Chapter 6 (2/2)

She squinted through the glass passed the droplets of rain, and saw that while more than half of the tables were occupied, that there were still soan her final protest, but he had already started to open the door

The wet bell let out a dry ring at it opened They i echo from inside Chizuru was the type of person ould feel bad about leaving after hearing that

“Don't look so worried I'ry, and you liked this place There just happened to be empty tables So stick with me for a while”

Karasawa smiled with this last push Chizuru started to feel like it would be stupid to resist any further Perhaps the inviting s to do with it

And so she followed him inside

Dark wooden tables and chairs lined the interior of the restaurant The overall appearance of the place was unified in a relaxed, European taste

A single waitress in a black apron was busilyfrom table to table There were two recommendations that day, and Karasawa and Chizuru each picked one and returned the ested some wine, but Chizuru politely declined Karasawa did not object to this

When the waitress left them, they stayed silent for a while as they faced each other

“Iam sorry that I forced you in here And you only just rejected me recently”

It was Karasaho opened his mouth first as he folded his hands on the table Chizuru stayed silent but shook her head as if to say that it was nothing He smiled weakly but nodded as if relieved

They were silent again, but the place was so lively that it didn't bother thes

“Places like this can be nice and relaxing I only eat ramen or beef bohen I' for me”

This time, he sounded much

“You eat rale can be lonely And I don't have a girlfriend to make me lunch”

“There are many women in the company ould be interested I know it”

“Is that right…”

Karasawa had the kind of conflicted expression, as if he didn't know if he should laugh or feel depressed He looked away from her “I suppose you aren't one of the to himself But Chizuru heard it clearly

Ifif she had no memories of Lukrov, perhaps she would have been one of those women ished for Karasawa's attention That was how appealing he was But

“I am sorry…”

She said as she looked down It was just as the waitress returned to bring them their cutlery

“It's fine I knew that already… I'ize I won't bring this up again, so let's talk as norues”

Chizuru slowly raised her head to see that he was ser and a contract worker are hardly colleagues”

“Ah, we are not that kind of company We work in the same office and receive our salary froues I used to be a contract worker myself”

“Is that true?”

And with that, the air of forhed Perhaps it was because they had ordered the special, but their food also arrived early And Chizuru was able to enjoy her dinner with a feeling of safety as she listened to Karasawa'sthe company