With a cup of coffee he bought from a nearby food truck in one hand, Shinobu sighed, looking utterly exhausted.
Shinobu: I'm glad the discussion went smoothly.
I really expected nothing less from you, especially when you made them say either "yes" or "okay” and nothing else.
Riku: Not really. It's because I had such a strong ally like Shinobu.
The people I was negotiating with just now were those involved in the case that the Watchdog Dept. had been handling until recently.
Riku: (I bet they never imagined their proud son would be that mischievous...)
Shinobu: Those parents were incredibly intimidating, weren't they? They kinda resembled Ai-san in a way.
Shinobu: Perhaps it was because the conversation progressed based on facts, without getting bogged down in emotional arguments.
Riku: Oh, I see. In that sense, they might have been similar in nature.
In any case, having Shinobu there really couldn’t reassure me more. Thanks.
Shinobu: There you go again! The way you can say things like that so naturally and casually is what makes you "Riku-san."
Riku: Showering me with praise, huh.….. Is there anything you'd like me to buy for you?
Shinobu: Nyahaha. Now that was quite a response.
Ah. But, if I'm going to take you up on your offer...
Riku: Something for Aporia guys? I was thinking of stopping by Hapido, what do you think?
Shinobu: Woah, amazing...! Riku-san, are you a psychic by any chance?
Riku: Hmm? I mean, Shinobu, you have a shift later, right? Not to mention, Kamiya is also here today.
Shinobu: Sheesh, that’s Riku-san for you. Being considerate in all directions and treating everyone equally.
Riku: Well, I love everyone at Aporia.
If we're talking about someone who is truly unbiased, it's probably Ai. He doesn't really have any likes or dislikes for people and he’s fair to everyone.
Riku: (Haha. Looks like he doesn't get it.)
Not changing his attitude based on the other person's position or title. Treating everyone as equal.
---That's the kind of person Kosaka Ai is.
Riku: (That's why people naturally gather around him.)
Ai: Thank you for your hard work. I'm glad everything went well.
But if it was just a report, instead of coming all the way to the office, wouldn’t a call or Chattas suffice?
Shinobu gave me a questioning look. As for me, I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle—Thinking about how Ai was still Ai at the end of the day, I opened my mouth.
Riku: Simply put, I wanted to report while looking at Ai's face. Also, I wanted to bring some treats for everyone.
Shinobu: It's Hapido! We also got a less sweet version for Ai-san.
Riku: You need a sugar boost for some brain labor, right?
Ai: That's not the problem here.
“And you already know that, don't you?”, Ai's gaze pierced straight at me.
I nodded back and directed my eyes and nose to the box of Hapido before asking, "Want some?"
Ai: I'm going out now, so I'll have some later.
Riku: Got it. Be careful.
Ai nodded with a sigh and left the office.
Shinobu: I wonder if something happened to Ai-san.
Riku: Did he seem to be in a bad mood?
Shinobu: He seemed rather cold, kinda.
I don’t really get an impression that he would say something like “You don't need to come all the way to the office to report..."
Riku: Ah, what he said earlier... That was just his thoughtfulness.
A call or Chattas would have sufficed…. Also known as “you don’t have to come all the way just to give me some treats”?
Riku-san just mentioned that he treats everyone equally, no matter who they are. Was that one of the examples?
Shinobu said with a slight smile on his lips, sounding somewhat impressed.
Shinobu: Still, I feel like Riku-san is in a "special case" for Ai-san.
Shinobu: I mean…. If it were the usual Ai-san, as long as it wasn't harmful to himself or Aporia, I don’t think he would say something like that.
Had it been just me, I’m sure he would have just ignored what I said, or dismissed it with a simple "do as you please."
Shinobu: I see, so that was considered a consideration for Riku-san.
Riku: (Ai pretty much knew what’s up, so he pointed that out…)
Even so, the fact that Shinobu saw me as "a special case" made me feel a little ticklish.
Several hours later.
Ai returned to the office after finishing a meeting.
Riku: Welcome back, Ai. I have been waiting. I’m just thinking we could go home together.
Seeing Ai open his mouth as if to say something, I continued ahead of him.
Riku: I wasn't just simply killing time, you know? I handed over the treats, tasted the new menu items...
And helped out with Yuzuru's work, since he suddenly had to deal with another matter. Also, Ito’s work.
Riku: Also, that meeting... It's about that matter, right? I want to hear the report while looking at Ai's face.
Riku: Judging by your reaction, it went well without a hitch, right? Shall we raise a toast then?
Ai: I'll pick the location.
With a huge sigh, the venue Ai chose was—Surprisingly (?), his own place.
As I sat on the living room sofa, Ai returned with a bottle in his hand.
Ai: I knew you would notice. It’s a gift from a business partner.
Riku: Sure, it’s perfect for a celebratory toast, but... You sure about this?
Ai: Of course. Riku-san will probably appreciate the true value of this whiskey more than I do.
I'll go prepare some snacks.
Soon, glasses and whiskey, canapés Ai had prepared, and salmon carpaccio I had made were laid out on the table.
Ai: I didn't even know there was salmon in freezer.
Riku: It must be from Yuzuru, we’ll have to thank him later.
Ai nodded, he seemed more relaxed than usual judging by his tone. His fork then reached for the carpaccio—
Riku: How was it? Did it suit your taste?
Riku: Oh, I’m glad to hear that... Well, it’s a given that I tasted it beforehand, but still...
Ai: Your skill isn’t bad, no need to worry so much.
Riku: Oh. You sure said something nice.
But when it comes to serving it to other people, I still get worried. I guess the only way to get better at this is through practice.
Ai: I'll practice with you as much as you need.
Riku: Haha. That's reassuring to hear.
Even though we're drinking. Knowing Ai, he’s completely serious.
Ai: …..By the way, Riku-san.
Today is your first day off in a while, isn’t it?
Riku: Correct. Although it'll be over soon.
Ai: I’m aware this may not be something I should say after I consulted with you about the follow-up process.
But you're spending too much time at Aporia.
Can I interpret that as, "you should spend more time on yourself"?
Riku: I’m grateful for your concern. But I'm really fine, I only take on things I can handle after all.
Not to mention… If my motivation is simply wanting to see my cute "little brother's" happy face, that means I've already spent time for myself, right?
Ai: What kind of logic is that?
Ai didn’t give in to my sweet-talk nor did he deny it. The words I exchanged with Shinobu suddenly flashed through my mind.
Riku: If we're talking about someone who is truly unbiased, it's probably Ai. He doesn't really have any likes or dislikes for people and he’s fair to everyone.
Riku: My logic holds water partly because of Ai, though.
Ai: I doubt it holds a thing.
Riku: Really? But it's Ai who makes me feel like an "older brother."
Geez, I really can’t with you….
No further words were heard, Ai picked up his glass. I let out a small laugh and followed my younger brother, who was showing me a rare expression in front of his older brother.
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