Chapter 3: 3

“It seems that there will be no rain today,” the newscaster was seemingly worried about the crop yield in the morning weather forecast. Right now, the only ones that were thankful about low rainfall were the manufacturing employees. 

Drinking his vegetable juice pack at the convenience store eat-in counter, Chihiro was absentmindedly watching the sky that looked like it was about to rain at any given moment. 

On weekdays, he usually had a foldable umbrella in his work bag, but on weekends he always ended up forgetting about it. There was only a 30% chance of precipitation today, but if it did end up raining, it seemed like it would be light rainfall. 

While checking the weather radar app on his phone, Chihiro thought to himself offhandedly, “I’m like this now, too.” Even though it was a Sunday, he had no motivation. He had finished most of his chores, dropped off his dry-cleaning, and had extra time leftover. So now he was at a convenience store, resting his chin on his hands. 

Last week, the second day of the Crime Prevention Fair Exhibition had ended. During just those two days, inquiries about their products came in nonstop, and even the Sales Department was shocked, wondering what happened. 

Mukai had been in charge of the exhibition. The booth preparations and other various arrangements had already been completed under Hata’s initiative. Afterwards, Mukai took over while Hata naturally went around to assist. 

“Mid-career recruitment isn’t just talk, huh?” Having heard that kind of opinion, Chihiro had mixed feelings. What Mukai did wasn’t really anything all that special or shocking. He didn’t even have the time for it. 

He just polished everything little by little, got approval from Sales, and managed a few business SNS accounts. 

“That’s because he’s a pro at social media.” Hata had said it like that, but Mukai’s explanation was that he just happened to post the right content at the right time, nothing else. 

Chihiro had also seen him create a simple promotional video. As expected he’s proficient, Chihiro was impressed. But somehow or other it seemed that Mukai’s personal account had also been linked. However, the details remain unknown. 

“There’s probably a reason or use for it, but even if you ask him, he won’t tell you.” 

Mukai was courteous as always, calling Chihiro ‘Senpai,’ and treating him in a friendly manner. 

On the surface, Chihiro put on a superficial attitude, putting in a nice comment like, “We’re saved thanks to you,” while he could barely remain calm on the inside.

Ever since he was young, he was the type that was good at anything he tried, so he never had any reason to feel inferior to others. Occasionally, when he’d fail at something, he’d feel frustration and want to win by any means possible. He was aware of this personality trait of his and even thought it was quite childish. 

Which was precisely why Mukai’s existence alone was depressing. 

At least outside of work he wanted a change of mood. But his friends were all busy with their own things and he currently had no girlfriend either. He thought about moving forward with his relationship with Nanase, but even she seemed to be busy these days constantly rejecting his invitations to hang out. Moreover, it was honestly hurting his pride. 

Checking the time, it was already past 2 o’clock. Even if he went home now, there was nothing to do there. At times like this, the best thing to do was exercise, but the gym Chihiro frequented was busy on Sunday afternoons. So that was a no-go, too. 

Should I go see a movie, taking his phone out to check  for movie showtimes, Chihiro noticed a reminder. 

Occasionally, the General Affairs Department holds a seminar as part of their company training. Like most of the other employees, Chihiro usually ignored it. But Mukai had seemed interested, remarking, “There are even employee benefits like this.” 

At that time, Chihiro had somehow ended up setting a reminder for the same seminar Mukai was checking out. The seminar was titled “Open Innovation by Public & Private Sectors,” and the flyer displayed the faces of various older gentlemen. 

Chihiro had set the reminder for the seminar but had forgotten about it. The venue was located in a business complex that wasn’t too far from where Chihiro was currently at. It also had a shopping area so it was the perfect place to kill some time. The place was pretty big, too, so there was a low chance that he would bump into Mukai. 

Looking up at the sky, the clouds had parted and it seemed like even the rain would wait. 

I’ll go check it out and if it’s boring, I’ll just leave half-way, Chihiro thought to himself as he crushed the juice pack and got up to leave. 

And there, he saw something he didn’t want to see. 

♢♦♢♦

The high rise business building the seminar was taking place in had the commerce area located on the middle floors. The offices and meeting rooms that were located on the upper floors could be accessed by service elevators. 

Despite it being a weekend, the elevator hall was full of men and women in business suits. They were all of different ages, and even though some of the younger people were dressed somewhat casually, they still wore leather shoes. Meanwhile, Chihiro, who had come dressed in jeans and sneakers, stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Right as he debated leaving, he suddenly noticed a tall man looking over at him. 

“Minami-san” 

Ah, just as Chihiro thought to himself, Mukai approached him. He was wearing a grey shirt and no tie. His coat was draped over his arm. His elegant business-casual style was truly appropriate for the place, and once again, Chihiro felt his own student-like getup embarrassing. 

On top of that, Mukai was there with someone. 

Nanase. He was startled when he realized. 

“Minami-san, you came to the seminar, too?” 

“Ah, no, I’m just doing some shopping. I got off on the wrong floor.” 

Nanase was also visibly agitated. Naturally so, since Chihiro had invited her out today but she had turned him down saying she didn’t feel well. 

“Oh, you came together with Nanase-san?” Chihiro pretended like he had just noticed. His pride wouldn’t let him show his anger on his face. However, no person would be able to let it go as if nothing at all had happened. “When did you two become so close?” Chihiro asked particularly cheerfully. 

“No, we just met by chance.” Mukai replied, having noticed nothing. “When I stopped by the General Affairs Office to ask the lecturer a question, I happened to bump into Nanase-san. Since she was also attending the seminar, she proposed we go together.” 

“Hm, I see.” Chihiro gave Nanase a knowing look. Nanase awkwardly averted her gaze. 

It was obvious that Nanase accompanied Mukai with that kind of intention. Realizing that, Chihiro felt an indescribable annoyance and fell into silence. At the unnatural silence, Mukai looked from one to the other with a confused expression. 

“Bye then.” Hearing the clunking sound of the elevator arriving, Chihiro turned around to leave. 

It’s not like he and Nanase were dating anyways. It’s just that, under a tacit understanding, they were enjoying a more-than-friends-but-less-than-lovers relationship. 

Even so, the humiliation of losing to someone like Mukai made him feel sick. Above all, the fact that Nanase lied to him about not feeling well enough to meet hurt his pride the most. 

It’s not that he had never been dumped before by his previous girlfriends. But back then, Chihiro had also gotten bored of the relationship or found another girl who caught his attention. This was the first time he experienced this kind of slap to the face and he was in shock. 

The escalator was steadily moving down. As he descended from the flock of suit-clad people, to the high-brand fashion floor, down to the bustling casual shops, Chihiro felt like his worth was also plummeting.  

He became furious with Mukai for making him feel like this. 

Mukai had probably seen through Chihiro and Nanase’s relationship. His eyes had widened and showed a slightly bewildered expression. 

That almost sympathetic expression on his face further irritated Chihiro. 

I’m gonna submit a transfer request.

While blindly weaving through the crowd of people, Chihiro made a sudden decision. 

At least half of his fellow colleagues had already experienced reassignment.  He was rather comfortable with his current position so he hadn’t planned on requesting a transfer, but he had always thought that maybe at some point he would. 

Even though he was not yet due for any promotions, transfering would be advantageous for strengthening personal connections within the company. This was a good opportunity. Timing-wise, his request would probably be accepted if he sent it in. 

I’ll discuss it at the next career interview. 

While reflecting on it, his mood cleared a little, and he finally slowed down his walking speed. 

As he exited the building, a few small raindrops were falling, but it held out until he reached the station. 

♢♦♢♦

Be that as it may, he had to get along with Mukai for the time being. 

On Monday, Chihiro put his feelings behind him and went to work. 

“Good morning.”

“Morning. How was the seminar yesterday?” Returning a greeting to Mukai who was always the first one in, Chihiro inquired offhandedly. 

Mukai, also acting like nothing happened, replied, “It was tolerable.” 

More than two months had passed since he started working with Mukai. While Chihiro treated him as a coworker, Mukai still treated Chihiro as a superior. If one were to say it’s awkward, it was indeed awkward, but Mukai’s whole existence was uncomfortable for Chihiro, so he just decided to not think too deeply about it.  

“Mukai-kun, you really are diligent, huh. I should follow suit, too.” 

“Would you like to go together next time, Minami-san?” 

Sure enough, Mukai was not a bad person. Chihiro didn’t know what happened afterwards with Nanase, but even after guessing the delicate situation between himself and Nanase , Mukai was acting as if he hadn’t noticed anything at all. Maybe he was secretly amused on the inside, but he was considerate enough to not show it. 

“Uh huh, invite me next time.” 

“Is it really okay?” 

He had just said it to be polite, but Mukai had a strangely positive response. 

“Depends on the topic though.” 

“I will invite you! Seeing Minami-san in casual clothes, you looked really young, I was surprised.” Mukai narrowed his eyes as if just remembering. “Letting your hair down also really suits you.” 

At Mukai’s strange compliments, Chihiro bitterly thought to himself, I wonder if he’s being nice because of the Nanase incident. 

Admittedly, Mukai was more of a catch and had nothing to worry about, the self-abasing thought crossed Chihiro’s mind. No matter how deep he thought about it, he couldn’t think of anything positive. Chihiro changed his train of thought. 

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“About today’s meeting with the Development Department…” Upon arriving at his desk, Mukai, who was sat next to him, turned the tablet display to Chihiro. “I’ve compiled the questionnaire from the previous exhibition, and I’ll submit this.” 

“Mn, understood.” 

“I think I’ll get a reply today for the request I put together with the feedback, so let’s decide on a course of action for the next sales promotion ahead of time.” 

Chihiro was finally getting a little bit used to Mukai’s working speed. 

Up until now, matters that took two round trips to resolve, Mukai would handle in just one trip. He’d also cut down on time by informing everyone on the spot about the final decisions. As a result, the other departments also responded much faster to all matters concerning Mukai. 

“You’ve already looked over this, right? Thank you very much,” Mukai pointed at the pamphlet that was on his desk. He had handed it over to Chihiro earlier, asking for his input on the materials to be used for the new product development. Chihiro had left some comments on sticky notes and stuck them on the pamphlet. 

“I don’t think my opinion will be of much use though.” Chihiro was getting fed up with his own self-deprecating behavior. 

“That’s not the case at all.” 

Mukai gently peeled the sticky note off. He was the only one who actually valued Chihiro’s opinion. Mukai was Sales Promotion. Everyone around them saw it that way. 

For their indoor security cameras and alarm devices, several prototypes were to be made to enhance the interior design. In addition, they were to manufacture and sell a series of  keychain-alarms for cell phone use and other self-protection goods. The test sales should finish before the year is out, and the plan was to start the EC store promotion in the spring. 

———I’m handing it all over to you, so do as you like. 

Thinking that it would be nice if he could say that outloud, Chihiro focused on doing his part unperturbed. 

⬧⬨⬧⬨

Between meetings, discussions, and sample checks at the factories, summer passed by in a flash. 

“It seems the rooftop garden restaurant by the station is closing after this week,” in the last week of August, after a simple meeting with the younger employees of the Product Development Department, Mukai made a suggestion. “Why don’t we all go?” 

“Oh, that sounds great!” 

In both the Product Development Department and Sales, Mukai had become someone that everyone looked up to. 

“Let’s go!~” 

“Come to think of it, I’ve never been to a beer garden before.” 

“Minami-san, you’ll come too, right?” Mukai went out of his way to check with Chihiro.

“Ah…Yeah, sure. I guess I’ll come.” He hesitated for a moment, but not wanting to dampen everyone’s mood, he agreed. 

He was reluctant to go, even though originally he was the type that didn’t mind going out drinking with a large group of people. Previously, it was Chihiro that would call out to his colleagues and take the initiative to invite everyone out. He’d even be the one to make all the arrangements. 

But ever since the day of the seminar, hating the idea of seeing Nanase, he stopped attending his colleagues’ get togethers. Mukai, too, had invited him out for drinks after work a couple times, but he’d make up excuses to refuse. 

Although he was still kind of curious as to what had happened between Nanase and Mukai, since then, he had ceased all contact with Nanase and decided he had nothing to do with her anymore. 

That day, they finished work early and everyone headed to the beer garden by the station. The beer garden was popular for its all-you- can-drink craft beer and wide variety of food, such as roast beef and authentic sausages that were cut on the spot. 

At the end of the summer, the roof of the station building was enjoying its last excitement. It wasn’t really windy, and though it was humid, it was the perfect kind of weather for drinking beer. 

“This is the second time I’m drinking with you, Minami-san.” Mukai said, casually sitting down next to Chihiro. 

“Sorry for always turning down your invites.” Chihiro had a bit of a guilty conscience for always turning him down. 

“I apologize, too, for always inviting you when the timing was off.” 

Mukai had no worries. However, recently Chihiro had doubts whether that was really the case. Mukai was very perceptive and sharp. He probably realized that Chihiro was conflicted. 

Maybe he was trying to win Chihiro over because he didn’t like being hated? Or maybe deep down, he was actually ridiculing him. 

You’re going to get exhausted reading too much into everything like this, Chihiro thought to himself as he loosened the collar of his dress shirt. Mukai, who was sat next to him,  for some reason, averted his eyes in a fluster. 

“What’s with you, Minami, you’re so quiet today!” After chatting with everyone for a while, the Product Development leader sitting across from them, suddenly noticing them, asked half-jokingly. 

Whenever Mukai was there, Chihiro would unconsciously clam up. 

“It’s nothing. I think I’m just a little unwell from the summer heat.” 

“Then you have to eat!” One of the girls from Product Development that was sitting across from Mukai put some roast beef on a plate and placed it right in front of Chihiro. Yanagawa was two years Chihiro’s junior and was a very considerate and caring girl. 

Incidentally, both her and Nanase had attended the same university. He’d heard from Nanase once that because of that, they often had girls-only gatherings. 

“You know, about Mukai-kun, I wonder if he has a girlfriend.” Just as Mukai had left his seat, Chihiro, feigning interest, quietly asked Yanagawa. After all, he was still curious about what happened between him and Nanase. Even if he didn’t ask about them directly, he could guess from Yanagawa’s reaction since she knew them both. 

However, Yanagawa gave a completely unexpected reply. 

“Aah~ Mukai-san? It seems that guy has no interest in women.” 

“Eh?”

There was no one around the two of them as most people got up to go wash their hands or get more food. Even so, Yanagawa lowered her voice. 

“The other day, when I went out for lunch, we met by chance. I casually asked him if he had a girlfriend and that was how he responded.” 

“What does that mean?”

“Who knows. I don’t know either,” Yanagawa shrugged.  

Just as Chihiro was thinking to himself that maybe Mukai was not interested in dating currently because he was busy at work, Yanagawa got a strange expression on her face. 

“I was just making idle talk, but he retorted with, ‘How are you asking such private things these days?’ and it was so awkward.” 

Mukai was highly respected in both sales, product development, and even here. On top of being really good at his job, he always had a gentle manner about him and was easy to get along with. Chihiro thought that everyone had a favorable opinion about him. But, it seemed that Yanagawa was a bit different. 

“At first glance, Mukai-san seems like a friendly person, but once the camera is off, there’s an intimidating part to him. If he was originally a strict person, I would just think that he is that kind of person. But if you look at him closely, he’s the kind of person whose eyes are never smiling. I’m not really good with those kinds of people.” 

“Oh really…? I see.” While listening to Yanagawa talk, Chihiro tilted his head at the information he just heard. Yanagawa’s opinion of Mukai was unexpected. But more than that…

He had no interest in women…?

Chihiro didn’t understand the nuance, but Yanagawa didn’t seem to be able to figure it out either. 

Chihiro thought it reasonable that Mukai probably meant that he just wanted to focus on work right now. But Yanagawa didn’t seem to think so, and Mukai was someone who spoke quite straightforwardly. 

If taken literally then, Chihiro thought to himself. 

….that guy, was he gay?

Right as Chihiro startled himself with that revelation, Mukai returned to his seat. 

“Minami-san, if you’d like, please eat this.” 

“Ah, thanks.” 

Mukai smiled pleasantly as he placed a plate of beautifully arranged salami and olives in front of Chihiro. Chihiro felt shaken for no reason. Yanagawa turned to talk to the girl in the next seat who came back from the buffet area. The Product Development leader and other coworkers had also gone to get more food or went out for a smoke. 

“About the summer heat fatigue, are you alright?”

Chihiro felt a little flustered now that it was just the two of them talking. Even though at work it was mostly just the two of them, Chihiro didn’t see the point in panicking now. He forced a smile. 

“It’s no big deal. The weather’s cooling down anyways.” 

“But you look like you’ve lost some weight.” Mukai said while closely observing Chihiro’s body.

Chihiro suddenly felt a chill on his nape. 

“Your shoulders are getting thinner.” 

“I don’t think so.” 

“Please eat this, too, if you’d like.” Mukai placed an olive and cheese skewer on Chihiro’s plate. “They also have wine. Should I bring you some?” 

“It’s fine, it’s fine, I’ll go get it myself.” 

Chihiro unconsciously touched his unbuttoned collar. This time, Mukai didn’t avert his eyes. He started at Chihiro’s fingertips nonchalantly. 

It was at that moment that Chihiro realized. 
———Is Mukai perhaps looking at me “in that sense”?

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