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 24: Date? (1)

Date? (1)

“Al… right. Is anyone around? Have we been spotted?”

“I think we’re probably okay.”

Glancing around nervously, Nonoka spoke in a secluded spot, a convenience store a little away from their workplace. The use of secret language came about because they didn’t arrive at this location together. They had initially parted ways and took different routes to meet up.

“Sorry for making you cooperate. It was necessary for me not to be teased… You know, about various things that everyone at the staff knows.”

She respected Shuuto, admired him. The ‘various things’ included in her words carried that meaning.

“Well, if I volunteered to be Shuuto-kun’s caretaker, I’d get teased like, ‘So, is this your aim?’… that’s why.”

“Haha, getting teased is unavoidable, I guess. You, Nonoka-chan, were the one who teased me the most, so it’s like karma, you know.”

“That’s, I mean, there were various reasons for that!”

Clearly feeling guilty, she tried to justify herself, flailing her hands in a fluster. Of course, Shuuto made a joke knowing that there was no ill intent.

“At first, I really struggled with it… The Nonoka-chan who’s kind to everyone was cold only to me.”

“T-th-that’s because I…!”

“Haha, sorry about that.”

Laughing finally at her uncharacteristic fluster, Shuuto found the timing just right.

“Geez… You’re mean, despite being younger.”

Giving him a reproachful look, Nonoka continued.

“I’ll complain to the owner, you know?”

“Huh!?”

“‘There’s a boy who treats his senior like a toy.’… something like that.”

“W-Well, that’s… I mean, I didn’t mean it that way!”

“Hehe.”

The situation quickly reversed. Nonoka skillfully hit Shuuto’s weak point, then teasingly retaliated with a smile.

“But today, you had a valuable experience, so I’ll let you off using the owner’s name.”

“When you say a valuable experience?”

“Well, like meeting secretly without being noticed by everyone at work… something like that.”

Folding her supple hands, Nonoka showed her white teeth.

“Don’t you know, Shuuto-kun? This kind of scenario is often depicted in shoujo manga and romance novels. I kind of overlaid it on that.”

“Having a romance in a workplace where office romance is prohibited… something like that?”

“Yeah, something like that. What do you think?”

“A bit surprising. Nonoka-san, reading that kind of book is unexpected.”

“I didn’t read them at first, you know? But a customer recommended it to me, and when I actually tried reading it, I got hooked.”

Given the nature of her reading material, she shared with a slightly embarrassed expression. Trying out something recommended by a customer reflected her sincere personality.

“Well, you know, I sometimes give advice on love troubles for customers, so it’s been helpful in some ways.”

“Love advice!?”

“Yeah. To be more precise, I listen to love talk and stuff like that.”

In general, hairstylists tend to avoid prying into their clients’ private lives. Even if they do, it’s usually about safe topics like “What do you do on weekends?” However, given Nonoka’s skill in listening, her ability to converse, and her gentle aura, she becomes someone customers feel comfortable consulting about their relationships.

“Oh, I see. That sounds fun, I guess.”

“But, it can be a bit troublesome sometimes. When there’s a ‘whoa’ kind of story, I almost stop working.”

“For example, can I ask?”

Love stories are a topic that can engage both men and women. Shuuto, at his age, is naturally interested in such discussions.

“Recently, I heard a story about realizing that the colleague they are interested in is also being targeted by their boss!”

“A love triangle, huh? That’s definitely intriguing… Haha.”

“Right?”

“By the way, Nonoka-san, what kind of advice did you give?”

“‘Do your best, do your best!'”

“…”

“…”

“Huh?”

Thinking there might be something more, Shuuto remained silent. Glancing back at Nonoka’s face, he noticed a strangely puzzled expression.

“Oh, it’s not just that! I also gives me encouragement while massaging.”

“Um, how did the customers react to that?”

“If I’m not mistaken, they seemed quite refreshed. Some even said, ‘I feel much better now!'”

“I see…”

While nodding along, Shuuto had another thought in mind.

(Perhaps her intention with these romantic consultations is not just that, but to receive encouragement from Nonoka while she massages me…? Nonoka is such an elegant lady.)

He realized that she wasn’t giving advice but rather words of encouragement. This possibility faintly crossed his mind.

Just then,

“Oh!”

Nonoka exclaimed while checking her watch.

“We should probably catch a taxi soon, or we’ll be running late for our appointment.”

“Haha, you’re right. We’ve been standing here talking for quite a while. Sorry about that.”

“My apologies too.”

“No worries. Shall we look for a taxi then?”

“Yeah.”

Taxis were plentiful in the area. They could easily flag one down without needing to call.

As they wrapped up their conversation and prepared to walk away together,

“Alright, Shuuto-kun, as the junior, you should walk on this side,” Nonoka said, pointing towards the roadside.

“Huh?”

It was almost as if she was saying, “I’ll walk on the road side.”

“Usually, isn’t it the man who walks on the roadside in these situations?” Shuuto questioned.

“That’s true, but we need to be prepared just in case something happens. As the senior, today’s protagonist should be protected,” she replied.

“I appreciate that sentiment. However, since I seem a bit unreliable, I’ll take the roadside,” Shuuto insisted.

“Well…”

He gently touched her shoulder and shifted her to the side. She seemed lightweight, easily moved by his slight exertion.

With this, Shuuto maintained his role as a gentleman while taking the roadside position.

“Shall we go, Senpai?”

“Yeah, thanks for being an impudent junior today… right!”

With a smile on her face, Nonoka launched her attack, taking advantage of the opportunity.

First, she grabbed his arm with both hands, as if they were holding hands, then attempted to slide his arm to the other side.

However, given their differences in stature and strength, Shuuto, who was taller and stronger, easily resisted.

“Nonoka-san, people might think we’re holding hands. If someone from work sees us like this…”

“Hmmm, seriously…!”

With those words, the round ended. Blushing, Nonoka gave up, letting go of the arm she had grabbed.