Chapter 117 Air Hockey and Manager...

Air Hockey and Manager…

And so we ended up playing doubles air hockey.

Of course, it was against pairs.

I was paired with Ichijo and Endo with Domoto-san.

But it was an unexpected pairing. It was like a double date. I laughed at that thought…

Ichijo-san was full of enthusiasm and had a round pusher, but she didn’t seem to know how to use it well.

On the other hand, the other couple was quite familiar with it. The combination was perfect.

Ichijo-san attacked energetically with “ei,” and sometimes missed. But she looks like she’s having a lot of fun.

I see. I should enjoy this game whether I win or lose too. After I realized that in the middle of the game, it was a really happy time. The childhood friend duo really worked in perfect harmony. On the other hand, we’re very overwhelmed. But seeing Ichijo-san having fun made me happy, too.

The result was… we lost by double points, but we were smiling a bit satisfied…

“Ah, we lost, but it was fun. Hey, Domoto-san! Let’s play a racing game with the four of us next!”

Ichijo-san laughed, she was really enjoying herself. It was hard to believe that she was a girl who just a week ago was sulking and thinking that she couldn’t believe in people’s good intentions.

“Great. I’m going to destroy Ichijo-san and Aono-san, too!”

Domoto-san smiles triumphantly.

Endo seems to be having fun as well.

So we had a great time. …

“We played a lot. It was so much fun, I can’t believe we played for the first time today!!!”

Domoto-san laughed out loud. We could only nod in agreement.

“Hey, Eiji. We’re going to have dessert afterwards, if you don’t mind.”

Endo made a nice offer. But it was almost time for my appointment.

I was at a loss for an answer, but Ichijo-san sensed it and answered for me.

“We’re sorry. Actually, I think Senpai has plans after this! If it’s just me, I’d like to join you, but I hope I’m not intruding.”

“That’s not true. It’s okay. Let’s play other games.”

Ichijo-san was a little reluctant to answer, so I advised her to join them. She nodded. And she said under her breath,

“I still want to talk to you, so can I join you after the meeting?”

This is a really unusual question that makes my skin crawl.

But it was a rather pleasant suggestion.

When I said yes, Ichijo-san gave me her best smile.

“Senpai. I really appreciated all the help you gave me this past week. I didn’t know about all the fun and kindness from people. Without knowing it, I was about to do something stupid. I’m so glad I met you on the rooftop. You showed me such a warm world and made me realize… It’s thanks to you, Eiji-senpai. Good luck with your meeting!!!”

I really felt saved by those words.

After saying goodbye to Endo and the others, I went to the café to meet the editor.

Manager’s PoV

I came to the front of the station with no idea where to go. I looked around for a suitable open place to eat. There I saw a man I wasn’t supposed to meet. It was Aono Eiji coming out of the arcade.

“Huh!” and involuntarily stared at him. He went into a café near the arcade. I followed him into the café.

I was already acting on instinct, not knowing that my decision would lead to a lifetime of regret.