The case of me, a plain office worker, being approached by my beautiful boss and the company idol for some reason - Chapter 61 - Drinking with Noboru

After leaving the office, we walked into an izakaya with private rooms. This is a place where only Sho and I come when we’re together. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s quiet in the private room, and the food is delicious. Normally, it’s a place we come when we get our bonuses…

“So, what’s up? The bonus is still a while away, right?”

“Well, it’s okay, isn’t it? Every now and then.”

“I don’t mind…”

I’m not one to spend a lot of money, so I have a bit of leeway.

“Let’s order something for now. Otherwise, I’m thirsty and hungry.”

“That’s true. Sashimi and…let’s keep it simple with beer.”

Recently, we’ve been going to a lot of bars and drinking a lot of wine at home.

“Ah, sounds good. In that case, I’ll have a beer, too. And let’s order some yakitori.”

Once we’ve placed our orders…the beer comes right away.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers.”

The only sound is the gulping of beer.

And then, we chug our beers in one go.

“Phew!”

“Ah…it hits the spot.”

“Right. Shall we have another round?”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

When we order another round, some snacks come with it.

“A beer after work is the best.”

“I agree. The food here is delicious, too.”

Sho is a foodie and knows a lot of places.

The first time we met, that was the topic that got us talking…

I haven’t told him much about my family situation…

But he’s never brought it up since.

I’m grateful for that, it makes me feel comfortable.

“Ah…that reminds me, about our conversation…”

“What’s up? You seem serious.”

“You’ve been up to something recently, right?”

“Uh…”

I probably shouldn’t talk about Miss Reina…

Eventually, I’ll have to, but I can’t say anything yet.

And… I want to keep the situation where only I know about her the way it is.

Even if it’s going to be known eventually, just a little longer…it’s purely my ego.

“Ah, you don’t have to go into details. You and I—we both like that kind of relationship.”

That’s right…I also sense that Sho has some kind of circumstances.

But, I’ve never pushed him to talk about it.

“Ah, right.”

“I like drinking parties, but sometimes there are guys with no delicacy.”

“That’s also why I don’t participate.”

“I thought that was the case…can I ask a bit?”

“Hm? …Well, if it’s Sho, it’s fine.”

“Thanks…you’ve been working hard recently, haven’t you?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Are you aiming for a promotion?”

“Um…that’s a tough one.”

“Up until now, neither of us…had that kind of motivation, right?”

“Maybe so, when it comes to promotions.”

“But, you’re motivated, right?”

“I’ve talked a bit about my family, right?”

“Ah, you said you don’t get along with your father, who is a chef.”

“I’m thinking about making a move on that. And due to certain circumstances, I think it would be better to get promoted. To move towards the goal I’m aiming for…it’s kind of embarrassing.”

It’s been a while since Sho and I have had a serious conversation like this.

“I see…I wonder what I should do…”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“No, I don’t think you’ve betrayed me or anything…it’s just, I feel like I’ve been left behind…”

“Sho…”

“I’ll tell you a little bit too.”

“About how you love cooking and once aimed to be a professional?”

When we first met, I feel like he mentioned something like that.

But, I didn’t want to pry, so I didn’t ask for details.

And, it hasn’t been a topic of conversation since then.

“Yeah, that’s right. When I heard your story, I thought we were opposites.”

“Hm?”

“I guess you didn’t want to take over, right?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I like it, but I didn’t want to make it my job…”

“I wanted to make it my job, but I couldn’t. My mom and dad…rather, it was my older brother’s fault. He’s six years older.”

“…I think I heard you have an older brother?”

“Well, you probably have that much of an understanding? And my brother is a crazy guy…he’s been a backpacker, a video streamer, and has changed jobs over and over…”

“That’s…impressive. I can’t imagine doing that.”

“Yeah, I think so too. Ah, I get along with him, okay? My mom and dad are dumbfounded, but they seem to have given up. They just want me to be a normal salaryman…”

“I see. The cooking world is a special place…”

“Yeah, even in this day and age, the Showa way still works. Things like verbal abuse and physical violence, power harassment, sexual harassment are commonplace. Of course, I’m not saying it’s all like that.”

“The work load is heavy compared to the pay, you can’t take days off, and above all, it’s physically demanding. It’s not something you can do for a long time.”

“Yeah, I know. But I wanted to be one. At least, I wanted to challenge it. But I didn’t have the courage to say it. As a result, I became an unmotivated employee.”

…I see, Sho felt the same way in a sense.

That’s probably why we hit it off without knowing each other’s circumstances.