LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 5 - Where is the Ice Queen_
While I try to suppress my chaotic thoughts, I work hard.
Then, Shou starts talking to me.
“Hey, what on earth happened?”
For now, it seems best not to mention that I was invited.
After all, I still don’t fully understand what’s going on.
“I’m not sure. I was praised, though.”
“Hmm, I see. You are well-liked, aren’t you?”
“Am I?”
“You never get yelled at.”
“…Probably because I do what I’m told to do?”
“Well, there’s that. Oops, I better get to work. I’m getting glared at.”
When I follow his gaze, I meet eyes with Section Chief Matsuura.
However, her gaze quickly shifts away.
…Hmm, what’s going on?
Has it been about two months now?
I thought she had become gentler towards me…
“I better hurry up…”
I don’t know what I’m going to be told, but being late is definitely not good.
And… although it was a bit later than expected, I managed to finish work at 6:30.
By the way, Section Chief Matsuura left a little earlier than me.
Which means… I have to hurry!
“Oh, you couldn’t leave on time today? I guess it’s because of the section chief.”
…Well, that’s not entirely wrong.
“No, it’s probably just a coincidence. Maybe I got a little carried away with the praise. Well, good work.”
“Yeah, good work.”
I swipe my card and exit the building through the stairs.
“Uh… I won’t make it if I walk.”
Luckily, I manage to catch a taxi and get a ride to the bar.
Somehow, I arrive at 6:50.
In front of me, there is a bar with a retro vibe.
“Hmm… such a place at the outskirts of a residential area. Let’s go in.”
As I open the door and enter, I find myself in a bar with a retro atmosphere.
It’s a small space, but there are seats, and elaborate interior decorations are arranged.
And at the counter, there’s the master of the bar and…
Section Chief Matsuura, fitting the atmosphere of the place.
Her long legs elegantly crossed, her back straight, holding a glass with a slightly wistful expression…
…Damn, I’ve let my guard down and found myself staring.
That’s unacceptable behavior for a subordinate… Alright, don’t think about it.
“Huh?”
“Ah–Mito-kun, you made it.”
“Section Chief Matsuura, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”
It seems to be a private reservation.
“Please don’t call me that here. We’re in private, okay?”
“Uh, is that so? Then, what should I call you…?”
“Yo… you can call me Reina…”
“Excuse me? No, I can’t possibly call you by your first name… By the way, your face is already red. It seems I’ve kept you waiting… So, can I call you Reina-san?”
“Hmm… Alright, I’ll allow it.”
What? Is she sulking?
Huh? Was she always like this?
No, she’s cute but… she’s my boss!
I shouldn’t have such thoughts about my superior… Phew, calm down.
“Well, well, please take a seat.”
“Ah, yes. Um…”
“I’m sorry for the late introduction. I’m the master of this bar, Kurashiki. Feel free to call me Master.”
He’s a dandy man… With his hair slicked back in silver.
He looks over 60, but he has good posture and elegant movements.
Yeah… With the atmosphere and all, it’s a good bar.
“Thank you for your kindness. My name is Yuuma Mito.”
“Yes, I know. Reina-san told me about you.”
“Wha!? Mas… Master!”
“Ha ha… I wonder what she said…”
“No, I didn’t say anything special…”
“She praised your work. She said you’re a reliable person who does what you can properly…”
“Is that so… I’m just a boring person. I can only do things by the book. But, it makes me happy to hear that. Thank you, Reina-san.”
“Mito-kun!”
Wha… what!? She’s really angry!?
“Ye… Yes!”
“You are not a boring person at all! You always take the initiative to do the troublesome tasks that everyone hates! You’re always helping me!”
…She’s saying nice things.
But her tone has changed, and it feels like she’s breaking character…
“Thank you, I’m very happy. I appreciate you, Reina-san, for valuing such things.”
“Hmm… Your tone is too formal… Be more casual!”
“Excuse me? But, however…”
“It’s a boss’s order~!”
“But, I thought we were in private…?”
“…No… No good…?”
Wha… what!? She’s looking up at me with puppy eyes…!
Wha… was she always this cute!?
Who was it!? Who called her the Ice Queen!?
She’s just a cute woman…
“Ok… OK! I’ll try my best to do that!”
“Hmm~ you’re still too formal… But, I’ll forgive you!”
“Ho-ho, then please go ahead, Mr. Mito.”
“Ah — but…”
I’m not sure about the prices in a place like this.
“Don’t worry, it’s on me tonight!”
“But, you see…”
“You always work so hard, Mito-kun, I want to thank you!”
“Ms. Reina… In that case, may I take you up on your kind offer?”
“Of course! Hehe, this is so fun~. I’m always tired from work…”
“Haha… Well, you always work hard too.”
“You work hard as well, Mito-kun! But… I’m happy…”
“By the way… why did you invite me here today?”
“So… Does that mean I can’t invite you if there’s no reason…?”
“N-No, that’s not what I…”
“I knew it… You don’t want to hang out with an old woman like me… A woman in her late 20s…”
…No, that’s not it at all, you’re right in my strike zone.
…But work and personal life should be separate, right?
I try not to look at my coworkers in that way…
Having a romantic relationship at work… no matter how I look at it, it seems like it would lead to trouble.
And yet… if this is considered a personal matter…?
“No, that’s not an issue. But I usually try to avoid socializing with colleagues outside of work…”
“I understand… But… Is it okay if I invite you sometimes…?”
“Uh… Ha… Okay. I guess it’s fine every once in a while.”
“Really!? Hehe, I’m so happy…”
… Huh? Who am I talking to, again?
And how long am I supposed to drink?
… Well, it’s okay.
She’s always been good to me.
With these thoughts in mind, time passed…