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 25: Date? (2)

Date? (2)

“It’s my first time at this izakaya, but it’s a lovely place. Spacious and the customers seem relaxed.”

“Yeah, right? There are private rooms too, so you can take your time.”

“That’s true. Thank you.”

A private room with shoji screens.

Having smoothly entered the restaurant with a reservation, the two of them stepped into the horizataku, discussing the menu as they continued their conversation.

“Oh, I should mention it beforehand. Don’t worry about ordering etiquette; you can order whatever you like. Today is also a celebration for you,  Shuuto-kun.”

“That’s helpful. I’m not familiar with izakaya manners…”

“I was the same, actually.”

“Haha, is that so?”

While there is a hierarchy among hairdressers, it’s not as strict as a ‘boss-employee relationship. Charlotte has a policy of wanting their staff to work in a relaxed environment, making it less strict than other salons.

“Now then, Shuuto-kun, what will you drink?”

“I’ll have a lemon sour. What about you, Nonoka-san?”

“I think I’ll have a cassis orange.”

She points to the menu and kindly informs them.

“Oh, not beer then? When I think of izakaya, I imagine beer being the first thing ordered.”

“If I said, ‘I can’t stand the bitterness of beer,’ would Shuuto-kun laugh?”

“I would laugh.”

“Then… I can handle it. Fufu”

“You’re not allowed to say ‘then’ like that.”

With just those words, it’s obvious she can’t drink. I also playfully respond while laughing.

“Well then, let’s order for now. I was thinking of ordering edamame and negi chashu together. What about you, Shuuto-kun?”

“I’ll have tamagoyaki, please.”

“Okay.”

The order is placed, and Nonoka calls the waiter with a “Excuse me.”

Although Shuuto is technically younger, Nonoka doesn’t seem to mind.

And then, a few minutes later.

The alcohol and speed menu are served together, and after additional orders such as fried food and sashimi, they toast and the drinking party begins.

“Finally, food… I’m glad I didn’t starve.”

“Were you perhaps skipping lunch, Nonoka-san?”

“Yeah. I had reservations for all time slots today, so I couldn’t find time to eat.”

She divides the negi chashu they ordered earlier and happily takes a bite, clearly feeling relieved from considerable hunger.

“It gets really busy during times like this. But you can’t keep the customers waiting either.”

“Professional pride kicks in, doesn’t it? Like, ‘There’s no way I’m going to make them wait.'”

“Haha, exactly.”

This consciousness is what enhances customer satisfaction and increases the likelihood of getting another appointment.

It’s because all the staff at Charlotte work with a sense of professionalism that they have earned their current trust and position.

“Hey, hey, since it’s a special occasion today, can I ask you a lot of questions, Shuuto-kun?”

“Of course, feel free.”

They sip their drinks while picking from the speed menu, creating an atmosphere that is more open than usual due to the combination of the setting and alcohol.

“Alright, let’s start with something personal. Shuuto-kun, you never really tell me about those things.”

“Oh, it’s not like I’m keeping it a secret. I just don’t have any interesting stories to share.”

“Really? Sorry for being blunt, but Shuuto-kun, are you a playboy or something?”

“No way! I never go out on my days off, and if I do, it’s just to support the main branch. I usually just watch movies and relax.”

She must have really thought he was a playboy, judging by the surprise and disbelief in Nonoka’s wide eyes.

“Um, by the way, why did you think that?”

“I thought you seemed used to dealing with women… Like when I tried to walk on the street, you grabbed my shoulder and moved me aside. That’s not something you can do casually, absolutely.”

“That’s because of my profession. Being a hairdresser involves touching parts of the customer’s body, and sometimes we give massages.”

“Well… when you put it that way…”

She narrows her orange eyes, casting a cute, suspicious gaze.

At this moment, Shuuto realizes something.

Nonoka’s plate is empty.

“Oh, would you like a refill? I’ll share mine.”

“Thanks…”

“No problem.”

“…You’re used to this, aren’t you!?”

“No, I’m not!”

Shuuto strongly denies it, but he quickly notices the empty plate. There’s no denying that this thoughtful action could be easily misunderstood.

“So, does that mean you’ve dated a lot of girls before, Shuuto-kun? If I got about four chances, I’m confident I could guess the number.”

“R-really? I think it’s completely advantageous for you…”

“Considering the circumstances so far, I am the one with the advantage. I’ve had four chances.”

With considerable confidence, she tilts her head with a natural expression and uses a cute tone to assert herself.

“So, are you not playing some kind of game?”

“Hmm?”

“If you can guess how many times I have dated, then I’ll pay for everything today.”

“You’re really going all out for this celebration, huh!? Okay, if I miss, then…?”

“Then you’ll tell me about your love life.”

“Deal!”

Finishing the last of her cassis orange, Nonoka nods decisively.

…Whether it’s nerves or simply being weak to alcohol, her cheeks are flushed pink.

“Alright, let’s hear it then? Please be honest if I’m right.”

“Of course.”

And so, the bet begins.

“10 times.”

“No, it’s not that many.”

“You’re trying to confuse me, right? 9 times!”

“Nope. It’s really not that many.”

“Ugh, then 7 times?”

“No.”

“What?!”

The confidence from earlier has disappeared, and Nonoka shrinks, lacking assurance.

By giving the hint of ‘not that many,’ Shuuto unintentionally added more confusion.

“Only one more chance left.”

“Uh, um, then… 6… no, 5 times!”

“…”

“…”

Shuuto creates a silent tension, showcasing his composure. Having this kind of confidence indicates something.

“The correct answer is once. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’m inexperienced.”

“Huh? What? That’s definitely a lie!”

“It’s the truth.”

Shuuto had teased Rikka earlier for being inexperienced, but in reality, this was the case.

“No, no way…”

“It’s true. So, now it’s your turn to tell me about your love life.”

“Wha… wait…”

And at this moment, the main dishes, including fried items, are served, accompanied by the progression of their drinking.

Having been in a relationship only once is likely a minority, even in the broader context. It’s clear that it’s not the kind of number one would expect to be mentioned upfront.

So, what does this number imply about Nonoka?