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

“Um, s-sorry, Hirarin. Thank you.”

“No problem, leave it to me. Do you have any preferences?”

“Well… not really. I’ll leave it to you.” “I see, got it. I’ll look up some ideas online. Then I’ll share them with you, and we can figure it out together. You must have your own preferences, right?”

“Ah, yes.”

Until now, Honoka’s dating experiences had followed a pattern: either the guy decided everything, or they went to places she specifically requested.

But this time, Rinta was researching options and suggesting they plan the destination together.

(Huh? Huh? Huh? Isn’t this totally like, THE perfect date vibe!?)

Plus, Rinta was being considerate and trying to make sure she would enjoy herself.

(Is Hirarin really telling the truth about never having dated before? He’s so thoughtful and wants to make sure his partner has fun. He’s like a high-performer in romance just like he is at work!)

As Honoka was staring at Rinta with a dreamy look, he asked her a question.

“So for now, let’s just decide on the day and time. Is that okay?”

“Huh?”

Honoka, who had been entranced by Rinta, snapped back to reality when addressed.

“Oh, y-yeah, that’s fine. How about next Sunday around noon? Is that good?”

“Yeah, that works. We’ll meet up before noon and start with lunch. How’s that sound?”

“Oh, yes, that sounds good. Please go with that.”

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Huh?”

Honoka had accidentally let her true feelings slip. She really was looking forward to it. But realizing she’d said she was looking forward to what was supposed to be just a fake date, she scrambled to cover it up.

“Oh, I mean, since you said you’re going to plan something I’ll enjoy. Ahhh, I’m looking forward to it… or whatever.”

Her delivery was completely flat. It was just like Honoka to be bad at hiding things and to accidentally reveal her true feelings. But hearing Honoka’s words, Rinta smiled.

“Yeah. Well, I don’t have much confidence, so it’s a bit tough if you expect too much. But I’ll do my best to come up with something good.”

“Oh, right. Maybe I shouldn’t expect too much then… haha.”

Honoka responded this way, not wanting to put too much pressure on Rinta.

“By the way, Hirarin. I know I’m being selfish asking for this favor, but could you keep this a secret from Shochou and Ruka-tan? It’s embarrassing…”

“Of course, I understand. I wouldn’t tell others about something this private. Don’t worry. It’ll be our little secret.”

“O-our little secret…?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Th-thank you.”

Our little secret, huh… thinking this, Honoka could barely manage to express her thanks with a bright red face.

◆◇◆◇◆

The workday ended.

“I’ll be heading out first!”

“Ah, I’m leaving too. Excuse me.”

“Oh, alright. Good work, both of you.”

Since Ruka had already left, Rinta and Honoka said goodbye to Jinguji-shochou and left the office together.

Honoka had timed her departure to match Rinta’s because he had told her earlier, “I’ve thought of some plans, so let’s talk on our way back.”

Walking side by side on the way to the station, Rinta explained his date plan.

“First, about lunch…”

Rinta’s suggestion was pasta, which Honoka liked. He had found an Italian casual restaurant online that had just opened recently and was getting good reviews.

Rinta showed Honoka photos of the food from the restaurant on his smartphone’s gourmet site. Looking at Rinta’s phone, Honoka gulped. It did look delicious.

“Nice! You’re pretty good at this, Hirarin.”

“Well, it’s not really me—it’s this gourmet website, haha.”

Seeing Rinta speak so modestly made Honoka smile. He must have put a lot of effort into finding this place.

—Not bragging about it was one of Hirarin’s good points.

“Now, for the plan after we eat.”

For after the meal, Rinta presented three options.

The first was the arcade and bowling. Honoka thought they weren’t students anymore, but Rinta laughed and said, “Going back to your childhood and playing around can be surprisingly fun.”

The second option was the city art museum near the station. Honoka wasn’t very familiar with art, so when she first heard “art museum”, she didn’t think it would be interesting. But according to Rinta, they were exhibiting works by a rather famous animator.

Apparently, background art from well-known anime works was on display, which Honoka thought could actually be interesting.

And the third was a casual shopping date, wandering around the shopping mall and the shopping district near the station. That was the classic option.

“Hirarin…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Thank you. For putting so much thought into this.”

Unusually for Honoka, she had a gentle smile on her face, and her words of gratitude came out very sincerely.