───● The Tsundere OL Lends a Hand ●○●
Busy season. The timing varies from company to company. It depends on the industry, the department.
My department is right in the middle of its busy season, and it’s even worse on a Friday at the end of the week.
“Have a good evening~”
After finishing my overtime, I was finally released from my duties. I put some eye drops in my tired eyes from staring at the computer screen all day. Normally, on a Friday night, the team would be raring to go out drinking, but today, everyone was clearly exhausted.
“I’m definitely going home today. See you Monday~”
“Ah, have a good evening.”
Even Miki-senpai, the one who took me to that place, is going home today. She looked pretty worn out at lunchtime, so I guess it can’t be helped.
“I’m at my limit too, see you!”
As my colleagues, having finished their work one after another, headed home, I glanced at my watch.
“9 PM, huh…”
It’s true, for people who live far away, there’s probably not enough time to go out for a drink. But luckily for me, my home isn’t that far from the office.
Even if I go drinking for a few hours now, I have plenty of time to catch the last train. In that case, there’s only one place I should go. I’ve never gone alone, but that’s no longer a factor that can shake my resolve.
I finished the work I’d been assigned at top speed and shut down the laptop I had open. I clocked out and said my goodbyes. With that, my life as a corporate drone was over.
By the time I left the company with my bag, I was a free woman.
Under the night sky where a few stars were visible, I stretched once, long and deep.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Masato-kun.”
Picturing the boy who had completely become the object of my affection, I quickened my pace toward the entertainment district.
“Welcome, my lady.”
The glittering space that spreads out before me when I open the door, this Non-everyday greeting that makes my heart dance—though they have become familiar, coming alone for the first time, my nerves won’t settle.
“Do you have a request for tonight?”
“…Masato.”
“…! Understood. I will show you to your seat, so please wait a moment.”
The moment I said Masato-kun’s name, he looked surprised for a second. Is it really that surprising?
I was led to the back of the bar and prompted to sit down.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
With a respectful bow, the boy at the reception turned on his heel.
I’ve taken my seat, but this moment of waiting for him is still unsettling. I restlessly look around, taking in the interior decorations. I’ve turned into a university student who just moved to the big city for the first time, haven’t I?
…Even after waiting for a while, Masato-kun still hasn’t appeared. I’ve never been made to wait this long before. …Maybe I should go to the restroom while I wait.
Feeling a little bad about it, I stood up with my bag. As I was about to walk through the bar—
“Eh, come on, you drink too~”
“Um, I’m sorry. I can’t drink…”
“Ehh~ what, you’re no fun?”
There’s no mistaking it. It’s Masato-kun’s voice.
It seems he’s with a customer.
Masato-kun is serving someone other than me. Just that makes my chest ache a little. But right now, more importantly than that…
“Then tell us a funny story or something.”
“I’m sorry, I’m not a very good storyteller…”
“Ehh~? Are you really a boy here?”
I could see Masato-kun’s back from the aisle I was passing through. Just from hearing a snippet of their conversation, I could tell. It seems Masato-kun isn’t actually seated with them, but was just delivering their drinks and got caught up by a group of drunk people. He was holding a tray for carrying drinks in his hand.
His back looked so apologetic.
“Masato.”
Before I knew it, I had called out to him.
He turned around, surprised. Today, too, Masato-kun is as cool and cute as ever.
“Seira-san…!?”
“Jeez, I requested you, and you didn’t come at all. Hurry up and get over here.”
“Ah, I’ll, I’ll be right there!”
I glanced behind him and saw three rather drunk-looking older women. They were glaring at me with insolent expressions. …Sorry, but I don’t have time to lend him to a bunch of people who can’t even appreciate Masato-kun’s good qualities.
“Sorry for the wait, my lady. Thanks for coming again.”
“W-Well, yeah. I just happened to have a little free time. It’s a whim!”
“Fufufu, thank you.”
When I returned to the table I had been shown to, Masato-kun arrived shortly after. I have to say, I think that move just now scored me a lot of points.
“You really saved me, Seira-san, by calling out to me just now… Thank you.”
“It’s fine. But it must be tough, having to deal with customers like that.”
It’s out of the question that they can’t see Masato-kun’s good qualities, but maybe it’s for the best that people of that caliber don’t understand.
As I was thinking that, Masato-kun gave a wry smile as he poured a drink into my glass.
“But it’s my fault, too. I can’t drink. Everyone’s having fun drinking, so it must be strange for me to be here, unable to get drunk.”
Apparently, he can’t drink alcohol, and he feels responsible for that. Seeing this slightly weaker side of him for the first time, I didn’t know what to say.
“W-Well, yeah. It is strange, working at a place like this and not being able to drink.”
“It is, isn’t it.”
That’s not it! That’s not what I wanted to say. I hurriedly turned to face him.
“B-But I don’t mind that at all! It’s not like I want someone to drink with me here! Really, I’m perfect for you! You should be grateful!”
He looked at me blankly, but the next moment, his expression changed to a smile.
“Hahaha… You might be right. Seira-san, you’re perfect for me. Thank you.”
I couldn’t help but look away. The destructive power was too high. I repeated his words in my head. ‘Seira-san, you’re perfect for me.’ What a wonderful… and alluring phrase.
“R-Right! I’m the only one! You better treasure me!”
I’ve never been this flustered in my life. The person next to me is just so precious.
After that, I drank more and talked with him like always. No matter what we talk about, it’s fun with him. This time is irreplaceable to me. The best time.
…But every time I remember that we can only meet once a week, and that we are just a boy and a customer, my heart aches unbearably.
A month has passed since I first went to “Festa.”
Today is Friday.
I check the time on my new favorite watch. A little longer. Just a little longer until the end of the workday. I can’t suppress the pounding in my chest. The busyness of last week has eased up a bit, and since I worked hard during the day, it looks like I’ll be able to leave on time.
My life until a little while ago, where I just worked like I was dead and went home to sleep, feels like a lie now.
I glance at my watch again. The second hand overlaps perfectly with the number 12.
“Have a good evening, I’m heading out!”
The moment the workday ended, I clocked out without hesitation and left the company. Right now, I feel like I could take on the world.
As I was leaving, my body and mind as light as the wind, I heard my colleagues talking in the office behind me.
“Hasn’t Mochizuki-san been leaving crazy early lately? And only on Fridays.”
“Maybe she got a man?”
“Eh, seriously?”
W-Well? You could say I’m halfway there. I don’t care what anyone at the office says about me anymore. I quickly head outside.
Because Masato-kun is waiting for me.
Lately, that alone has given me the will to live.
My previously lazy weekends have become time for self-improvement, and even work isn’t a pain anymore when I think of it as a way to earn money to see Masato-kun.
If anything, I want more money.
Just as I was heading to our usual spot in high spirits, someone called out to me from behind.
“Seira-chan!”
“…Miki-san.”
It was the senior who had told me about that place, Miki-san. She was already holding her bag, ready to leave, and seemed to have chased after me.
Perhaps because I was aiming for world-record speed, Miki-san was in a huge hurry too.
Seeing that I had finally stopped, Miki-san let out a sigh of relief and approached me without a word.
Eh, did I mess something up at work…?
Miki-san came up right next to me in silence… and threw an arm around my shoulder.
“You’re going, aren’t you? To the ‘banquet’.”
“Ugh…”
The ‘banquet’ was our code word for that bar, “Festa.”
A slang term created so that only we would understand, and so our bosses wouldn’t find out we were going to a boy’s bar. What kind of culture is this?
But Miki-san’s accusation was spot on. Of course, I was planning on going. I thought I might get scolded for trying to go in secret… but then, Miki-san whispered in my ear.
“Take me with you ♡”
…I wish you’d save that for your favorite boy.
Miki-san skips ahead of me. Seeing how ecstatic she gets at “Festa,” she must be really into that boy. I wonder if she’s okay with money.
(Well, it’s not like I can talk…)
To be blunt, I want to skip around too. The thought of seeing him now has my spirits soaring.
Ever since the day I first met him, I’ve gone to that place every single week without fail. Of course I have. He’s my angel.
His innocent smile, his rich expressions, and how every single one suits him. A man better than him probably doesn’t exist in this world.
I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t even think about my ex-boyfriend anymore. Well, comparing my ex to Masato-kun is presumptuous to begin with.
Lost in these thoughts, before I knew it, we were in front of the bar. The sign is as assertive as ever.
Miki-san, walking in front of me, already has stars in her eyes.
“Alright, let’s go! To the world of dreams…!”
“R-Right…”
This is my fifth time coming here, but I still get nervous before going in. I just can’t get used to the atmosphere.
Well, once I start talking to him, I forget everything else, though.
“Welcome, my ladies… Hey, it’s Miki! You came again~”
“Fufu… don’t be so formal, Yuusee. I told you yesterday I was coming.”
Aah, here we go. Miki-san is already making a move on her favorite boy with zero personal space.
In a way, I almost respect her for it. There’s no way I could do that. The risk of being disliked is far too terrifying.
As I stared at the flirting couple with dead eyes, the boy glanced over at me.
“And the lady over there… should I get Masato for you?”
“…!”
H-He knows…!
It’s so embarrassing. Have I already established myself in this bar as the woman who always requests Masato-kun…?
…Hmm? Actually, that might be a good thing. It’s like I’m officially recognized, right?
When I told him yes, please, the boy responded with a smile. Since Miki-san is this into him, he must be a good person too.
Well, I only have eyes for Masato-kun, though.
We were shown to a sofa, and Miki-san and I sat down a little apart from each other.
“Miki-san… didn’t you have work yesterday? Did you come here after work?”
“Eh? No, I didn’t. Even I have a hard time coming here on a workday~…”
“Eh? But just now you said you told him yesterday…”
Miki-san had definitely said to her favorite boy, ‘I told you yesterday.’
I had assumed that meant Miki-san had also come to the bar yesterday, but…
“Tsk, tsk, tsk… Aah, maybe I shouldn’t say this out loud? Hmm, this is a pickle~ what should I do~ but you’re my precious junior~”
Miki-san kept glancing at me with a face that looked like it would be the first result if you image-searched the word “smug face.” …Wait, was this senior always this annoying?
Her squirming movements, clearly waiting to be asked even though she desperately wanted to tell me, were strangely irritating. I mean, she’s basically a good person and I like her, but…
Miki-san leaned in toward me to whisper in my ear.
“Actually… I got his contact info ♡”
“…!?”
H-His contact info…!?
Tehe-pero! Miki-san stuck her tongue out, and I was dumbfounded. Because that’s cheating. That’s just too unfair.
That’s no longer the bar; that’s private. It means she can talk to her favorite even when it’s not his work hours.
I want to, with Masato-kun too…!
“Good evening. Thanks for coming again.”
Thwack. My body stiffened.
That voice that melts my heart. There’s no mistaking it.
I timidly raised my gaze, and there was Masato-kun, with an angelic smile.
…Ah, he’s not wearing a tie today, that’s good too…
No, that’s not it!
“I-It was just a coincidence that I had some free time…”
It wasn’t a coincidence at all; I basically did a speedrun out of work, but I have to say this.
Because if I were to say, I think about you every day, and I rushed out of work just to see you, that would be way too creepy.
So I pretend it was a coincidence, an accident.
Otherwise, the walls around my heart feel like they’re about to crumble. Just then…
“Masato-ku~n! Seira is head over heels for you! Take good care of her!”
My senior said something outrageous, nearly ruining everything.
“Hey, Miki-san!”
When I looked over at Miki-san, her face was already red.
You get drunk way too fast!
I have to get this back on track…!
“Ahem… U-Uhm, it really was just a coincidence. My senior invited me, and I had no choice. And, you’re the most tolerable one to talk to, so I called you over. Understand?”
Okay, not bad. Miki-san is here today, so my reason makes sense. It might not be very convincing since I came last week too, but saying that in front of Miki-san is just too embarrassing.
“Hahaha… Thank you. I’m just a guy who can only listen, but I actually quite like listening to you talk, Seira-san.”
“…!”
Y-You…!
He’s so cute, my brain is about to fry. Honestly, that smile nearly took me out in one shot.
“Y-You… you probably say that to everyone, don’t you?”
“Eh? …No… The only oddball who requests me is you, Seira-san…?”
Only me… I see, it’s only me.
That’s very convenient for me, but the women of the world really have no taste. No matter how you look at it, Masato-kun is the best man in the world.
“…I, I see. Then that’s fine. That’s right. I’m the only one who would request a kid like you who doesn’t even drink…”
“That’s so true.”
But conversely, there’s a part of me that doesn’t want anyone else to notice how great he is. I selfishly want to monopolize that smile.
Even though we’re not even dating. I’m just a woman he serves at a bar. …Wait, now that I’m saying it myself, I kind of want to cry…
And then I remember what Miki-san said earlier.
‘I got his contact info ♡’
…If. If I could get Masato-kun’s contact info too, there’s no doubt I’d be over the moon.
But at the same time, if he turned me down, I don’t have the confidence to survive the next week. In fact, it would probably be impossible.
About two hours passed.
As always, Masato-kun was an angel, and our conversation was amazing. It was truly a blissful time.
A staff member came over about four times and asked, “Would you like to change boys?” but I chose to extend every time.
Because I’m not interested in anyone but Masato-kun.
But sadly, all good things must come to an end.
“Seira~! We’re leaving~! How long are you gonna keep flirting with Masato-kun! Come on!”
It seems our time is up.
…Wait, flirting!? I’m not flirting!
Though I want to!
“Wh-What—!? I’m not flirting! It’s not like that at all! This, this lanky… lanky…”
Crap. I tried to say something mean, but nothing came to mind.
I want you to praise me for instantly converting his slender build into the slightly derogatory term “lanky.”
That was the best I could do.
“Yes, yes. I’m lanky. Please come again.”
He takes my hand.
…Aah, no, I love him. I love him so much.
Just having him hold my hand makes my heart pound like this.
Combined with the alcohol, my body is hot.
We went to the counter, and while Miki-san was paying, Masato-kun held my hand the entire time.
…Maybe now.
Maybe now, I can blame it on the alcohol and be a little clingy. I took a chance and leaned my weight against Masato-kun. My heartbeat is deafening.
Masato-kun’s sweet scent tickles my nostrils.
It feels like my entire body is being dyed by Masato-kun.
“…Seira-san?”
He called my name. A pleasant voice.
But I can’t show him my face right now.
I can’t let him see such a sloppy expression.
So, I kept my head down.
“…Don’t you dare.”
“…Eh?”
“You’re forbidden from taking requests from anyone but me…”
I know I’m being selfish. As someone working in a bar, if he’s requested, he has to serve them.
But just imagining Masato-kun serving another woman makes my chest hurt.
“It’s okay. I only work on Fridays, you know.”
“…Right.”
“And on those Fridays, you always make sure to request me, Seira-san.”
“…Right.”
You sly fox.
If you say that, I have to come every Friday.
Well… even if you didn’t ask, I’d still come.
I wanted to stay with Masato-kun longer, but I reluctantly left the bar.
After we had walked far enough that the bar was out of sight, Miki-san and I sat down on a bench for a moment.
Ah, today, as always, Masato-kun was an angel… no, a god.
“Hey, Seira! What do you think you’re doing, flirting behind my back while I’m paying the bill, huh!?”
“Eh, ehhh!? Y-You saw that!?”
“…Don’t you dare (on the verge of tears).”
“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Forget it! Right now!”
It’s too embarrassing!
Honestly, when I first came to this bar, I was put off by Miki-san’s behavior, but now I have no room to talk.
Miki-san cackles.
“Man, that was great… Well, shall we head home… is what I’d like to say, but I’m a little hungry. Want to grab a bite to eat before we go home?”
“That sounds, good. Let’s do that.”
Lately, my life has finally become a little fun.
Of course, Masato-kun is a big part of that. But it’s also largely thanks to my senior, who looks out for me like this.
“Well, see you later~! See you on Monday!”
“Yes, have a good evening!”
Miki-san and I are heading in different directions. We were only planning on grabbing a quick bite to eat, but we got carried away talking and it got quite late. It’s already well past midnight.
“Well then…”
My house is about two train stops from here. It’s not that far. Savoring the afterglow of the evening, I was about to head to the station platform.
That was when it happened.
“…Eh.”
I was at a loss for words.
In my line of sight.
A boy, weaving through the passed-out drunks, walking alone.
No matter how I looked at it, there was no doubt… it was Masato-kun.
There’s no way I could mistake him.
Masato-kun, in his casual clothes.
My heart rate suddenly shot up.
It’s almost time for the last train. If I miss it, my only option is to take a taxi home. And yet.
My feet were naturally following him. I had started to follow him.
What should I do, what should I do, what should I do.
Before I knew it, I had passed the park near the station and entered a residential area.
In my line of sight, Masato-kun.
What I’m doing is, completely, a crime.
(I shouldn’t… I shouldn’t…!)
I know. I know this is wrong.
I know I absolutely shouldn’t be doing this, and yet.
My loudly pounding heart and my feverish head won’t stop. There’s no way I can make a rational judgment. My reason is definitely condemning this act, but my burning hot desire is overflowing and won’t stop. I couldn’t resist the desire that this might lead to a connection with Masato-kun.
Masato-kun stopped at an apartment building a short walk from the park.
That’s probably—
“…!!”
The moment I tried to peek at Masato-kun from behind a telephone pole.
Masato-kun glanced over here for a second.
(Did he see me? Did he see me?)
If Masato-kun comes over here and calls the police, my life is socially over.
I have no excuse.
This is stalking.
I pressed down on my thumping, thumping heart, and timidly, really timidly, I peeked again.
It seems Masato-kun had gone inside his house.
“Haaah…!”
I slumped to the ground.
I’ve long been aware that I’m a dirty woman, but I never thought it was this bad.
Even while feeling a full-body sense of guilt, my feet wouldn’t stop.
I slowly approached the apartment building… and found myself in front of his room.
(Katasato… his name is Katasato, Masato-kun)
With trembling hands, I opened the memo pad on my phone.
Tears started to fall.
I couldn’t stop crying at what an unbelievably trashy person I was.
But.
My body automatically memos down his address.
(I won’t use it for anything! I won’t send him things! I won’t, do anything!)
Then why am I taking a memo?
I don’t know.
This is an instant game over.
Just then… I heard a sound from Masato-kun’s room.
I knew immediately that the sound was… the sound of a shower.
“Haha… hahahahaha…”
Again, my body collapsed.
Powerlessly, I crumpled to the ground.
I stuffed the phone I had finished taking a memo on into the pocket of my suit.
And I just shed tears.
Even in a situation like this.
Masato-kun is taking a shower, with just one wall between us.
Just that alone was… making me unbearably excited.
I’m truly a hopeless pervert.
Realizing that, I finally came to terms with it.
No, perhaps, I had known it since that moment.
“Hey, you broke me, Masato-kun.”
This feeling can’t be stopped anymore.
Header:
[ In Mochizuki Seira’s Case ]
Chat Title:
< Seira
Seira (16:17):
Oh~ In that case, Masato, you like sports, huh?
Masato (18:32):
That’s right! Recently, I’ve been playing basketball a lot!
Seira (19:10):
Basketball is a bit unexpected. If I played basketball, I feel like Masato would send me flying lol.
Masato (20:11):
Recently I’ve been playing with kids smaller than me, so naturally, I won’t be sent flying! lol.
Seira (20:14):
Small kids? Masato, who are you playing basketball with?
Masato (23:02):
Recently I’ve been playing against junior high school girls. It’s quite fun lol.
Seira (23:48):
I see.
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Seira (3:12):
Sorry, please don’t mind (what happened). Good night.
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