Being refused so bluntly, it felt like Tatsumi had received the shock of a punch to the head. Yesterday he just happened to make time for him, but he was a young man, of course his nights weren’t free. Since he didn’t work much overtime, or go out drinking with coworkers, he was negligent to those sort of considerations.
“Ah, right. Of course you would have plans at night.”
Kusamakura didn’t really deny it. Come to think of it, he said he had plans last night as well. He specifically ended those to come over.
“Um, all right, how about at noon then?”
He was here every day, so at the very least he wouldn’t be taking away his time during this time of day. Thinking that, he deliberately invited him cheerfully even though he was feeling discouraged.
“Let me thank you by taking you out somewhere. There are a lot of companies around this area, so there seems to be a lot of places to eat too&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;I haven’t really been to many though.”
Feeling some hope, Tatsumi continued, but noticing Kusamakura’s reticence, he also got quiet.
“Kusamakura&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;?”
“—I’m only here because I have business here, not because I’m waiting around to see you.”