Someone Who Believes They Can Live Normally in a World Where Chastity Is Reversed (Did You Think You Could Live Normally in a World With a Male-To-Female Ratio of 1:5?) - Chapter 24: The Tsundere OL Knows

When asked which day of the week was the most mentally tough, I think most people would say Monday.

Today, just like any other day, I put on my suit and applied makeup as usual. The moment I stepped into the unchanged routine of daily life, I felt depressed beyond measure.

“Good morning…”

Opening the door to the workplace, I greeted my colleagues casually and hurried to my desk.

Lately, my motivation for life has been boosted by the fact that I can see Masato on weekends, but that doesn’t necessarily elevate my motivation for work. I somewhat resigned myself to it as a means to earn money.

Just before reaching my desk, I casually glanced at the large whiteboard set up in the center of the workplace.

This whiteboard displays the schedule for the week and, if someone is taking a day off, their absence is marked.

“Hmm…?”

The whiteboard looked as usual, but there was something slightly concerning.

Friday’s section.

Miki-senpai was taking a half-day off.

Friday is our “party” day.

Does this mean senpai won’t be joining us this week…?

“Good morning, Seira~.”

“Oh, good morning, Miki-senpai.”

While I was thinking about that, Miki-senpai approached.

Might as well ask since I’m thinking about it.

“Miki-senpai, are you taking a half-day off this Friday?”

“Fufufu…. Yeah, that’s right. Oh, don’t worry, I’ll still come to the ‘party’ properly.”

“Huh? Is that so?”

“Are you curious about the reason?”

Miki-senpai grinned mischievously. I knew she wanted someone to ask about it…

“I-I am curious, yes.”

As a formality, I say I’m curious, and Miki-senpai gestured for me to come closer. She probably wants to tell me something in private. Reluctantly, I approached Miki-senpai.

“Do you know about ‘Dohan-Shukkin’?”

“Huh…?”

“Dohan Shukkin. Have you heard of it?”

(T/N: It means: (a bar hostess, in this case a host) coming to work accompanied by a customer)

I think I’ve heard of it.

Isn’t it a system where you arrange to meet a boy beforehand and go to the shop together… Wait a minute!!!

“Y-You’re going on a d-date with Yusei-kun and then going to the shop together?!”

“Exactly♪”

“……!!!”

Jealous!!!

I’m so jealous. What’s with that? So unfair.

“Well, you see, that shop doesn’t have many benefits for the boys accompanying them. You really have to like it to be able to accompany someone there. Oh, it’s troubling~ I wonder if I’ve been liked~!!”

So annoying.

But that’s probably true. I knew Miki-san and that boy were getting along…

“Did he… Did he ask you?”

“…”

Ah, she’s averting her gaze.

Of course. Of course, she asked him. That’s good.

I breathe a sigh of relief inwardly.

If he had asked her, it would’ve been all over.

If Miki-senpai asked him and got his okay, there’s still hope for me. Since she got permission to ask from him, I can ask too.

Alright, then I’ll ask right away.

“I’ll… I’ll ask too.”

“Oh, that’s good, that’s good. Also, there’s this.”

“Huh?”

Miki-senpai pointed to the whiteboard behind her.

And there.

“Oh, I see… it’s bonus season already.”

“Yeah! Fufu… my wallet’s ready. I can enjoy the companion date to the fullest…! Maybe I’ll even give some presents…”

Certainly, with the bonus coming in, it’s easier to splurge a bit. I can’t afford to go out every week, but this is a perfect opportunity to make a good impression.

I’m feeling excited.

“Well, I’m sure Masato likes you, so you’ll probably get his approval for the companion!”

“Well then, good luck!” Miki-senpai said with a smile as she headed back to her desk.

That was good to hear.

I immediately took out my phone and contacted Masato. Even though last night’s conversation ended with my message, I don’t mind.

<Seira Mochizuki>: [Good morning, Masato.]

[If you don’t mind, could we go on a companion date this Friday?]

After a few revisions, I settled on this message.

I still haven’t had a chance to meet Masato outside of the shop. This is a chance to take a new step forward.

I can’t take the afternoon off on Friday like Miki-senpai, so unlike her, I probably won’t be able to spend time alone with Masato outside of the shop to call it a date.

But just grabbing a bite to eat before going to the shop will be enough for me. Even that will be a special time for me.

I swore to myself that I didn’t want to always be just a customer and a clerk.

…Masato’s reply will probably come around 11 o’clock.

That’s usually when I get a reply from Masato in the morning. Until then, all I can do is wait.

In the end, I spent the morning feeling restless.

—

The long-awaited Friday. I wore a slightly nicer suit than usual. I checked my makeup and appearance in the station’s commercial facility restroom.

Yes. I’m going on a companion date.

When I got the OK message, I jumped for joy. It’ll be fine. I did my best to prepare as much as I could.

Take a deep breath. Festa is about a five-minute walk from the opposite exit of the station.

It seems that when you go on a companion date, it’s common to choose a place close to the shop. That’s only natural, considering that we’ll go to the shop together afterward.

I glance at my wristwatch. I’m wearing my favorite one. It’s a silver bangle with a small face and a thin pink surface.

Masato will be here soon.

My heart is pounding. Is meeting outside really this exciting?

“Seira-san!”

I jump.

That voice. That atmosphere. There’s no mistaking it.

I quietly turn in the direction of the voice.

“Thank goodness! Did you wait long? Sorry.”

“……”

There stood an angel… no, a devil?

He’s too… cool. Overwhelmingly cool.

Right now, Masato could probably punch me in the face, and I’d still be happy.

His usual slightly permed black hair.

A white short-sleeved collared shirt… with the top button undone, revealing a silver necklace that shines from there.

The chic black pants add a different level of formality than when we meet at the shop.

Um, like…!

“Too sexy…!”

“…? Did you say something?”

“N-no, it’s nothing… I wasn’t waiting at all. Shall we go?”

Phew, that was close. I almost blurted it out.

But this is unfair!! He dressed like this…! He probably tried to match my suit with a more formal outfit.

But his usual smile that melts my heart is still there.

This is a weapon. It’s lethal enough to kill someone without hesitation.

“……?”

He tilted her head cutely…!

I-I’m being drawn to his neckline…! T-Those collarbones…! No woman could resist seeing something like that!!

He’s definitely flirting!!

“A-Alright, let’s go!”

“Yes! I’m sorry for keeping you waiting! I’ve already made a reservation for us at the restaurant! I’m looking forward to it.”

Ahh~ So cute~ Impossible~. Erm, this is already a date, right? I mean, I’m on a date with this guy, right? It’s just a dinner date… but… it’s the best.

Trying to contain my excitement, I headed towards the restaurant I had reserved.

—

“Good evening, I had a reservation at 6:30, under the name ‘Mochizuki’.”

“…Ah, yes, let me show you to your table.”

…That receptionist girl… was totally captivated by Masato, wasn’t she…? Well, I can’t blame her. He’s mine, though. I can feel a sweet sense of superiority running down my spine. An indescribable feeling of triumph. Irresistible. Addictive.

We finally arrived at the restaurant. I don’t really remember what we talked about on the way; I was just walking beside Masato, lost in a dreamy state.

I had pondered quite a bit before choosing this restaurant. I thought about going to an expensive place to show a mature side, but it might make Masato feel uncomfortable if it’s too upscale. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure if Masato would be satisfied with a too-affordable restaurant.

So, I settled for something in between – a nice restaurant with a terrace. It’s a bit pricey for a college student, but it has a good vibe.

“Wow, this place is so beautiful!”

“Fufu. You’re getting excited over something like this, you are still a kid.”

“Eh, no way! I’m totally grown up. Look, let’s sit down.”

A table on the terrace. The sun is setting, and the streetlights in the park outside are beginning to flicker on.

Yeah. I’m glad I chose a place with such a nice view.

“You can order whatever you like. I’ll take care of the bill.”

“Eh, really? Let me at least pay for a bit.”

“Nope. I asked you out, so I’m not letting you pay a single penny.”

“Sorry… for… that…”

“Don’t worry about it. Just sit back and relax. Like I said before, money isn’t an issue for me.”

I have no one else to spend it on. No hobbies either.

So, for now, I’ll spend it on Masato.

It feels natural to me, and it’s the right thing to do.

—

“…The pasta here was so delicious! When was the last time I had something this tasty?”

“Fufufu… Yeah, it was really good.”

Honestly, I don’t have much of a refined palate.

But seeing Masato enjoying his food so much right in front of me… That alone maxes out my happiness level. There’s probably no greater joy than this.

I’m glad. I’m really glad.

Sipping on my post-dinner tea, I finally broached the topic that had been on my mind for a while.

“Hey, Masato.”

“…Yes?”

His puzzled expression is adorable. My cute Masato.

“…Why are you doing this job?”

“…Ah… well…”

This is, in a way, a forbidden question.

I know I shouldn’t ask. It’s selling oneself, after all. Everyone has their own circumstances, and as just a customer, it’s not my place to inquire.

But I can’t help it. I’ve been drawn to his charm. That’s why I just had to know. He’s not the type to choose this line of work on his own.

Even at that other shop, he was clearly out of place.

That’s precisely why I might be attracted to him. Scratching my cheek, Masato seems at a loss for words.

…Yeah, he probably doesn’t want to talk about it. That’s why I didn’t ask on social media. I wanted to talk about it face to face.

“I’m sorry. It’s a difficult thing to ask, isn’t it?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing much, but…”

He hurriedly placed his mug down.

“The truth is, I… don’t have money. I was originally living in a facility. And then, there was someone at that shop who treated me kindly, and I ended up being able to work there… something like that.”

“Eh…? A facility…?”

A facility, as in a children’s home?

“Yeah, that’s right. It’s… strange, isn’t it? I don’t have parents.”

“Sorry!!”

“Eh? Ah, no no! I don’t mind at all, it’s okay!”

I asked something stupid…!

Without knowing anything about Masato’s situation…!

“It’s really okay. I’m not bothered by it at all. I’m fortunate now. I can live a normal life… I’m happy.”

――Various emotions blend together.

The feeling of finding Masato smiling in front of me cute, the regret of asking something foolish… 

And that.

An overwhelming desire to protect him.

—

“Wow, that was really delicious! Thank you so much!”

“It’s fine. It’s just my usual thanks.”

We left the restaurant, and Masato stretched out widely. Every little gesture of his was adorable and irresistible.

“But I haven’t been able to repay you at all…”

“Geez… then, will you go out with me like this again sometime?”

“Eh? Of course, please.”

Fufufu… I did it. I managed to make plans for the next time naturally.

Next time, maybe not in front of the shop… but behind.

I can’t help but grin.

“Shall we go to the shop then?”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

I start walking, and Masato follows.

Even though I’m feeling excited, it’s different from usual, I’m not nervous.

It’s like floating on air, yet my mind is crystal clear, a feeling like that.

Now, I might be able to say bold things that I couldn’t say normally.

“Hey.”

“……?”

Hey, my adorable Masato.

“Can… we hold hands on the way to the shop?”

“……? Sure, that’s fine!”

Our fingers intertwine.

Masato’s hand is warm.

Ah.

It feels amazing.

Intoxicated with sweetness.

Hey, Masato.

I looked at him walking beside me.

My cool and cute Masato. Yet…

My poor Masato.

I’ll protect him.

So he doesn’t have to do this kind of work anymore. I’ll work hard for it.

I squeezed his hand tightly.

Let’s stay together forever.

(T/N: There’s only one chapter left to catch up with this, I’ll upload it by monday)