Volume 4 Chapter 11 Lecture By President Tota
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
President Tota says, “We have some time before lunch,” and takes me to a design museum close to the café. I thought museums like this only had weird art and sculptures, but I was wrong.
There were classic items and modern art, plus furniture, dishes, clothes, and crafts—everything you can think of was on display.
”The stuff here is mostly practical design. They change the exhibits regularly, so it’s good for learning about store interiors.”
”Really? I see.”
I look around, but I’m not really interested in interiors. I was just taking pictures of the café’s design because the owner asked me to.
”You look like you’re not into it. But you know, just having a nice box for a store isn’t enough, right? It’s the same for your home. Just adding one piece of nice decor can change the whole vibe, so design is really powerful.”
My home… The room I plan to live in with Risa-san is a rental, so I can’t do anything too crazy. If I add a colorful piece that kids can use, it might make the plain black-and-white room feel nicer.
(…)
No, that’s thinking too far ahead. The baby is coming next year.
”Are you a little interested now?”
”Yeah, a bit…”
”Good, then let’s head to the next floor.”
”Okay. By the way, how’s work been?”
She is supposed to be in New York for work. Spending time at museums with me won’t earn her any money.
She seems like someone who wouldn’t waste time on things that don’t benefit her, so I ask out of curiosity.
”I was already planning to come here today. I just brought you along. My real work starts in the afternoon, so don’t worry about it.”
Oh, I see. I thought she came here just for the famous café next to the museum since it was on the owner’s list.
”Shuu, over here.”
She casually takes my arm, and as she talks about the exhibits, she leans against me, pressing her chest against my arm.
I thought she was touching me too much before, but is this some kind of reverse harassment…?
”Sorry about my arm…”
”Huh? Oh, sorry. There are a lot of people on this floor, so if we get separated, it’s hard to find each other. We haven’t exchanged contact info, right?”
Looks like she didn’t mean anything by it. She smoothly lets go of my arm, and I can only nod and say, “Yeah, that’s true.”
”This exhibit was great. Every time I come, I discover something new. You should come a few more times too!”
Finally finished looking at the exhibits. I tune out Tota’s thoughts. It’s a bit early, but it’s time for lunch at the museum café.
(Everything is so expensive!)
Coffee, donuts, and muffins are cheap, but the meal prices shoot up.
”Everything’s pricey? But if you eat here, I’ll treat you. What do you think?”
I guess my face showed it. She can read my feelings.
”No, it’s okay. I’ll pay for myself.”
”Really? Are you sure?”
I’m definitely not “sure.” This is an unexpected expense.
”I know a cheaper way. We can buy deli food and eat in my hotel room. The hotel is close, and I know a good deli.”
Eating in her hotel room? Just the two of us? No way. Listening to someone I don’t click with for a long time would be torture.
Plus, if she’s already touching me a lot in public, what would happen in a private space…? It’s depressing to think about.
”I’m fine with either option. If we eat here, I’ll pay.”
It’s probably better not to let her treat me. She might expect something in return. I don’t want to choose either option. What should I do?
”Shuu?”
As I’m stuck, she tries to walk past me but stops. It’s Arshi-san, holding a coffee cup with the museum café’s logo. Thank goodness.
”Arshi-san, what are you doing here?”
”Internship. I want to be a curator in the future.”
”Really?”
”Did you come to see the museum, Shuu?”
”Ah, yeah. I just finished watching it.”
If I hadn’t known Arshi-san, it would have been bad. I’m thankful to Risa.
”By the way, Shuu. Is the person next to you a friend?”
When Arshi-san asked about President Tota, I replied, “Not a friend. She’s my marketing teacher, and she was teaching me how to do market research.”
”…A teacher?”
”That was the plan, but was it not?”
”Well… it’s fine if she’s a teacher.”
She looked surprised for a moment, then her usual confident way of speaking changed to a more relaxed tone.
So, the plan to have lunch with President Tota and just the two of us was off, and instead, the 3 of us—me, Arshi-san, and President Tota—sat outside in the cold, drinking coffee we bought from the café.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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