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 2: It's not going to be smooth.

It’s not going to be smooth.

Maple-colored wood-patterned tiles, deep blue wallpaper, and subdued LED lighting with a touch of green from potted plants created a luxurious yet calming atmosphere in the Shall Tier salon, the exclusive reservation-only beauty salon.

The post closing meeting was coming to an end.

“Alright, that’s it for the discussion. For today’s cutting practice, we have Shuuto-kun, Riku-kun, Saki-san, and Kaoru-san.”

The current time is 8:00 PM.

Though the work for the day is finished, the named staff members are to stay for overtime, which is essentially a form of practice, whether or not they made any mistakes. It’s a kind of shift system.

Despite being professionals working in front of clients, these professionals sharpen their skills every day. For hairstylists, this is not uncommon; it’s a regular and essential practice.

Shall Tier, being an unusually private salon, conducts practices in individual rooms. If they encounter any issues, they can go to a different salon for advice.

“Those practicing, give it one last push. Well then, thank you all for your hard work today.”

“Thank you!”

“Good job!”

“Great work, everyone.”

In the midst of the circle formed by the staff, including the manager, Shuuto, who has been working as a long-term helper, also exchanges a firm farewell.

Shuuto has been assigned for two weeks now. The new workplace is not much different from the main store, and the atmosphere is relaxed, allowing him to work comfortably. He’s getting used to the surroundings.

—However, there’s one lingering problem.

***

“U-uh, thank you for your hard work, Nonoka-san.”

“Yeah.”

Shuuto, part of the practice group, enters a private room with a set table, carrying practice mannequins and reference magazines. Another staff member casually enters, seemingly a matter of course.

In a softly permed orange ponytail, with tendrils reaching down to the cheeks. A staff member with a small mole just below her left eye.

Two years older than Shuuto, she is Nanasaki Nonoka,  attendant of Shuuto for a month.

She’s not forced to stay for overtime today, and she’s not compelled to accompany others during overtime either. Moreover, he even once said, “You don’t need to worry about me so much…?” but shook her head and continued to stay until the end as a supportive senior.

From what you’ve heard so far, you might think, ‘What a great senior!’ She’s quite reliable.’ ‘So kind!’ However, that’s not the reality.

Nonoka’s expression is not normal. She always maintains a displeased expression, never letting it soften.

“Come on, Shuuto-kun. Don’t waste any more time.”

“Ah… right.”

When he stiffly looks at her, she immediately catches it with a cold voice, reminding him to focus. Nonoka is a senior who’s a bit hard to approach. While it might be a common thing for appearances’ sake, it’s not just that.

Nonoka is very kind and has a generous personality, making her approachable to clients and staff. She always brightens the atmosphere with her cheerful smile, acting as a mood maker.

However, exclusively towards Shuuto, she responds with this indifferent tone, as if she’s venting frustration at him.

This is the problem Shuuto is grappling with.

Staff members can see that he’s treated differently, not just by Nonoka, but by all. This discriminatory attitude is evident.

“…”

“…”

In a private room with just Nonoka and Shuuto, there’s no conversation. The only sounds are the snipping of Shuuto’s scissors and the hair falling. Strangely, during practice, she doesn’t nag or interfere. She just observes with a stern expression.

“U-um, Nonoka-san.”

“What?”

She doesn’t ignore him and responds.

“Uh, well… it’s nothing.”

“I see.”

“…”

But this attitude is only directed at him.

So, how is Nonoka’s usual behavior? If asked, Shuuto would answer based on what he sees.

For other staff members, it’s different:

“Uh, Nonoka-san.”

“Yeah? What’s up?”

Widening her cherry-colored eyes, she tilts her head with a soft smile.

“Well, it’s nothing.”

“Hmm? What is it, what is it?”

Wiggling her eyebrows, she peers into his face, looking interested.

Clearly, the attitude is different.

Having recently met and being in the position of a junior, many might feel they can’t ask, “Why do you treat me like this?” It’s likely that most people lack the courage to ask such a question, and Shuuto is no exception.

Shuuto cannot grasp what Nonoka is thinking. Despite observing her daily behavior, being on the receiving end of discrimination, he finds it hard to believe that she has a personality capable of such actions.

“…”

“…”

Days pass with this unresolved tension. Shuuto, along with others, lacks the courage to confront Nonoka about her attitude. It’s a frustrating time for everyone involved.

This attitude continues into the next week. Unable to see any resolution and constantly subjected to unexplained hostility, Shuuto begins to feel mentally exhausted.

It’s around this time that Shuuto is about to encounter her, the storm-like presence of Nonoka.