[CH.47] Summer Beach Recreation (Part 2)
"Good morning!"
I think a striped shirt and wide pants combination is something you can see anywhere, but I still feel that fashion is influenced by the person wearing it.
"It's so big! Hanamucchan, I didn't know you had such a cool car!"
Nishina-san cheerfully commented as she got into the passenger seat, saying she's here to visit.
I wonder if this is a dream. Nishina Kazuha is in my car. In our days at the head office, countless people tried to woo her and failed. And now, this unattainable girl is in the passenger seat of my car...
"Hanamucchan, what's wrong?"
"Oh, no... It's just that, Nishina-san, you usually wear suits, so it's a bit surprising to see you like this."
"R-really? This is just my casual attire. I don't really have any fashion preferences, so I might not look good in it."
"No, that's not true! You look incredibly cute!"
"Huh?"
I immediately regretted what I said. Complimenting someone's cuteness in a group setting versus doing so one-on-one can carry significantly different meanings. She's undoubtedly cute, and I do want to keep her in my sight, but... I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.
I cautiously glanced at Nishina-san's expression.
"Hehe... Well, I'm happy to hear that."
She had a smile that seemed a mix of embarrassment and happiness, her lips relaxed.
It seemed like she wasn't feeling uncomfortable at all. In fact, she appeared to be pleased. Her expression was quite alluring, and I couldn't help but gaze at her, only to suddenly snap out of it when I realized she might notice.
"But seriously, flattery won't work! The manager and Hinata-chan are coming later!"
"It's not flattery!"
"Even cuter girls are coming... it's not going to work!"
"R-right... Anyway, it's the manager's place next, shall we go?"
"S-sure. Please drive."
The atmosphere became a bit awkward, but I decided to regain my composure and head towards the manager's location.
We drove for about five minutes, and there was a brief period of silence.
Then...
"The ride is so comfortable. My car is a hand-me-down minivan from my parents, so it's a bit rickety."
"Oh, really?"
"Are you used to having girls ride with you?"
"Haha, does it look like that? Since I got this car... apart from my family, you might be the first, Nishina-san."
When I was in Tokyo, I honestly didn't need a car, and the cost of buying and maintaining one felt like a waste. However, thanks to my side job, I had some financial flexibility, which allowed me to purchase my current car. So, in reality, I don't have many opportunities to use this car since I often find myself tied up with side jobs on weekends.
"Yeah, it's strange, isn't it? It feels comfortable, like sitting here is normal..."
"Yeah, I feel the same way. I wonder if it would feel like this if I had a girlfriend in the passenger seat. Hahaha..."
"... ... ..."
"... ... ..."
"Sorry."
"No, I'm the one who said something weird."
Of course, having a girl like Nishina-san as a girlfriend and riding in the passenger seat would be amazing, but such romantic comedy-like developments might be possible in the fiction I write, but they're not realistic for me personally. I'm just giving my colleague a ride, and that's it.
"But..."
"Hmm?"
"I do feel like I want to do something with you."
"Nishina-san?"
"When you invited me to dinner, I said that next time, I'd be the one to invite you."
"Oh, yeah... I remember that."
It was the dinner invitation I extended to Nishina-san when she was feeling a bit down due to some workplace issues. Some time had passed since then.
"We're both busy, you know. How about we use a company gathering or something as an excuse and go together with the manager and Kuhou-san?"
"I want it to be just the two of us!"
While driving, I needed to keep my focus on the road, but I couldn't help but be distracted by Nishina-san. When I glanced at her, it seemed like her cheeks were slightly flushed. Must be my imagination...
"Next month is summer vacation, right? You'll be staying in Hamayama since it's your hometown."
"Yeah, that's the plan. You'll be returning to Tokyo, right?"
"Yes. I really should visit my parents at least once. But... I'd like to spend some time playing in Hamayama for a day or so. I wonder if there's anyone who would play with me. I haven't made any friends here."
Is she trying to be sly with her wording? Not mentioning the manager or Kuhou-san makes it seem significant, doesn't it? Only kids can get away with being that oblivious in romantic comedies. Adults tend to notice the underlying intentions and overthink things.
"How about I come to hang out? ...with everyone."
"Shall we go together, just the two of us?"
"Yes!"
Is she simply inviting me as a friend and colleague, or is there something more to it? It's probably some sort of subtle maneuvering, but I feel hopelessly inexperienced in that department. Maybe I shouldn't have been writing nothing but student romantic comedies...
Honestly, I had planned to dedicate my entire summer vacation to my side job and book writing...
"Hehehe..."
Seeing her in such a good mood and enjoying the scenery made me think that it might be nice to have a day like that. I've never really spent time with a woman, but maybe it's okay to try something like what the protagonist of a romantic comedy would do.
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