stern expression, but when he saw Aoi, he softened and smiled.

“Chef, we’ll have tai meshi.” ^{* Tai Meshi or Taimeshi (鯛飯) is seasoned rice cooked with sea bream.} 

“Got it.”

Aoi slowly removed his wristwatch.

I remember my father used to say that in high-end sushi restaurants like this, they use single pieces of wood for the counter, and the restaurant dislikes customers scratching it, so it’s considered good manners to take off your wristwatch. Aoi is such a well-mannered and smart person.

“What would you like to drink?”

“For Japanese cuisine, it has to be sake, right?”

“Sounds good! Chef, we’ll have your recommendations.”

Aoi seems to be a regular customer here. It seemed like Aoi had complete trust in the chef.

“Here you go. Sake and a small appetizer, namero.”

The chef placed the namero and a bottle of sake in front of us. It’s probably a 720ml bottle, I think?

Aoi poured some sake into our cups from the bottle and then raised his cup for a toast.

“Cheers.”

“Cheers. We appreciate your hard work.”

For some reason, Aoi gave me a sly smile.

What’s with that?

“I like it when you say things like ‘We appreciate your hard work.’ or something like that”

“I see.”

Aoi quickly downed his sake in one go

I took a sip of the sake and then ate the namero.

“Mmm, this is heavenly!”

I unintentionally murmured.

Aoi, sitting next to me, asked, “Which one?” and reached for the namero on my plate with his chopsticks. I quickly defended my namero with my hand.

“Please eat yours.”

“It looks so delicious when Mikoto eats it.”

“Since I’m already eating it, I’ll finish it, so please give me yours.”

“No way!”

“Then just finish yours!”

When I said that, Aoi burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

” It’s fun interacting with Mikoto. Don’t worry about it. Ask me for anything you want. Everything here is delicious.”

“I have to consider my wallet. Otherwise, it’s tough before payday.”

Aoi stopped laughing and gave me a puzzled look when I mentioned considering my wallet.

“Don’t you want me to treat you?”

“If you’re treating, I won’t hold back!”

” Well, I’ll treat you… But, don’t women expect men to treat them? Isn’t that the norm? I’ve only dated annoying women.”

“So, that’s why you break up with them?”

Ah, I see, no wonder he doesn’t have much trust in women.

As I was thinking that, the chef served us a plate of sushi.

“Beautiful! I’ll devour it in no time! …Delicious and heavenly!”

I quickly finished the sushi set, and the head chef smiled at me.

“You really enjoy your food,” he commented.

“Hey, chef, don’t try to win over Mikoto by feeding her! I’m trying to win her over by feeding her and making her fond of me.”

“Win me over? That won’t happen.”

“She won’t?… How about these tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) here? They’re delicious too.”

“I want to try them! Chef, could you please?”

“Don’t try to win me over, Chef!”

The chef chuckled and started making the tamagoyaki.

“Your skills are shameful,” Aoi said to chef

“Thank you for today.”

“Huh?”

“At work, two guys approached me, my senior and junior. It was helpful.”

Aoi grinned and emptied his cup.

“Were they pestering you?”

“They said they would date me once I improve my cooking skills. They acted high and mighty, saying I should attend cooking classes because I’m not good at it. It’s annoying! There’s this idea that women should naturally be good at cooking.”

I also emptied my cup at once.

“No need to worry about that. I’ll handle the cooking, and you just enjoy the delicious meal.”

His words were touching enough to bring tears to my eyes. I couldn’t help but well up.

“Huh? Mikoto?”

“Sorry, I got emotional.”

“Are you actually crying?”

“Yeah. Aoi, you’re the first non-extinct type of guy who doesn’t belittle my cooking skills.”

“I’m curious if there wasn’t a better way to express that.”

He seemed to have caught on to me treating him like a rare species.

“Well, forget it. If Mikoto likes me, that’s enough.”

“You say that to various women, don’t you?”

“I don’t even need to flirt; women just come to me.”

“I’ll come to you too, but then I’ll run away.”

Silence fell between us.

“I won’t run away.” I said again to assure him

“Who knows? I’m looking forward to it.”

“Oh, you’re expecting something? Good boy, good boy.”

Aoi happily sipped his drink.

It’s a bit embarrassing, I feel ticklish.