The Person Who Gave Me An Extraordinary Life Was You, A Beautiful Executive Secretary - Chapter 7

Episode 7: Cherry Blossom’s Color and Bourbon

“Kousaka-san. Shall we go somewhere next?”

Exiting the tempura restaurant feeling full, Shiraishi-san said such a thing.

I’m fine with it, though.

I wonder if this extraordinary day will continue a little longer.

“Sure, but are you okay?”

I check on Shiraishi-san, whose face has become quite red.

“Yes, I’m still good to go today!”

With a lively response like that, I start thinking about where to go next. Since she took me to the tempura place, maybe it’s my turn to choose.

Somewhere we can chat a bit more.

“How about we go to a place I’ve been to before?”

“Yes, of course!”

Although I’ve only been there once.

It was at a drinking after-party that Yamagata had organized.

Heading to the station from there, we took a train for a few stops.

In a slightly dim alleyway, there’s a shop with bright neon lights.

Pushing the door open, we enter, finding the chic oak-toned interior bustling with patrons.

The subdued lighting creates a calm atmosphere.

“Table for two?”

“Yes. Would you prefer the counter or a table?”

A stern-looking older guy behind the counter, holding something like a wine bottle in one hand, responds.

“Shiraishi-san, which would you prefer?”

“Let’s go with the counter. It seems easier to talk there.”

“Understood. We’ll take the counter, please!”

With that, the guy behind the counter smiles and gestures toward the chairs lined up in front of him.

Sitting side by side there.

“This place serves delicious Italian dishes. Cocktails and wine are also recommended.”

“Thank you. Kousaka-san, you know good places.”

Embarrassed by her words, I realize it’s not me who knows, but the handsome and outgoing Yamagata.

Oh, right…

Suddenly, I ask the guy behind the counter.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes, what can I do for you?”

“I think I had an original cocktail here before. Is it still available?”

“Yes, it’s possible. What kind would you like?”

I turn to Shiraishi-san mischievously.

“Why not have an original cocktail made based on Shiraishi-san’s image?”

“Eh…me?”

“Yes. I’m sure it’ll be a beautiful drink.”

I recall Yamagata once making such a request for every girl present at the drinking party.

“Then, let’s give it a try.”

Shiraishi-san smiles shyly and nods.

Seeing that, the guy behind the counter looks at her with a gentle gaze and says,

“Excuse me, miss, were you crying?”

“Huh…? How did you know?”

“Just a feeling. I’ve seen many customers in this line of work. It’s not good to make such a lovely lady cry, sir.”

…Me?

Certainly, it’s probably because I asked something unnecessary that she ended up crying.

“It’s not your fault, Kousaka-san. I did it on my own, and I’m the one who invited you out today.”

Seeing her flustered, the guy behind the counter flashes his white teeth and loosens his cheeks.

“Just a moment, please. What will the gentleman be having?”

“Oh, I’ll have bourbon on the rocks. Shiraishi-san, anything else for you?”

“Then, I’ll have a Margherita pizza, please.”

“Certainly.”

Quietly acknowledging, the guy behind the counter picks up a few bottles from the shelf behind and starts working with ease.

“It’s surprising that we lived in the same apartment building, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. If we’re on different floors, we won’t see each other. Maybe it’s because we have different times to go to and from work.”

Maybe we’ve actually met before, I think for a moment, but then I quickly dismiss it.

If I had seen someone like Shiraishi-san before, I would surely remember.

“I’m a late riser, and I don’t usually work overtime.”

“I see. That means being exactly on time.”

Although it sounds nice when she says it, sometimes I get snide remarks from my boss about it.

As we chat for a while, the guy behind the counter stands in front of us and says quietly,

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

With that, he places a triangular glass in front of Shiraishi-san. I don’t know how he did it, but it’s filled with a white liquid, with a thin layer of deep crimson on top and a faint blue layer at the bottom, creating a three-layered structure.

A lemon slice is placed on the edge of the glass, with a straw stuck in it.

“What’s this…?”

“I made it based on the image of snow and ice. The top layer represents the sun melting it. Please mix it before drinking.”

“It feels like a waste to ruin it.”

She picks up the straw with her fingertips and slowly stir it. The entire glass turns into a pale pink color.

“When the snow and ice melt, the next season will be the cherry blossom. The spring sun will surely be warm.”

“It’s beautiful. Really, just like cherry blossom color.”

She quietly comments and brings the glass to her lips.

“…It’s sweet and delicious…”

Watching her like that, I’m impressed.

With just that exchange, this guy behind the counter has managed to capture the image of a woman named Setsuna Shiraishi and bring it to life.

If she is the snow holding the heart of ice, then surely when the sun that melts it arrives, it will gently envelop her with the warmth of spring cherry blossoms.

Silently, I pray for such a day to come.

As I sip the bourbon I ordered, it tastes a bit bitter.