07. Ichijō Sae

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07. Ichijō Sae

Still picking at fries on the dining table, burger set laid out, when the smartphone chimed.

Ichijō, probably.

‘Think I can get out early today—want to head to Kihachi?’

Kihachi was the name of a pub the company crew often hit up.

‘Got it. Set a time—I’m free anytime.’

Sent. No job means infinite time.

Pilolin. Pilolin.

Oh! Already a reply.

‘Seven o’clock, at the shop.’

He’d been waiting for my answer. Then,

‘Got it.’ Sent.

Got a few hours until seven, so first a shower, then maybe some video—something to pass the time.

Staring at a video that wasn’t particularly interesting, time passed just fine.

Slipped on a jacket. Time to head to the pub.

Ten minutes before seven. Arrived at Kihachi.

Stepped through the shop’s curtain,

"Senpāi! Over here, over here!"

I caught sight of Ichijō waving at me from a table in the back.

You're not a high schooler anymore—try not to shout so loud. You're drawing attention, you know.

Is this kid already drinking before I even got here? Typical, I suppose.

And what's with the edamame?

"Waiting long?"

"Arrived just a few minutes ago."

"Then you've already had quite a bit, haven't you?"

"Ugh, no way—I'm still on my first."

"Is that right? Usually by now you're halfway through your second."

"Exactly."

Says the one whose glass is practically empty.

I'll go for a draft, too.

"Miss! One dai-nama, please!"

"Oh! Just a sec—I'm finishing up here. Gulp, puff—Miss, two dai-nama, please!"

Sounds just like an old man.

"Man, Ichijō, you're full of energy today."

“Ugh. Can’t get through the day without a drink, really. It’s all your fault, you know.”

“What’s my fault this time?”

“Well, you quit the company—now it’s a whirlwind of overtime. Can’t even count how many times I’ve stayed past nine, ten. I’m a woman, so I don’t have to go quite that far, but still—eight o’clock is standard. Today, I even left early, claiming illness, at six. But you know how it is.”

“I didn’t quit because I wanted to. I was essentially fired.”

“That’s exactly it—suddenly reassigned for no reason at all. Turns out, they demoted you! And since you’re the senior, I’m sure you didn’t protest. Just handed in your resignation right away. Now you’re treated like the culprit behind the inspection cover-up. Doesn’t that seem a bit absurd?”

“Calm down. Honestly, it all feels kind of… irrelevant now.”

"Senior, weren't you set up by the company?"

"Maybe I was. If so, then even less reason to cling to a place like that, right?"

"Maybe, but is that really okay? Senior!"

"It's fine. Honestly, it's fine."

"Two large drinks coming up! Have you decided on your order?"

"Then, that, that, and that. And a three-piece sashimi platter, for now. Ichijō, anything for you?"

"I'll have the chikuzenni and potato salad. Oh, and satsuma age."

Senior, you've seemed a lot younger since quitting the company. Come to think of it, you're not wearing glasses anymore, and your belly's even a little less pronounced. Is it some kind of company policy—quitting makes you younger?

"Could be."

It'd be funny if I told Ichijō I'd turned into a superhero, but that's probably pushing it.

"So, Senior, what's next?"

"About work? Yeah, that's right. You'd be fine. I've got contacts overseas—got assigned to head that way, actually."

Space counts as overseas, right? Not lying.

"Wait—what? Overseas? Is this a headhunting job? Senior, that's amazing!"

"Headhunting, was it? Probably was, yeah."

"What's that even mean? If it's headhunting, shouldn't there've been a relocation bonus or something like that?"

"Hmm... was it really a relocation bonus?"

"H-how much was it, that bonus?!"

"Ichijō, calm down. Well, around three hundred million? Tax included."

"Three hundred million—!"

"Hey, keep your voice down. Quiet, quiet."

"Sorry. I got excited. Senior, tell me more."

As he casually explained things to Ichijō,

"Senior, can you get me in on that overseas company too? I don’t need any advance money, really. But if you’re offering, I’ll take it, no problem."

"Actually, it’s not really a company, seems like."

"Hmm. It’s kind of vague, isn’t it? Are you sure it’s safe, that place?"

"Probably safe enough. I’m supposed to go take a look there real soon."

Couldn’t exactly say something like, “It’s amazing—just circling Earth first thing in the morning,” now could you?

"Ah, huh. Lucky you."

I told Ichijō I’d pay for the first place, but said, “Nah, leave it to me,” and paid for it as promised. Maybe the three hundred million had gone to my head.

"Senpai! Gochisousama deshita! Next one—let’s go, next!"

Then, at the second place, we drank sake. Since Ichijō was half out of it, I couldn’t let her pay—so I ended up footing the bill again. I sent her home in a taxi and walked back myself.

Of course, the city night sky has fewer stars. I’m heading into that starfield, though. The autumn evening wind felt sharp, and my body shivered violently.

The next morning, despite drinking so much the day before, I woke up refreshed—no hangover at all. Superhuman, banzai!

Ichijō’s probably taking paid leave today. Work must be piling up, but still.

‘A Message for Those Considering Their Debut’

URL: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7743fw/

If you’re interested, do give it a read.