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 4: Shuuto's Rumors. Rikka’s POV

Shuuto’s Rumors

Rikka’s POV

“Oh, you have two photo shoots today? Despite being so young, your schedule is packed!”

“It’s just a coincidence that the timing overlapped. Besides, there’s a makeup artist with an even busier schedule standing right in front of me, and she’s younger.”

“I see.”

On a certain weekday, before Rikka made a reservation at Salon Shall Tier, she was chatting with a familiar makeup artist, An, during her photo shoot downtime.

“But Rikka-chan, you’re really amazing and easy to work with. I’ve handled makeup for various models, and some of them can be really nasty behind the scenes.”

“Oh, I remember now. Didn’t you say some complained a lot about makeup artists, claiming they  can do it better?”

“Yeah, something like that. I don’t mind them thinking that, but I wish they could express it differently. I’m not a free punching bag for there frustrations.”

Rikka bursts into laughter.

“Complaining about work can be tough. So, how about we go to the horse races together sometime to blow off some steam?”

“I think you need to be at least 20 for horse racing, right?”

“Oh, right, you’re 18! How about pachinko, then?”

With a face that seemed to imply it was only natural, she extended her invitation. However, of course, this wasn’t a good thing.

For Rikka, rumors spreading about models gambling weren’t favorable at all. It wasn’t favorable for the company that employed Ritsuka as a model either.

 “Pachinko won’t work. If you keep talking like that, the company will get mad at you.”

“Well, I got a stern talking-to yesterday, so I’m in a bit of trouble.”

“This is not the time to be nonchalant…”

Despite her exasperated reaction, Rikka finds herself amused by An’s dark humor. Their familiarity with each other allows for such exchanges.

“Complaining about work is really tough. By the way, have you cut your hair recently, An? It looks different from the last time I saw you.”

“Oh, you noticed. How is it?”

“I honestly think it suits you better now. You could even model for a shoot!”

“Haha, I can’t compete with you, Rikka-chan. But thanks. Everyone seems to say it looks good on me.”

“By the way, which salon did you go to for the haircut? Is it your regular place?”

“No, actually, a friend recommended it to me, and it was my first time there. What was the name again?…?”

There was a slight pause but then she continued,

“Oh, right, it was Shall Tier.”

“Wow!”

Rikka’s eyes widened in recognition.

“Wait, Rikka, do you know about it too? Well, it’s a famous place, so it wouldn’t be surprising if you did. But it’s even better than its reputation.”

“Well, I guess. If it’s you, someone who has such strong preferences, saying that much means it must be really good.”

“Yeah, because I received such exceptional service. There’s no hairstylist there who isn’t extremely skilled. It’s more than just a good reputation; it’s the real deal.”

Nodding approvingly, An reminisces about her experience with Salon Shall Tier.

“I heard from the orange-ponytailed hairstylist who took care of me at that salon. Apparently, you can’t even get an interview there without a referral. That’s why it’s so exclusive.”

“Hmm, so I guess hairstylists there tend to be a bit older? You’d need a lot of experience to get referred, I suppose.”

“Yeah, that’s probably it. I think there are a lot of hairstylists in their 30s to 40s.”

“So, hair stylists in their 20s are pretty rare then?”

“Yeah, there status is like being one of the Hashiras from Demon Slayer.”

“Wow, that’s intense.”

Rikka was curious about where the young hairstylist she randomly met, Shuuto, falls in this hierarchy.

“The hairstylist kept telling me more about it. Apparently, the youngest hairstylist working there is truly a prodigy. They even urged me to try requesting him for a second time, like, ‘You should try requesting him again as a trial.'”

“Wow… What’s up with that? It’s like they’re saying, ‘Leave the last grip to that hairstylist,’ isn’t it?”

“Yeah, you’re right. That youngest one is currently helping out at the second branch from the main store.”

“That’s pretty intense. If he’s helping out, it means he’s highly trusted by the owner.”

“It’s really cool how he has earned such recognition at such a young age. You’d understand if you saw my hair; they’re respected and admired by such skilled hairstylists.”

Clients don’t feel suspicious when hairstylists working in the same salon praise each other’s skills because they’re all capable of performing their jobs perfectly.

Every hairstylist at Shartier can attest to that. As a result, clients become more interested in the salon, improving its sales.

It’s a good cycle that’s working well.

“Rikka-chan, since your hair is starting to grow a bit, maybe you should try visiting for a trial. You still have plenty of photoshoot schedules this month, right?”

“I actually planned to go.”

“Really!? Okay, give me your impressions after you go. By the way, the name of that youngest hairstylist should be Shuuto.”

“…!? Got it. Thanks for the info.”

“Alright, it’s almost time for the shoot, so let’s start getting ready, Rikka-chan.”

“Yes, sure. Thank you.”

Checking the shoot schedule herself, Rikka knew it was time to switch back to work mode, so she deliberately kept her encounter with Shuuto in her heart.

And another thought:

“He really is an incredible person, the one who picked up my key holder… Well, he doesn’t act high and mighty, and he’s so easy to talk to. No wonder he’s popular.”

This impression was also tucked away in her heart.