candytime2

"Big brother! Big brother!! Wake up!!!"

When I awoke, I found myself in my bed, in my room. The morning sunlight streaming through the window was blinding, my head felt heavy, and the hangover from last night was still lingering.

Then, Ayame entered my room.

"Big brother, you came home late last night. And you were really drunk!"

Ayame scolded me with a slightly angry look.

I wish she wouldn't speak so loudly.

Her voice echoes in my head...

"Ah... sorry. I guess I drank a bit too much...?"

I answered while holding my head.

The memories of going to a hotel with Mika-san were blurred, uncertain if they were a dream or reality, causing confusion.

The memories after leaving the bar were vague, and I couldn't remember the details. Only the laughter and the warm atmosphere of Mika-san remained in my heart.

However, as Ayame scolded me, reality gradually returned. Relieved that last night's events were a dream, I also felt an indescribable loneliness, embarrassment, and self-loathing.

(Ah!! What kind of dream am I having! If I could get into such a relationship with Mika-san... No, no, calm down, me!)

As I wrestled with my complex feelings internally, Ayame spoke to me again.

"Big brother, please be careful next time. It worries me..."

Ayame looked at me with concern.

(I messed up...)

Even though it was social drinking, I drank too much and caused worry.

Ayame's words made me once again realize the importance of family and the responsibility of my actions.

"Ayame, I'm sorry."

I apologized sincerely.

"I forgive!... Here! Breakfast is ready♪

I heard clam soup is good for hangovers, so I made some for you!"

Then, Ayame's expression changed from a slight frown to a smile as she said that.

I truly realized again how great a sister I have.

☆☆☆☆☆

Despite the heavy head, I somehow made it to work, but my mind was filled with last night's dream and the interaction with Ayame afterward.

That's when I met Mika-san in the elevator.

Honestly, I didn't know how to act.

In the elevator, Mika-san noticed my pale face and asked with concern, "Are you okay? You look pale," which made me scramble to maintain my composure.

Mika-san said with a slightly tired look, "I'm sorry for last night. I don't even remember how I got home. I hope I didn't cause you any trouble..."

Her voice hinted at a slight hangover.

Caught between the blurred lines of last night's dream and reality, I hesitated for a moment on how to respond.

"No, it's fine. You had a tough time too, Mika-san. I'm glad you made it home safely,"

I somehow managed to reply. Mika-san smiled in relief and said,

"Thank you. But I'll try to moderate myself next time,"

with a wry smile.

Seeing her like this, I felt a bit relieved that last night's dream was just a fantasy, but I still harbored complex feelings towards her as I headed to the office.

(I have a big presentation on a major project this morning; I need to switch gears!)

Determined to clear my mind by immersing myself in work, I decided to focus all my energy on the important presentation to dispel the lingering thoughts.

☆☆☆☆☆

"Good job today!"

After the presentation, Emi approached me.

"As expected from our ace♪ You really know how to capture the client's heart!"

Emi always compliments me with an untroubled smile.

"Thanks. I somehow understand what the clients feel."

"That's amazing! It seems like your proposal really hit the mark!"

I felt the presentation went well, so I was confident about our chances of securing the order.

"Hey! Do you want to have lunch together today? If we get the project, I want to start preparing right away, so let's discuss it a bit♪"

"Of course!"

I happily agreed and proceeded to tidy up.

☆☆☆☆☆

At lunchtime, I went out with Emi.

On my way to lunch, I was suddenly approached by a stranger on the street.

The unexpected approach from a stranger made me tense up instantly.

"I'd like to ask for directions to the station."

"Ah... uh... the station, right! Well... if you go..."

I've always been extremely shy with strangers and struggle to speak properly.

Despite being able to talk confidently when presenting to clients, I become shy in regular situations.

Originally, I wanted to work in administration when I joined the company. However, due to a shortage of sales personnel, I was placed in sales instead.

I worked hard because it was my job, and eventually, I became capable of interacting with clients. However, I still need to prepare thoroughly for small talk with them.

Seeing me like this, Emi asked with concern, "Are you okay?"

Her kindness was comforting, and I managed to laugh it off, saying, "Ah, yeah, I'm fine. Just got a bit startled."

"Even though you can talk so smoothly with clients, you get nervous when strangers talk to you," she said with a smile.

"Is it that obvious?" I was surprised and felt a bit embarrassed.

"Yes, but I think that's nice. Including your shyness, it's what makes you, you."

Emi said this with a gentle smile.

(Damn... she's cute...)

Being told such kind things with that face makes my heart skip a beat!

At the same time, I remembered the dream about Mika-san from this morning, feeling disgusted with my fickle self.

"Thanks, Emi. I can speak confidently when I have a topic, but I guess I'm still not there in my personal life," I said, chuckling a bit.

Emi reassured me, "It's okay, being yourself is the best thing for you♪"

Her words made me feel relieved.

☆☆☆☆☆

The lunch meeting with Emi turned out to be more productive than expected, and we ran out of time.

"Takahashi, do you have time tonight? Lunch wasn't enough for our meeting, and I found a great place♪" Emi suggested.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and I couldn't find a reason to refuse.

"Of course, I'm free. What kind of place?" I asked.

"Hmm... It's a secret! I think you'll be happy. Look forward to it!" she replied with a laugh.

☆☆☆☆☆

After work, I headed to the restaurant Emi had reserved.

She kept the location a secret, so I was excited to find out what kind of place it was.

We walked through the bustling streets and into a small alley...

"This is..."

Clearly, it was in a love hotel area.

Emi walked on without seeming to mind.

(Eh... Secret means... this kind of thing? No, no, that can't be it! But, happy about what...)

☆☆☆☆☆

"You'll be delighted! Hurry up♪"

☆☆☆☆☆

"Hey..."

"Hey! Takahashi!"

"Over here! Come on, come on～♪ This way～!"

(I can't zone out now! My mind was wandering off!)

While I was lost in my thoughts, Emi called out to me.

Hurrying to catch up, I found myself in front of... a discreetly situated restaurant, lined up next to the entrance of a hotel.

The exterior had an old-fashioned charm yet exuded a certain warmth.

Emi boasted, "You're going to absolutely love the food here."

Entering the restaurant, the warm lighting and scent of wood welcomed us, making me feel immediately comfortable.

Emi ordered the restaurant's specialty roast chicken, a salad with seasonal vegetables, and local wine.

The roast chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, with each bite spreading the meat's delicious flavor in my mouth.

The salad's fresh vegetables were crisp, and the dressing's balance of acidity and sweetness was perfect.

The wine, with its light flavor, enhanced the meal's taste, further deepening the dining experience.

"How is it? Delicious?"

Emi asked, eager for my opinion.

"It's really delicious. How did you find such a wonderful place?"

"I just stumbled upon it. I'm glad you like it," she said with a happy smile.

(Ugh... the guilt...)

I felt a bit guilty for having weird fantasies while walking through the hotel district.

Emi and I are colleagues who have worked together since joining the company.

She's undoubtedly the colleague I spend the most time with at work.

With her gentle demeanor, she always seems to envelop everyone in kindness.

Her personable nature, treating everyone with equal kindness, has earned her the secret nickname of "Madonna" in the office, popular among both men and women.

She's cute, and she... has a big one that no one in the office can match.

Naturally, being so close, I've become aware of her, but I've never had the courage to suggest anything more.

(No way, no way, no way!! How would I even face going to work if I were rejected...)

While making excuses to myself, another concern crosses my mind...

(And then...)

"What's wrong?"

Before I knew it, Emi had leaned in close, looking at my face.

"Whoa! N-nothing! Hahaha,"

I hastily replied, taking a sip from my cup, only to swallow hard.

"Ah, that's balsamic vinegar..."

☆☆☆☆☆

After a brief coughing fit, we continued enjoying the delicious meal, delving deeper into work discussions.

And once we wrapped up our conversation...

"We've covered a lot of ground♪ This should help us prepare to some extent!"

"Ah, thanks. I'm really relying on you."

"Yeah! Leave it to me♪"

I'm fine with proposals and presentations, but planning and organizing are not my strong suits.

Conversely, Emi excels at document management and organizing work, making her an exceptionally capable sales assistant.

Honestly, without Emi, I wouldn't have been able to achieve my current performance amidst all the clerical work.

I'm truly grateful to her.

"Shall we head out?"

Emi suggested, beginning to clear the table.

Agreeing, we left the restaurant together.

"Wow! That was really delicious♪ Thanks for introducing me to such a nice place!"

"You're welcome♪ Next time, let's bring Ayame-chan too!"

Emi and Ayame know each other.

Ayame had sought Emi's advice on expanding her cooking repertoire shortly after moving here, which was how they met.

Emi is quite skilled in cooking, capable of preparing a wide range of dishes from Japanese to Western and Chinese cuisine.

Ayame could make simple dishes, but under Emi's influence, she has been improving rapidly.

"Yeah, next time let's bring Ayame too!"

Just then, I spotted a familiar ponytail in the distance.

(Is that... Ayame!?)

This is, after all, what you might call a hotel district, a place where I initially had some misunderstandings.

There's no reason for Ayame to be here...

No, that's definitely Ayame. She seems to be with someone. A boyfriend?

She's in university now, so it wouldn't be strange if she had a boyfriend...

I felt a complex mix of emotions.

Is this what it feels like to be a father?

"Is that... Ayame-chan?"

Noticing where I was looking, Emi's comment made it even less likely I was mistaken.

"Yeah, it seems so. Well, she's in university; having a boyfriend isn't strange..."

I suppressed the indescribable unease in my heart, swallowing the rest of my words.

"We probably shouldn't make her feel awkward by noticing her, let's just leave it be."

"...I agree."

As I was about to agree with Emi...

"Stop it!"

We heard Ayame's shout.