A Young Male Hairdresser, Assigned To help Out At The Branch, Finds Himself Bothered By The Playful Antics Of A Lively High School Gal Model Who Seeks Attention. - Chapter 11: Dining Out

Dining Out

“Yakiniku places have such a nice atmosphere, right? And they smell so good.”

“I can see that.”

Walking for about 10 minutes outside, the two arrived at a yakiniku chain called “Gyukaku.”

Gyukaku is a popular yakiniku chain known for its extensive menu and reasonable prices, catering to a wide range of customers. As it was late at night, the peak hours seemed to have passed, and they were able to find a seat without waiting.

“Here you go, Onii-san. You can take a look at the menu first.”

“Oh, sorry.”

Perhaps because she was younger, she handed him the menu with care. Upon reflection, he realized that he had taken his seat first, and she sat down afterward.

Although her tone was quite casual, there were many behaviors that didn’t seem typical for an 18-year-old, likely due to her work as a model.

“Wow, it’s my first time here, but the menu is quite extensive.”

“You probably go to expensive places with beautiful people, don’t you, Onii-san?”

“I just don’t go to yakiniku, that’s all…”

“Hmm. Well, as long as that’s the case, good.”

“Huh?”

He didn’t understand what was “good,” but the “good” seemed to indicate that he wasn’t out with a “beautiful person.”

“Now, what should we order? All-you-can-eat? A single dish? I’ll go with what you prefer, Onii-san.”

“Well, in that case, all-you-can-eat is fine, right? I also want to take it easy.”

“Of course, that’s fine. Honestly, I was in the mood for that too.”

She squinted her eyes and nodded, showing that his choice was correct.

“So, let’s go for the most luxurious course to celebrate our hard work. With all-you-can-drink.”

“Sure.”

As expected of someone who loves yakiniku, she chose the course with the most menu options, allowing them to enjoy rare cuts. Even with the indulgent course, the price was kept within 5,000 yen, showing the popularity of the restaurant.

“Oh, Onii-san, would you prefer the all-you-can-drink alcohol option instead of soft drinks?”

“No, I’m driving back, so I’ll go with soft drinks like you.”

“Wow, Onii-san, you have a driver’s license? So jealous! I’m!”

At this moment, Rikka removed her cap and took off her black mask.

With finely shaped eyebrows, large red-tinted cat eyes, a well-defined nose, and pale skin, her facial features were quite mature for an 18-year-old. Perhaps due to makeup, she had quite an adult-like appearance.

Though it was likely to prevent being recognized, hiding her face with a cap and mask seemed like a waste.

This was the second time he saw her like this, the first being when he cut her hair.

“Phew, feels refreshing.”

“…”

“Ahh, you were probably mesmerized, weren’t you? You should say things that make me happy.”

Only she could continue saying such things.

“Well, I was mesmerized.”

“Whoa, you even used polite language. And starting with ‘well’ is unnecessary!”

“Haha.”

She made a comeback without hesitation, still in her natural appearance.

“But, you really are something. Being a model and all.”

“Hehe, thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Rikka smiled with apparent ease. Her reaction seemed to indicate she was used to such compliments.

“By the way, it might be a bit late to ask, but is it okay for you to come to a place like this alone with me? Shouldn’t you wear a hat or something just to be safe, Rikka-san?”

“No worries. The agency basically tells us to ‘use our own judgment’ about these things.”

“It sounds like they’re indirectly telling you not to, though.”

“I’m a bit clueless, and if the agency can’t let me do what I want in my private life, I might consider changing.”

She made a boastful expression as if to say, ‘I look cool, right?’ However, there was still something on my mind.

“Um, so you’re not worried about being recognized?”

“Well, the reason I wear a cap and mask is to avoid weird people bothering me. I used to go out normally, but I started getting followed by strangers.”

“Wait, isn’t that dangerous?”

“I took precautions, and it settled down. Besides, I mainly work in magazines, so I’m not extremely famous or anything.”

“Even so… letting people know who you are, it might be better to be more cautious. It could be too late if something happens.”

“Thanks for your concern. But I’m sure you’ve had a few experiences like that too, right?”

“Not really. Nothing like being followed.”

“Really? ‘Nothing like being followed,’ huh? So, there’s something else then?”

She tilted her head as if expecting an interesting story, revealing her white teeth. Each of her gestures seemed almost picturesque.

“Well, I’ve been invited to a group date or hanging out by my clients, but that’s about it. Of course, I turn them down.”

“Ah… Wait a minute.”

“Hmm?”

“It might be a bit late for me to bring this up, but is it okay for you, as a stylist, to go out to eat with a customer like me? I’ve heard some salons have rules against that…”

While raising her eyebrows, she cautiously confirmed with a hint of guilt.

“Oh, sorry for not explaining earlier. It’s okay at Charlotte; it’s up to personal judgment.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I forced you to come out today, so there was a chance you couldn’t refuse.”

“Well, normally, it’s more about getting to know each other, but this is not bad either.”

“That’s true, but I think you shouldn’t accept invitations too easily. It might make you an easy target, and you might fall for something strange.”

“Well… yeah. I didn’t expect to hear that from someone four years younger.”

“But that’s what makes you likable, you know? Your easy going nature and friendliness are good qualities for a hairdresser. It’s not often you invite someone you’ve only met a couple of times to dinner. It’s my first time.”

“Really? It might sound rude, but you seem pretty experienced with this kind of thing.”

Both of us were having a rather informal conversation.

“Experienced or too blunt… It’s way too much. Even with this, my sense of chastity is quite strict, you know?”

“You are lying…?”

“It’s truee!! I won’t kiss unless there’s a confession, won’t do anything like that unless we’re dating, and holding hands makes me nervous too.”

“Hmm? The last one sounds more like being inexperienced…”

“Ah!”

Suddenly, Rikka blushed as if she had dug herself into a hole.

“No, I’m not inexperienced. I’m quite popular, you know?”

“I do think so, but… how about your dating experience?”

“What? My dating experience?”

“Yeah, any experiences with relationships.”

“Hmm, why are you asking about that? I can’t hear your voice anymore, Onii-san.”

“Huh?”

“Oh! The menu is decided, so I’ll call the waiter soon.”

—Ping.

Saying that, she pressed the call button. With both hands fanning herself like a makeshift fan.

“Phew, for now, I’ll just snatch up the meat that you grilled, Onii-san.”

“Huh? Wait a minute. Isn’t the conversation getting a bit off track?”

“You made some weird remarks about me being innocent and all, so you’ll have to take responsibility.”

“…”

Watching her cross her arms with a pointed expression, Shuuto thought,

“Maybe I touched on her insecurities.”