Did The Air Around You Change?
Neito finally got to eat lunch alone. He ate curry in the company’s cafeteria alone.
Anice usually calls out “Lets have lunch Nate!” everyday, and accompanies Him during lunch, but she wasn’t with Him today.
Despite Her looks, she was a sincere and serious person. Today, She had an errand to run in the Department.
She’s way younger than me, but she’s got a good grip on life than me. She’s always bright and cheerful… if only Her Father wasn’t the Boss of Crimson, things could’ve been better.
Maybe I could try to sweet talk her… No, no, no, no…
Just thinking about made Him all red. He was about to scoop another spoonful from his plate when He saw someone familiar bringing his lunch plate, walking towards Him.
[Komori…?]
[Aa, It’s you Ikeno… It’s been a while.]
It was his all handsome coworker, Ikeno. They haven’t met each other since the recruitment exam. Neito heard that Ikeno was a.s.signed to the Operations and Planning Department (As expected).
[Hey… Did the Air around You change?]
Ikeno asked Neito, suspiciously looking at Him.
[I don’t know… it still hasn’t been a year. Maybe I’ve changed]
[I heard that you were transferred from the General Affairs Department to the Sales Department]
[…Yeah]
[I never thought I would see you in the main office… but that’s great for you huh?]
[Yeah, Thanks]
Ikeno stood while talking with Neito, but after a while, he noticed he was standing out among the crowd. n.o.body sat near Neito so Ikeno sat across him and began eating. I’d like to mention that he was having Carbonara for lunch.(Note: It was said in first person towards the audience)
[By the way, did you hear? There’s a meeting going to be held later in the afternoon.]
Ikeno’s words… it may not seem like it, but he’s talking to as if he’s trying to mock me
[Meeting? Oh yeah, it was on my schedule a while back]
One of Neito’s plans was approved a few days ago, and a meeting was to be held on how to defeat the Guardians. The meeting involved capturing one of Metallica’s enemy, “Beetle”, alive to attain the Rocks Organization’s technology. The technology would prove to be useful, if they can a.n.a.lyze and exploit its weakness, aiding Metallica in their conquest.
[Oh yeah, it’s a joint meeting between the Operations and Planning Department, and the Sales Department right? I heard that we’re going to be tackling on how to deal with Beetle]
Ikeno looked surprised upon hearing those words.
[Wow… you seem to be in touch with the higher-ups in your Department… They even let you in the topic of the meeting.]
Maybe he’s also an underling in the Operations and Planning Department… I doubt our experience would differ since I’m from the Sales Department.
In a few words, Neito was always jealous of Ikeno.
[No… it’s because I’m attending that meeting]
[What?! You?! You’ve got to be kidding me]
[Nah, I got invited a while back. Though, It’s my first meeting ever since I entered this company.]
In planning against the Guardians, any form of Intel was needed. Neito had experience in fighting one of them, so Izumi invited him into the meeting.
[Is that so… I’ll be in that meeting too]
[Then, It’ll be our first time working together. Let’s do our best.]
[Oh…Yeah…]
For now, Neito wanted to stop talking about work. He saw the opportunity to talk with Ikeno casually but…
[I’m done Nate! Hey, can I come over there?!]
A cheerful voice sounded off away from him. It took no effort at all to recognize his a.s.sistant calling out.
She looked like a high school student, but she looked beautiful with the light illuminating her blonde hair. She tied her hair in a ponytail and approached Neito and Ikeno with an air of delight.
[You’re having Curry again? That’s not healthy Nate… You won’t get that proper nutrition from that dish alone. Hmm? Who’s this guy?]
[He’s my coworker, Ikeno. He’s a handsome guy, isn’t he?]
Anice stared at Ikeno for a while… Then averted her eyes from him.
[Yeah, you’re handsome, but my darl–]
[Oh snap! I ran out of sauce… Would you mind getting some for me Anice?]
He managed to make an excuse, but he said too loud and attracted other people’s attention.
It would be bad if Ikeno knew about our situation.
[Hmm? Sure. You’re really hopeless Nate…]
Anice went on to get some sauce.
[…]
[…]
There was an awkward silence between them, but Ikeno soon broke the silence.
[Anyway, we have a meeting this afternoon and I’ll be in charge of the planning. I doubt we’ll need you there but, you should come and listen just in case. I really hope that the Sales Department wouldn’t bring the Plan down.]
[Yeah…I’ll do that]
Ikeno then stood up and left.
Neito wasn’t dumb enough not to notice it. He knew Ikeno was making fun of him, and it was very obvious. He couldn’t do anything now…
But,
Neito didn’t care. What was important to him, was fulfilling the task given.
He wasn’t strong enough as Anice said so, and He may not have the potential as Manaka said… Even so, He’ll do it. That’s all there is to it.
Then and there, Neito wanted to look cool for once. It wasn’t like he was confident that he was going to do it, and he wouldn’t say that he had the confidence to proclaim it out loud. It was just that, for once he wanted to look cool for himself.
He said in a small but firm voice.
[I have no plans to remain the same, and act below you Ikeno]
Hahaha
Maybe I sounded too cool…
At that moment…
[That right Nate! Crush that Ikeno to ashes!]
[Waaa- stop listening to me! Forget what I just said!]
Anice appeared out nowhere, smiling and bringing sauce with her. She sat beside Neito with an air of delight.