ＡＵＬ⭐

まずはライブお疲れ様でした。 アウールです。今はあうるって仮名で変えました（？） どうでもいいでしょうｗ

はい、真面目に書きます 私は高校生の時に嵐っていうグループ見つけました 本当に最悪の状態で出会えましたね あの頃の私はうつ病で自○しようとしていました そしてやっぱりあの時の推しの声をもう一度聞きたくて、 当日推しがVS嵐に出させてもらった動画を再生しました そして右手にナイフ持った瞬間めっちゃ面白い事を言っていた二宮和也さんが聞こえてきてまだ日本語勉強中の私にもめっちゃくっちゃおもろいでしたね ちょっと気になってぐっちゃぐっちゃの顔で涙がまだ乾いたもなく、ナイフ持ったままVS嵐を見てました 気づいたら最後まで見てました

ナイフを下ろして私はすぐ嵐っていうグループ検索しました 名前だけでは勿論もう知っています 有名だとは勿論知ってました 曲も聞いたことありました でもどんなグループなのかさっぱり分からない

調べたらまさかずっと見ていた俳優たちはアイドルなんだ 初めてパフォーマンス見たのはDaylightでした おもろいお兄ちゃんと思いきや まさかのかっこいいお兄ちゃんたちなんだね

そこから私は嵐のバスに乗ってずっとここまで進んでました 明日っていうものを待ってることができました 希望をくれてありがとうございました

私からはね、

嵐って恩人でもあるし、 日本語の先生でもあるし、 私と共に生活にいる存在で

正直に言いますと辛いです 活動終了が

休止のあといろんな新たな推しと出会って どれも素敵な人たちでしたが こんなに好きになるのはやっぱり嵐だけなんだ 可笑しいのかもしれないけど やっぱり嵐なんだ

人生の中で嵐と出会えたことが悔いのない選択でした 本当に会えてよかった、好きになってよかった

そしてね、休止する時も言いましたが あなたたちの決めるものなんで応援します ただ約束をしてください

幸せに生きてください それだけが私の変わらないずっと望んでいたことです あなたたちの笑顔を守りたいし あなたたちの大事なものは私にとっても大事

だからもっと幸せになってください

私も あなたたちが１ミリも存在すら知らない あなたたちが救った命を 大切にして生きていきます

時が来たらまた会えますように いつもいつもありがとうね

大好きだよ 昨日も今日も明日も ずっと

The regular meeting that started with “if there's nothing in particular, we’ll make it short”, really ended in less than 10 minutes. As I was getting ready to leave, I casually mentioned that I had trouble drafting the e-mail for the new client in English. The one that offered to take a look was Okiya Sei-san. The first thing he said after silently staring at the monitor made me take my gaze back from wandering the bookshelf lightly.

Shizuka: I didn’t see that one coming at all.

Sei: Oh, my apologies. It’s just that the working terms for Aporia are pretty much standard like other companies out there. The fact that someone capable of negotiating those terms even as a freelancer would take a full-time job, and even on top of that accepted a role that has nothing to do with a system like the  Head of the Watchdog Department. When I think about it again, it really is quite something.

Shizuka: ……

Sei: As for the draft, there’s nothing wrong about them. I think it can be read with almost the same nuance as the original.

Shizuka: Thank you.

Sei: I’m happy to be of help. If it’s something like this you can ask me anytime.

Shizuka: Okay.

Shizuka: …… To answer the question. It’s because the salary and benefits are good.

Sei: Pardon?

Shizuka: The reason I became full-time at Aporia.

Sei: Oh, thank you for the answer. Salary and benefits. Although they are common reasons, it is no exaggeration to say that it is the most important point when it comes to working conditions.

Shizuka: That’s right. If I can earn efficiently, I don’t care much about anything else.

Sei: Efficiently…

Shizuka: It’s not like I want to work forever.

Sei: Now I’m the one who didn’t see that coming. It does sound like you want to retire early. Either way, I thought you’re the type that really loves to bury yourself with “work”. From the rumor I heard "whenever I go to his house, there’s a pile of lethal doses of energy drink cans lying around”.

Shizuka: Was it Shinkai?

Sei: Fufu, anyway from now on please don’t push yourself too hard and take care of your life in earnest. There’s also another rumor, I heard in your last workplace you were handling something that is life threatening on a daily basis.

Shizuka: Someone was exaggerating that part for sure.  Well, it’s too shady to be defended anyway. But I never heard of any people dying until the end of my service. Also, as you can see, I’m still alive and all. 

Sei: So, it’s not like you were worn down both physically and mentally by the continued suffering, and had no choice but to retire after reaching the limit eventually.

Shizuka: It was time to resign for me anyway, so I just quit.

Sei: That’s a relief. Fushimi-kun is strong as a person. So, I thought that’s a possibility.

Shizuka: Strong as a person?

Sei: Mainly on the psychology side. If I were simply to say you're “mentally strong”, that’s all about it, but your strength is not something that can be described by that alone. Especially your courage to handle people which stands out even in Aporia.

Shizuka: ……?

Sei: Fushimi-kun, no matter who you face, you neither excessively flatter them nor do you reject them.

Shizuka: Well, if what you mean by “excessively” is “more than necessary”, then yes. I don't want to get tired doing something I don't have to.

Sei: “Accept logic and duty equally, and don’t demand anything more than necessary.” It’s a way that could be considered an ideal human relationship. However it’s easier said than done. You are fair and lenient, those traits of yours could bring about a rare balance. I find that a great strength. 

Sei: And that’s the charm that attracts people. Or should I say “that’s how people ended up attracted to you”

Shizuka: …… 

Sei: How you handle people probably gives comfort to those who feel pain and difficulty in so-called “normal” social interaction. 

That comfort will turn into a treasure that can’t be let go. Perhaps, there’s a case like that.

Shizuka: …… If that’s a compliment, thanks.

Sei: It is indeed a compliment, you’re welcome.

Sei: By the way—- is there a case like that comes to your mind?

Shizuka: (Don’t tell me……)

Sei: Sorry for beating around the bush. The other day, I got a report from Soyogu-kun about something that happened on the way back from the proxy work site. 

Sei: A coincidental meeting with your childhood friend, is it okay to ask a bit about Fukuhara-san?

Shizuka: (As I thought, it's a build-up for this topic.)

It's okay. In fact, I fully expected that topic to pop up today. But, for some reason, the meeting ended without that being brought up.

Sei: I'm sorry. When it’s time to check the recent situation, there's no report for such a thing from Fushimi-kun. Thinking about how to do it, I heard Soyogu-kun say “he’s not asking me to keep quiet” so…

Shizuka: If it was another human, I would somehow make them keep quiet about it. But, for Shinkai, it's related to work.

When I took the position of the Head of the Watchdog Department, there's an additional clause “guaranteed of safety" added to the contract. Since Shinkai was the one who’s in charge of that job, asking him not to report about “that” was impossible.

Sei: When you were walking through the street, you ran into him. As soon as he saw you guys, suddenly he rushed over and tried to strangle Soyogu-kun…. 

This is the report I’ve heard. Is there any mistake or misunderstanding? 

Shizuka: Nope, it happened just like how it’s said.

Sei: Soyogu-kun was impressed. He said you seemed not surprised at all and handled it calmly.

Shizuka: I mean, of course I was surprised. But I just thought there’s no time to be surprised, so I just do what I must.

Shizuka: It’s a good thing Shinkai was not injured, but we still needed to turn him in to the police.

Sei: Despite being surprised, you can still respond meaning you were used to that side of him…. Right?

Shizuka: He’s always done something extreme since long ago.

Sei: So it’s not uncommon.

Shizuka: However, Kei… Fukuhara has the reason for acting strangely. As long as he can avoid that, everything should be peaceful. The occurrence was not as frequent as what Okiya-san might have imagined. 

It’s not like he’s born like “that”.

Sei: …… I see.

—

When we were children, he was the one that would get angry and cry on my behalf. No tears or anger needed, watching Kei made me feel at ease. I never asked him to nor did I have any ulterior motive. But, since he always did it on my behalf…… I was probably the one that pushed Kei who used to be “normal”.

Kei: …… Huu … uh … hiks … I don’t want it … I don’t want to see… Shizu-kun like this… How can I make you feel at ease? I’ll get rid of everyone who makes Shizu-kun suffer, just say the name… I’ll make some notes…

Shizuka: That’s dangerous. You don’t need to get rid of anyone, no matter how many people are gone, my job wouldn’t change.

Kei: …… So, it won’t work unless it’s Shizu-kun himself who disappears?

Shizuka: Don’t heed something unpleasant.

Kei: In that case … I …

Shizuka: (Ah…) 

(At this point, he’ll just…)

Kei: …… I can’t ! I can’t kill Shizu-kun !!!

Shizuka: ……It’s a problem if you can. For now, just stop crying and calm down. If you keep making noises like this, the neighbor will report you.

Kei: But…… 

Shizuka: I’ll resign from the company.

—

After that problem and work filled up more. There’s no time. I couldn’t go home. I didn’t see the end of it.  At that kind of lifestyle, Kei was the one who reached the limit first.  If at that time Kei was not like that, probably I wouldn't change work. At the end, even as an adult, I would make him do something “on my behalf”.

Shizuka: (...... Come to think of it, it was the neck at that time too. Well, that’s what happens when you take someone's life with bare hands.)

Even at this very moment, I don’t know how to restart everything. I can’t decide whether Kei getting involved with me is a good thing or not. However, I can predict from past examples what will happen if I completely cut Kei off from me in his current state, so I'm avoiding that option.  There’s nothing you can do once something is damaged beyond repair anyway. 

Shizuka: I barely to almost never talk about Aporia, only spoke about a few things that would cause no harm. At least I made him promise not to come to the dorm” and “if you saw me outside, don’t talk to me carelessly”. 

So, I think it’s okay for now. Even if it doesn't seem like that, I would consult in advance.

Sei: I see. Got it, please do that.

Shizuka: Sure.

… Ah, I’m sorry but I got an appointment so I need to leave now.

Sei: I’m also sorry for holding you back for so long. Are you going out?

Shizuka: No, it’s just Aizawa-kun stopping by.

Sei: Oh, Shinobu-kun. Is it the cleaning?

Shizuka: Yes.

Sei: Fufu. I see… When the long awaited early retirement happens, you should look for a place to settle down that’s close to Shibuya.

Shizuka: Eh? But I want to be away from here.

Sei: But, if it’s too far, won’t it be difficult for Shinobu-kun? The transportation cost will also increase.

Shizuka: …Well, when the time comes, I’ll just pay for it.

Sei: Seems like “not calling him” is not even a choice.

Shizuka: I know I’m just repeating myself, but I don't want to get tired doing something I don't have to.

Sei: Meaning that if it’s something you must do, you’ll do it no matter how tired you are. What a wonderful thing to say. 

Shizuka: It’s a matter of phrasing, huh….

Sei: Fufu.

Wherever I go, no matter how far. The messy and unresolved things pile up before I even get to close my eyes.  The reality that becomes burdensome just by acknowledging it. I can only deal with it once it arises.  Build, execute, revise, and repeat until the necessary parts are connected in the ideal way.

After everything is done, what lies ahead, “eventually”--  A place where one is not tied down to anyone or anything. A moment when one can finally rest and shut eyes in peace. That’s my wish.

-END-

Hi everyone. First of all thank you for the proofread kumonkunliker on X. HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY. Hope you enjoy the event and can't wait for all staff song yeay!

Shido-san’s voice got interrupted by Fushimi-san’s phone ring.

Kyoya: Go ahead

Shizuka: Thanks

He quickly checked the phone, but Fushimi-san just put it back in his pocket without doing anything.

Ito: Is it okay?

Shizuka: It’s nothing really.

Ito: (It’s not some sort of trouble, right?......)

Shizuka: It’s really okay, just another drunkard

Ito: (Drunkard? The person that Fushimi-san talks to in that manner can only be......)

Ito: Is it Aizawa-kun?

Shizuka: Close enough, it’s Mika. As you may have guessed, it’s a drinking invitation. If you’re interested you can go in my place. It looks like they’re already pretty drunk.

Kyoya: Haha, Fushimi-kun  you’re so popular.

Shizuka: It’s not like that. Anyway, I think you were about to say something

Kyoya: Ah, right. Well, I want to talk about Van Gogh more.

Kyoya: Actually, when Fushimi-kun said Van Gogh’s name, I just thought it’s really interesting. Probably more than you think. The remarkable and intensely passionate Van Gogh and Fushimi-kun who always maintains a calm demeanor. Van Gogh sought others' company yet tormented by deep loneliness all his life. Fushimi-kun never takes initiative to seek others yet is always surrounded by people.

Shizuka: ……

Kyoya: How is it? There’re so many famous painters out there and you said Van Gogh out of all the people, it’s such a shame to think it’s mere a coincidence.

Shizuka: That’s what you said, but I don’t think there’s anything else beyond coincidence.

Ito: (What a clear statement.) 

Shizuka: And just now, weren’t you just casually trying to sneak a “knowledge” into me?

Kyoya: Correct. Because, back then, you said….

~

Shizuka: Like the foundation of the painter, or when you understand the meaning and the motive of the painting, it will give you something to think about.

~

Kyoya: That means as long as there's information you can enjoy it. You can feel the knowledge in yourself, right?  That means as long as there's enjoyable information…. You can feel the knowledge, right? 

Shizuka: Isn’t that just jumping to conclusions?

Ito: (I can see the point in Shido-san’s opinion. But, also if Fushimi-san said no then I think that’s all about it……)

Shizuka: Well then, I’ll excuse myself. 

Fushimi-san got on the elevator. And I saw him take out the phone from his pocket.

Kyoya: What will he do with Mika-san’s invitation, I wonder. 

Whether Fushimi-san is interested in it or not, he’s not someone who would get swayed for the sake of keeping up with others.

Ito: (The painting talks like earlier as well.... I mean, in this world, there are some invitations you can’t just decline.)

Fushimi-san thinks about accepting to go to a drinking party while he can’t drink alcohol, or when to art’s even that he’s not interested in? But I really couldn’t help but wonder what ran through his mind when a non-drinker like him accepted an invitation to a drinking party or when he participated in an art event despite having no interest in art. 

I don’t really get it. But, I guess this is one of the reasons why there's always people gathering around Fushimi-san.

End.

Shizuka: Rather than appreciate it, I would just stare at it.

Kyoya:I think that’s enough appreciation for me. There’s no rules for viewing art.

Shizuka: I guess that makes sense for people who can perceive the emotions and purpose that carries on the painting. Like the foundation of the painter, or when you understand the meaning and the motive of the painting, it will give you something to think about.

Shizuka: But I don’t have that knowledge, and I don’t really interested in studying it at the moment. I would just think “It’s definitely a good painting” and that’s it.

Kyoya: That’s true, it's knowledge that is not really essential for living. I don’t plan to force it on you. I know it won’t pique Fushimi-kun’s interest even if I do that.

Shizuka: Just to be clear, I don’t have any intention to look down on Shido-san who makes a living from it.

Kyoya: Of course I know. But, as Fushimi-kun said, having knowledge always has the potential to spark something. If you are interested, on the day of treasure hunting, when you thought about something after seeing a painting, just call me over. I don’t mind even if it’s a simple praise like “it’s good.” 

Shizuka: Why would you go to such length?

Kyoya: Because I want it. Is that enough as the answer?

Shizuka: …… Fine, if I feel like it. 

Shizuka: ……

Kyoya: Is there something on my face?

Shizuka: I just think, you just reminded me of those guys. Set aside what I have to say and always go ahead with the invitation.

Ito: Ah, invitations from Mika-san and the rest of the Watchdog Dept. are always sort of assertive.

Kyoya: Because I know Fushimi-kun is kind.

Shizuka: …… If it were them, they would enjoy and have fun with this kind of play, and they would have different reactions, that might be entertaining in a way. They would be all gung-ho and say different things for the same painting.

Kyoya: Haha, that feels kind of nice. When that conversation takes place, you might be able to draw out your “thought”, don’t you think so?  

Shizuka: …… I’ll go change.

I had no idea what went on Fushimi-san’s mind after hearing Shido-san’s words. His expressionless face was just as unreadable as ever.

Kyoya: Actually, I have another pattern prepared, want to try it?

Shizuka: It’s okay, if the combination doesn't have any issue I’ll go with this.

Fushimi-san said it firmly and started to take off his scarf without changing his expression.

Ito: (Well, I know this is just his usual demeanor, but he probably isn't really into treasure hunting…)

Ito: (No, someone like Fushimi-san would reject it firmly if it really isn’t to his liking.) 

Kyoya: ……Oh right, since it’s a rare chance, I have a question for Fushimi-kun. Would you answer me? Would you mind?

Shizuka: As long as it’s something I can answer. 

Kyoya: Thank you, Fushimi-san do you have a favourite painter?

Shizuka: …….Are you sure you’re asking the right person?

Kyoya: I want to know about the distance between art and Fushimi-kun right now. From the looks of it seems like you don’t have any painter you like.

Shizuka: Yeah. Or if I have to name one, Van Gogh.

Kyoya: ……

Shizuka: I do know some famous names, but that’s about it. But I’m not knowledgeable enough to be able to pinpoint whether I like it or not. I don’t really have a chance to experience it.

Kyoya: I see, I can understand the distance now. Basically, there’s not many people that feel a sense of familiarity with art. That’s why I want you to enjoy many kinds of fine arts on the day of the treasure hunt.

Kyoya: Oh, of course it’s just my opinion. It’s not like I said it as the sponsor, so please don’t take it seriously.

Shizuka : Ah, sure.

Kyoya: Also, Van Gogh is really famous in Japan. His works are usually featured in special exhibitions. If there’s a chance, let’s visit.

Ito: Van Gogh is always famous. He is well-known now and then after all. 

Shizuka: I remember seeing somewhere that there's a line everyday. I don’t really understand the feeling of wanting to see a painting that makes anyone wait that long, so I can’t make any promise. Even if we went there, I don’t think the distance between me and art would shrink. I doubt I’d have any opinion that Shido-san would find interesting.

Ichikawa gave me a box of snacks with squirrel parents and a child drawing.

Shizuka: Tsukimoto-san already gave me the souvenir, though.

Haruhi: That’s from the Administrative Dept. This one the gift as a thanks personally from me. It’s natural for me as the owner to thank you for taking care of Okoge when I was away.

Shizuka: Natural… Is there such a thing?

Haruhi: Well, maybe.

Shizuka: (First of all, I haven’t done anything to deserve a thank you. Taking care of Okoge was just something I had already planned to do along with replanting the greenery anyway.)

And then something warm and soft just touched my leg.

Okoge: Meow

Without sound, Okoge appeared and rubbed its head against my feet as if asking to be pampered.

Shizuka: ……

Haruhi: That’s the kind of service it would give to someone who really takes care of it.   Couldn’t be more obvious, huh? 

Shizuka: Service…

Haruhi: As Fushimi-san said, it’s a smart cat.

Okoge: Meow~

As if to confirm Icikawa’s words, Okoge meowed at me.

Haruhi: So, please don’t hold back and accept the snacks. By the way, I bought it without knowing your preferences properly. If it’s not to your liking, feel free to just hand it back.

Shizuka: It’s okay, I’ll take it.

After I took the paper bag, everything seemed to be settled. And Okage went back to keeping its distance and began to relax and lay down.

Shizuka: (Was Okoge really worried after seeing me drenched on that rainy day?)

Thinking that, the softness and warmth of Okoge’s head that touched me back then suddenly came back to me.

Shizuka: I had a great time because of Okoge too. Thank you for the gift, Ichikawa.

Haruhi: ……

Shizuka: What?

Haruhi: Fushimi-san, you’re not expressionless after all.

Shizuka: …….

Haruhi: Ah, I’m not making fun of you. I just didn’t expect you to have that kind of face, that’s my genuinely honest thought.

What kind of face is ‘that kind of face’?

As I was about to inquire more, I then realized that my thought towards Ichikawa was no different. So I halted.

Not sure if it knew about emotions swirling between humans, but Okoge still wagged its tail in a good mood.

End.-

previous~

Haruhi: Fushimi-san, are you not drinking the tea?

Shizuka: Ah, sorry. I’ll drink it. 

Today is the day Administrative Dept. arrived home from the trip.

I merely came to report and give back the key I got. But I just couldn’t turn down when Tsukimoto-san and Okiya-san said “While you’re here, how about some tea?”. So right now I’m in the living room with Ichikawa.

Haruhi: Well, Sei said it’s better to drink while it's hot.

Shizuka: Right.

Shizuka: ……. Where are Tsukimoto-san and Okiya-san?

Haruhi: Tidying up the luggage for a bit. I’m sorry, I know you want to go home but they must have stopped you.

Shizuka: Not really, had that been the case I would have gone home already.

Haruhi: Oh, sure. As long as you drink the tea and listen to what they are saying, they will be satisfied.

Maybe Ichikawa was tired from the trip, so he let out a heavy sigh after drinking some tea.

And then the living room remained silent, leaving just our sounds of drinking tea.

Suddenly Ichikawa opened his mouth.

Haruhi: How’s Okoge doing?

Shizuka: How…?  

Haruhi: When you look out for the house, did Okoge give Fushimi-san a hard time?

Shizuka: Oh, not in the least. While doing my things, Okoge kept its distance so that it wouldn't get in the way. It also came to me when I took some time to breathe. Clearly, it is good at observing humans. What a smart cat.

For a moment, the things that happened on the rainy day came into my mind. But, I didn’t think it’s something that needed to be reported so I didn't say anything.

Haruhi: Really? Well, I don’t think there would be a problem anyway…… But, I’m glad to hear that.

Ichikawa, who had been expressionless and listening to me as always, nodded with a relaxed expression.

Shizuka: (So he can make a face like this. I know it’s not my place to say it but I thought he was the type who didn’t move his facial muscles much.)

Haruhi: Oh, I need to give you this before I forget.

Shizuka: ?

Shizuka: (......It's a rainbow.)

I gently wiped off the droplets on my body, and opened the house’s front door with the key I had been entrusted with. I gently wiped off the droplets on my body, and opened the House’s front door with the key I had been entrusted with.

Okoge: Meow?

When I entered the living room, Okoge came to check on me with light footsteps. 

While the Administrative Dept. went away for a 3-day-2-night trip, this cat was the one in charge of looking after the house.

Shizuka: Looking fine, aren’t you?

I squatted down to match Okoge’s standpoint, and lowered my gaze.

However, this cat didn’t shorten the distance and made a U-turn back to the way it came before disappearing into the shadow.

Shizuka:  (...... It’s probably different than usual because I’m wet. Maybe it’s just being cautious. Well, it is what it is, let’s just finish my errand.)

First, they ask me to check the feeding and watering area.

Shizuka: (Nothing particularly unusual. Next, replant the greenery.)

Shizuka: —....... *sneeze*

Shizuka: (...... I think my body has been getting cold from the rain earlier)

Okoge: Meow.

Shizuka: Hmm?

Before I knew it, Okoge already came under my feet, lifting one of the front paw skillfully and nudged the wet hem of my pants.

Shizuka: Are you bothered that I’m wet?

Okoge: Meow…

“Yes!” It sounded like Okoge replied briefly by looking up to me.

Shizuka: …. No need to-

I wanted to say “worry”, but reconsidered again because my talking partner is a cat.

Shizuka: (Guess it started playing with the bottom of my pants purely out of curiosity.)

Again, I squatted down and didn’t stop its playfulness.

As I stroked the small forehead nuzzling against my leg, I could feel the softness and warmth.

Shizuka: The vitality of plants is awesome after all. Well, I know better not to do it, rest assured.

Urara: …… Tch, plants nerd. Don’t mess up any more than this.

Manami-san said dismissively and left with a visibly grumpy face.

Ito: … I take it that Manami-san was waiting for Fushimi-san to finish the work.

Shizuka: He was. Manami always looks at what surrounds him

Fushimi-san said like it's an everyday occurrence. 

Ito: (But, if he said it like that. Could it be that……) 

Fushimi-san always looks at Manami-san as well?

Shizuka: We still have time, so I’ll check the flowers in the cafe once more. Thanks to Manami, the cleaning has already been done.

Ito: Right, Manami-san already brought the trash out, but it’s the opposite way to the trash area……

Shizuka: Oh, he actually brought it to the compost area.

Ito: Compost to make organic fertilizer?

Shizuka: Yeah. If you mix the leftover stems and leaves into the compost bin, microorganisms will break them down and return them to natural soil. Instead of burning them as trash, it’s more efficient to return them back to nature. They’re plants after all.

Ito: I see…

(Manami-san’s mouth and personality are…… kinda rough, but he doesn’t neglect plants.)

Thinking about it that far, made me wonder

Ito: (Perhaps, it’s because he knows Fushimi-san like plants?)

Shizuka: Like I said before, he really does take a good look at his surroundings. 

Fushimi-san gently touched the flowers in the vase. Watching the petals swaying in response, I could sense that Fushimi-san was smiling slightly.

END-.

Ito: Yes. The kitchen is already prepared. How’s the table decoration…?

Shizuka: Just this vase and I’m done. 

Since morning, we had been working on the preparation for the Garden café opening tonight.

Shizuka: …… The balance is kinda bad. 

Some of the branches got cut by pruning shears that Fushimi-san held before making their way into the vase. Then the flower settled on the vase like it had been there since before.

Shizuka: Now we’re talking. 

Ito: (Not just liking plants, he also can handle them. It’s exactly what you’d call the right person for the job. Asking him to decorate the café was the right choice.)

Shizuka: ……

Once Fushimi-san took a few distances from the table to check the overall balance…

Urara: Shizu, you’re done?

Holding a broom and dustpan, Manami-san spoke with grumpy looks.

Shizuka: Just a little more.

Urara:  Tch, now the branches and leaves are scattered even under the table. What’s the point of the newspaper I laid if you're not gonna let them fall on top of it? 

Manami-san pointed to the newspaper on top of the table.

But, as he too focused on decorated the flower, Fushimi-san didn’t even look at it-

Shizuka: ……Nice.

Urara: You always have sour looks, but you laugh in front of plants, huh…

Oi, if you’re done, move your ass already.

Shizuka: Sure, but you really helped me out.

Urara: Hah?

Shizuka: Newspaper. Well, looks like it didn’t really work, though. Not to mention, you had to clean the other table too.

Urara: ……. Cleaning is my job. It’s what you would call efficiency.  Also, for someone with aesthetic sense for decorating the flower, how the hell are you living in that filthy room? Are you a bug or what? Just turn your room into a jungle full of flowers or plants or something already. 

Shizuka: I would love to if it’s allowed. 

Ito: (So you would…)

Ito: Yes. Everyone excitedly talked about how good Fushimi-san was. The story went on for a while.

Kamiya: Yeah. Everyone really praised you!

Shizuka: I can pretty much guess where it came from though, but if there’s dorm drinking later can you tell them not to talk about people that’s not present.

I could see that his complaint was directed at the 3 members of the Watchdog dept. Their faces definitely flashed Fushimi-san’s mind.

Shizuka: Well, I don’t mind giving you simple advice. But I can’t guarantee that Kamiya will improve.

Kamiya: Yay! …..Eh, but I want to go to a darts bar~

I had a fun talk with Mika-san and others about that. We usually don’t eat out together. It’s a good chance, right?

Ito: However, Fushimi-san is not really a drinker. So it ended with “let’s search for a place with delicious food instead”.

Shizuka: ……

Kamiya: Ahaha, sorry for getting carried away by ourselves!

Shizuka: No, it’s not that. I just feel a bit déjà vu.

Ito: (Déjà vu…?)

I didn’t know what he meant. Maybe there was a similar conversation between Mika-san and Fushimi-san?

And not just once.

Shizuka: No clue when it’s going to happen, but just tell me if you’re about to hold one. Well, you heard me. I will show my face at the next dorm drinking.

Ito: Has your work already calmed down?

Shizuka: Not long ago. I think Mika already knows about the situation. Since we grabbed a meal together.

Kamiya: I see! Somehow… You guys are really close.

Shizuka: …… Close, huh.

Ito: Ah, sorry. I got called by Kosaka-san…

Shizuka: Don’t worry, you can go.

Ito: Yes, thank you.

Kamiya: See you later, Deputy.

In this spacious space, there’s Fushimi-san standing near the wall with a cocktail in his hand.

Ito: Fushimi-san, thank you for your hard work. It’s rare to see you drink alcohol….

Shizuka: It’s Mika, not me. He said it wouldn't take long and forced me to hold this.

Ito: Oh, I see. It makes sense when it’s Mika-san.

Shizuka: You mean, it made sense that “he forced me”?

Ito: ! No, of course not.

Shizuka: It’s okay, no matter what’s in your head, it’s probably spot on anyway.

???: Hmm? Fushimi-san drinking? That's pretty rare!

Shizuka: ……

Ito: (Almost the same statement as mine……)

As that thought crossed my mind, I took a glance at the owner of that voice and found Kamiya-kun with his innocent smile.

Kamiya: For me, Fushimi-san doesn't seem like the type to grab an alcohol like that at all. What cocktail is that?

Shizuka: It's bulldog. And your imagination was spot on as well. Basically what we’ve just talked about.

Ito: Uhh, this cocktail was from Mika-san, he was asked to hold it.

Kamiya: Ah, I see!

Shizuka: To be more precise, forcefully entrusted.

Ito: (That’s the part I kind of left vague on purpose…)

Kamiya: Fushimi-san, lately you haven’t joined the dorm drinking at all, so it made me wonder if you drink alcohol around that time… That was on my mind for a second.

Shizuka: I don’t like things I don’t like, so it’s not that. Well, I couldn’t join the dorm drinking simply because it overlapped with the work deadline.

Kamiya: So that’s why it feels like it’s been a long time since I saw your face… Oh right. Fushimi-san, will you teach me a trick to play darts later?

Shizuka: You shifted the topic too far. Where’s that even coming from…?

Shizuka: The last time I went to grab a meal with Mika…. It was actually nothing but coincidence.

Kamiya: Ah, is that so? But it’s not just because Fushimi-san and Mika-san were having a meal together. From the story I heard during my shift with Mika-san, or the story I heard from Shinkai-san and Shinobu-kun at the dorm drinking, or even the regular thing they do to appreciate Fushimi-san. All of that combined, as I thought, you guys are close.

Shizuka: (How much did those guys let on anyway?)

“Don’t talk about people that’s not present”…… I actually said that because we can talk about it when we meet….. I sorted that thought in my head. There’s no point in telling Kamiya again anyway.

Shizuka: If not really the type to go to the party where I’m forced to drink. It’s just that I never plan to run from the necessary compromise.

And above all, I have no intention of avoiding the chance to build our mutual understanding and trust.

Kamiya: Understanding and trust…

Shizuka: Plus, talking about Mika, he really did save me.

Kamiya: Ah, yeah. That felt just right. It’s the understanding and trust that have been built, right? Of course, it’s not limited to just Mika-san.

Kamiya nodded to the words I said. When I thought about where Kamiya belonged. He’s probably the same

Shizuka: Well, I can at least say that we get on well.

But, talking about getting along, you guys are also the same, aren’t you?

Kamiya: Ah… Yes, you’re right.

Shizuka: Nice to know you're doing well just like always.

He’s on a different place, so I guessed it was a bit careless to just sum it up as 'getting along' well.

Thinking that there's no need to correct anything, I dismissed that thought. But, something suddenly came to my mind more clearly than expected.

Mika: Oh, so you do want people to look up to you, Fushimi prez.

Shizuka: It’s not that I want to be looked up to. But, since we do the work like this, I want us to trust each other when it comes to our own job.

Not just Aizawa.

Mika: …….I see. That’s a relief. I also feel the same.

Shizuka: That should be the case. It's obvious that we feel the same.

This is “the most important thing” you talked about after all.

“I’m planning to follow the past footsteps as much as I can.“

I never forget the words that came out of my mouth that day.

Shizuka: (“Get along”, huh… That expression is just so Kamiya.)

I just kind of remembered “that”.

PAs I was thinking, Mika came into my view, walking this way while casually waving his hands.

END-.

Masterpost