Actually, There’s Someone at Your Workplace Who Likes You ~ I’m Being Transferred to a Sales Office Filled With Only Beautiful Women!?

“By the way, Shochou. Did you get home properly yesterday?”

Honoka’s sudden words startled me. How did Honoka know that Jinguji-shochou couldn’t get home properly by herself? Could she have been watching from somewhere?

Did she know that I rode the train with Jinguji-shochou to her nearest station? No, if she even knew that Jinguji-shochou had fallen asleep with her head on my arm on the bench in the station plaza, I might need to properly explain the circumstances to avoid any misunderstandings.

“Of course. As usual… I got home just fine.”

“I see. After eating something as delicious as yakiniku, I thought Jinguji-shochou might have eaten so much she couldn’t make it home!”

“What are you saying? I’m not a glutton like you, Hono-chan. There’s no way I’d eat so much I couldn’t get home!”

“Ehhh, Shochou, that’s so mean! Calling me a glutton!”

“Huh? You are a glutton, aren’t you?”

“Yes. You’re absolutely right…”

“Hehe. See?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Hahaha.”

While I was feeling nervous and anxious… Jinguji-shochou and Honoka were having a very warm and cheerful conversation, laughing together…

What the heck, Honoka. She didn’t actually know Jinguji-shochou was too drunk yesterday, she was just joking.

I got nervous for nothing.

Still, Jinguji-shochou was impressive. She responded to Honoka’s surprising remarks without showing any sign of being shaken, maintaining a calm attitude that didn’t give the slightest hint that anything unusual had happened yesterday.

It was like yesterday’s drunken, sweet demeanor and her flustered apologies had just been an illusion. It made me feel that seeing Jinguji-shochou like that yesterday was somehow a very precious experience.

“Good morning.”

“Ah, good morning, Ruka-tan!”

“What’s going on? Everyone seems to be having fun.”

“Good morning, Ruka-chan. Hono-chan was telling funny jokes this morning, so we were having a good time. Let’s all work hard today too.”

“Yes.”

Ruka answered with a smile. Everyone seemed happy this morning, creating a really nice atmosphere. I should do my best too. That was how the day began.

◆◇◆◇◆

Several days passed. This week had been busy with handling potential staff introductions for Kagaya Manufacturing, and it felt like time flew by.

—And then Friday night came.

After working hours, the time for my drinking plans with Totsuka and Nakajima was approaching. I tidied up my desk, stood up, and spoke to the other three.

“I’ll be leaving now.”

“Oh? Hirarin, why are you in such a hurry?”

Honoka asked with narrowed eyes. I suppose I might appear eager to meet my high school classmates.

“Ah. I’m going drinking with some friends from high school.”

“Hmm… with girls?”

“Huh? No way. It’s just guys.”

“I thought so…”

Honoka grinned.

“What do you mean by ‘I thought so’?”

I wanted to say I was just an unpopular guy, but I refrained from making self-deprecating jokes since they could make others uncomfortable.

“Huh? Honoka-senpai, you look somewhat happy?”

“Wh-what are you saying, Ruka-tan! I’m not happy or anything, I’m just smiling because I’m thinking he gets to eat delicious food…!”

“Oh, is that so…”

“Y-yes! Ruka-tan, don’t you want to go eat delicious food too?”

“Well, I suppose I do.”

Ruka gave Honoka a sidelong mischievous glance. These two were still like a comedy duo, with one setting up jokes and the other delivering punchlines.

I was really fortunate to be in such a fun office environment. I was grateful to Honoka, Ruka, and of course, Jinguji-shochou.

“Today, I’m meeting the guys who gave us the information about Kagaya Manufacturing. We agreed to have drinks as a way to thank them.”

“Oh, I see, Hirabayashi-kun. Please tell them ‘thank you’ from me as well, would you?”

Jinguji-shochou said.

“Ah, yes. I will.”

“I’d really like to meet them in person to thank them, but…”

“No, no, Shochou. That’s not necessary. I’ll properly thank them on your behalf.”

“I see, understood. I’m counting on you. Well then, have a good time. Take care.”

“Yes. Thank you. I’m off!”

I left the office and walked toward the station where we were meeting.

＊＊＊

I arrived at the meeting spot in front of the station.

In the small plaza-like area in front of the station, there was a bronze dog statue, with people waiting around it, almost like Shibuya Station.

—Ah, that was an exaggeration.

Being a rural town, there weren’t that many people. Still, about 5-6 groups were waiting to meet up.

Right in front of the dog statue, I spotted Totsuka and Nakajima talking together. They were both in suits and their hairstyles had changed a bit, but their familiar features hadn’t changed at all, filling me with nostalgia.

As I approached, Totsuka noticed me and raised his hand.

“Hey, Hirarin! Over here!”

“Oh, Totsuka! Long time no see!”

As I patted Totsuka’s shoulder in greeting, Nakajima then patted mine from the side.

“Hirarin, it’s been a while!”

“Oh, Nakajima. Thanks so much for last time! I can’t thank you enough!!”

When I offered a handshake to Nakajima, he casually returned it. It was strange how even though we weren’t particularly close in high school, meeting again after so long made it feel like we were always good friends.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Our office Shochou is really grateful too. She asked me to send her regards.”

“I see. But more importantly, Hirarin. You really haven’t changed at all!”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really!”

Everyone’s excitement level was through the roof, making me wonder why meeting old friends could boost one’s spirits so much.

It felt like we’d instantly gone back to being high school students. It was really strange. With just us three guys, this looked to be a fun drinking session.

That’s what I honestly thought—