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 17: Two sides of the same coin.

Two sides of the same coin.

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

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

After being calmly retorted by the manager, the conversation continued.

“Eh, have I reported it that many times already!?”

Hearing this, hairstylists who had already finished their work began teasing.

“Nonoka is just too fond of Shuuto-san. She even acts cold to not give it away.”

“Huhhh?”

“More like respect than love, right? Anyway, it must be awkward being treated with such an attitude.”

“…”

“Wasn’t Shuuto-san the first male hairstylist to cut her hair? Or did shetarget him because he’s younger? How amazing is he?”

“Ah!!”

“No, no, it’s just… she wants to show a cool side to get attention, but with that attitude, it’s no wonder she might be disliked.”

“—!?”

Indeed, she is the mood maker of this store. Taunting words are thrown at her one after another.

Nonoka shrinks back, her face turning red from the barrage.

In such a lively scene, there was one person standing alone… the manager, sweating nervously.

In the midst of the excitement, there was one person, the manager, sweating nervously.

“Wait, can you stop for a moment? Nonoka-chan, are you really treating Shuuto-kun with such a cold attitude?”

“W-well, that’s…!”

“You volunteered to take care of him and became a caretaker, saying, ‘I won’t let you take over!'”

“W-well, yes, that’s true, but…!”

The manager, hearing all of this for the first time, turned pale and started questioning.

If there’s trouble between staff members, it falls under the manager’s responsibility. And if the owner’s son is involved in such a situation, he can easily imagine what the future holds.

“Nonoka-chan… Please, can you explain in more detail?”

“W-well… um… I admire him as a hairstylist, so it’s more of an action to keep myself from getting too excited. It’s also to be seen as a reliable staff member… you know!?”

With her eyes rolling and hands busy, she tried to explain, but the teasing from the surroundings continue

“Hahaha, Nonoka is really clumsy in those kinds of things, huh? Even though she’s skillful with her hands.”

“Well, she hasn’t played around with guys, so it can’t be helped.”

“But that’s also a cute aspect of her.”

“With Nonoka around, there’s never a shortage of topics.”

The staff enjoyed the conversation as if it didn’t concern them. However, the manager knows that Shuuto is the son of the owner. Understanding the situation, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave a cautious warning.

“No-Nonoka-chan… You shouldn’t be like that no matter what… Especially, Shuuto-kun is in an unfamiliar environment, so even trivial things can put a burden on him.”

“I-I’m really sorry!”

“For now! You have to explain why you ended up with such an attitude. Since Shuuto-kun is trying to accompany you for practice, there must be an intention to get along…”

The manager, who had finally grasped the reason why Shuuto had agreed to accompany Nonoka for overtime, urged her to explain.

“S-So, does that mean I have to tell everything about what I admire and respect!? Th-That’s… embarrassing…”

“Please, just bear with it and explain. You planted the seeds yourself. Got it?”

“Yes… I’m really sorry…”

“Apologize to Shuuto-kun.”

“I’m sorry!!”

Although Nonoka was squirming about what she had to do next, there was no mercy. The manager sternly warned her while furrowing his brows.

“Aww, got scolded by the kind manager again.”

“Deducti her pay! Deduct it!”

“Well, it’s your own fault, isn’t it? Should’ve just been honest.”

“Well, even if you get scolded for that, it can’t be helped. Hang in there, Nonoka-san!”

Being able to exchange such banter even while being reprimanded shows just how relaxed and friendly the workplace is.

It’s a workplace with a laid-back and pleasant atmosphere.

However, at this moment, the manager shoots a stern glance at the staff member who shouted the taunt.

“You guys seemed to enjoy it, but there’s a responsibility for leaving this matter unattended. Maybe I should have you work more overtime.”

“What!?”

“Wait!?”

“Ah…”

“Nonoka-chan told us. ‘I don’t want it to be exposed, so keep it quiet.'”

“I-I never said such a thing!!”

Panicking staff, surprised staff, and Nonoka, who firmly denied, were all part of this lively scene.

After all this commotion, without knowing about these exchanges in the staff room, Shuuto finished his last client’s treatment.