Tatsumi dropped the sandwich in his hand at Kusamakura’s response. It was certainly as he said. He would be behind the bench, and he would come to eat his lunch. It wasn’t just a habit he had since being hired, lately he also had a feeling he made his way there everyday because Kusamakura was there. However, it was different for him. This place was simply Kusamakura’s “reserved spot”, and that was why he was there. He couldn’t bear the embarra.s.sment he felt thinking he was here for the same reason. Tatsumi searched around for the sandwich he dropped and somehow managed to pick it up. He then artlessly thrust it inside of the convenience store bag. He stood up with the bag in his hand.
“Um, right&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;sorry about that.”
There was no reply from Kusamakura.
“Sorry. I was being too forward&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;um, excuse me.”
Tatsumi lowered his head with a nod, and returned to his work place quickly. He regretted saying “too forward” since it may have sounded bitter, but Kusamakura said nothing. Of course he didn’t go after him, in other words, he had no intention of denying Tatsumi’s claim. Since he listened to his shameless request, and they saw each other all those days, he had selfishly misunderstood their relationship had become closer than it was yesterday, or even before then.