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 16: Nonoka on the opposite side.

Nonoka on the opposite side.

“Um, excuse me out of the blue. About today… would it be alright for me to accompany you during your overtime, Nonoka-san?”

Shuuto approached her with these words when they coincidentally ran into each other in the staff room during a break.

He was diligently carrying out what his father had told him over the phone in the middle of the night.

“Well, there might be various reasons, but do something nice for her. If she’s practicing with you, reciprocate by practicing with her.”

“P-Practice?”

“That might be the only time you can spend together, right?”

“Y-Yeah, you’re right. Um, sure. I get it…”

Of course, it took courage to make such a proposal.

“W-Why would you accompany me, Shuuto-kun? The one accompanying doesn’t even get paid for overtime.”

“T-That’s… well, um…”

It was only natural for her to question such a sudden invitation.

Nonoka tilted her head, her orange ponytail swaying, and her well-defined eyebrows forming an eight-figure.

“I usually practice with you, so I thought it would be nice if I could join in too.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m not expecting anything in return for accompanying you during overtime.”

‘Are you misunderstanding something?’ seemed to be the expression on her face, causing Shuuto to break into a cold sweat.

“I-I understand that you’re not expecting anything in return! It’s beneficial for me too, and it’s a learning experience to observe!”

“…”

“…”

Suddenly, silence filled the air.

If another staff member had said the same thing to Nonoka, she probably wouldn’t have been pressed for an explanation. The response would likely have been something like this:

“Oh well, it can’t be helped. Sure! It’s fine!”

A quick and affirmative response with a gentle smile, a statement that could be confidently made based on her usual demeanor.

“N-Nonoka-san…?”

As Shuuto, attempting to gauge her reaction, gradually wore a pained expression, she finally responded.

“I understand your point, but wouldn’t accompanying me during practice be of no use to you? You’re a two-star recipient of the Kami-sma, right?”

“Not at all. There’s a lot to learn by watching.”

“Really? From my practice?”

“Yes. Nonoka-san, your reputation at the shop is vying for the top spot. So there’s plenty to learn.”

“If that’s the case… I guess it’s okay. Do as you like.”

“Thank you.”

Although Shuuto managed to obtain permission, he did so with a difficult expression.

Working overtime with her was a truly dreadful experience. It was a time he wanted to avoid as much as possible, but given the current work environment, there was no other option but to endure it, even if it meant shortening his lifespan.

“I’ll talk to the manager myself then.”

“No, I asked, so please leave it to me.”

“It’s okay. I’ll report it.”

“I-I’m sorry. Then I’ll rely on your words.”

“Hmm.”

He give in to the strong will of “because she’s my senior.”

(Nonoka-san, I hope she communicates it properly… I wonder if she’ll say something strange…）These anxieties accumulated, but considering their past interactions, such thoughts were only natural.

“…”

“…”

Once the main topic was over, the conversation came to a halt. Awkwardness filled the air, making the staff room uncomfortable for both of them.

（I need to change the atmosphere with some topic… a topic…）Frantically racking his brain, Shuuto felt relieved when Nonoka broke the silence, her gaze wandering.

“Well, I have the next customer waiting, so…”

“Ah, yes. I understand.”

“Yeah. Later, after closing.”

“Yes! Thank you very much.”

It wasn’t a change of topic offered; it was prompting their farewell. Despite the shock of the difference in their thoughts, Shuuto managed to smile and saw Nonoka off as she left the staff room.

With a loud “clank,” the door closed, and as Nonoka’s figure disappeared, his strained expression relaxed.

“Hah. Can I endure overtime like this? Can I endure the awkwardness?”

Regret flooded him as he realized the implications of inviting her. A genuine scream was rising from within.

“Well, I have to do my best. I was the one who invited her, and my dad seemed to know something about the cause…”

Unspoken frustrations overwhelmed him.

“I wish she’d tell me what’s going on with her…”

Muttering quietly, Shuuto gazed up at the ceiling.

His father’s refusal to reveal the cause wasn’t out of malice; there was a valid reason for it. Unfortunately, Shuuto remained unaware that the moment of realization was drawing closer with each passing second.

***

“Manager, Manager! Please listen!”

“What’s going on, Nonoka-chan?”

At Charlotte, just before closing time, with several hairstylists already done with their work and taking a break, Nonoka excitedly reported to the manager.

“Today, Shuuto-kun agreed to accompany me for practice!”

“Yeah, that’s the third time. I heard about it already.”

With sparkling eyes and happily wagging her tail, she reported to the manager, who responded with a calm retort.