Our Life That Begins with a Convenient Relationship - Chapter 6

Once the misunderstanding was cleared up and she gave another deep, formal bow, I took a breath and finally started thinking about practical matters.

I only had a pathetic amount of money left in my wallet. I had rent to pay this month, and to begin with, I had no financial wiggle room at all. Paying for a love hotel stay out of my own pocket was out of the question.

So, I spoke up in a calm voice.

“Anyway, regarding last night’s food and drinks, and for starters… I’d at least like to be reimbursed for the stay here.”

For a split second, her shoulders flinched. But she immediately looked up, straightened her posture, and gave me a serious look.

“Yes! I am truly sorry. Does this cover it, including extra for all the trouble I caused? Also, if any problems arise later because of this incident, please contact me here.”

She handed me two 10,000-yen bills and a business card. The moment I took them, the printed name jumped out at me more than the feel of the paper.

“…Sakura Haruno.”

The moment I whispered it, she nodded and said, “Yes.”

Even though I had spent nearly five years listening to her drunken complaints over the counter or sitting next to her at the izakaya, this was the first time I had learned her name. To think I’d find it out at a love hotel of all places—life really is unpredictable.

Still, I thought it was a lovely name. If you just go by the sound, it means “Spring Cherry Blossom.” My last name is Sakurai. It might be a coincidence, but I felt a strange sense of connection. It seems my life is destined to be inseparable from the word “Sakura.”

Moving my gaze across the card, I saw the company name, the branch, and a department name I’d never heard of, along with her title.

I had heard it from her before, but she really was a section manager at that major corporation. I had been half-doubting her, but the evidence in front of me forced me to believe it.

“…So, you really were a section manager.”

At my unintentional remark, she gave a bashful smile. But the way she smiled was somewhat childlike, and the gap between her high-ranking title and her cute expression was strangely charming.

“Um, I’ve been thinking this for a bit, but you don’t have to keep things so business-like with me. I’m older, but you’re far more impressive as a professional, right? I’d feel more at ease if you just acted like your usual self.”

When I said that with a bit of a tease, she blinked in surprise and then hurriedly broke into a smile.

“O-oh, really? Then I’ll do that.”

“Good. Now that I know your name, do you mind if I call you Sakura-san from now on?”

“Yes, of course!”

Her reply was brighter and more energetic than I expected. Her tone sounded as if a long-held dream had just come true, making me want to laugh.

(…For a second, it almost looked like she had a tail sprouting from her back.)

If she really had one, she’d definitely be wagging it back and forth right now.

Imagining that made me naturally break into a smile.

“…Is something funny?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Before I knew it, the air between us had softened significantly, even though I had just been thinking about “charging her for the room.” Amidst the morning light filtering through the gaps in the curtains, I stepped off the bed and stood up, still holding the cash and the business card.

“Well then, shall we head home—ow!”

The moment I spoke, a dull pain shot through my back and legs.

“…Ow, ow, ow.”

It seemed I had pushed myself harder than I thought. I groaned slightly as I stretched. My spine made a series of popping sounds, and I let out a wry smile.

It wasn’t so much from sleeping in an unfamiliar love hotel bed; it was simply a matter of physical stamina. I can’t beat my age.

“A-are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine. It’s just a bit worse than usual.”

As I began to walk cautiously to avoid staggering, I heard small footsteps following right behind me. Whether she was still a bit drunk or just groggy from waking up, her steps were a little unsteady.

As we walked, I heard a mumble from behind me.

“Wait! Did I seriously never introduce myself to Ms. Sakurai until now? Even though I went there so often? What am I doing… ugh, I’m such an idiot!”

“? Did you say something?”

“N-no! Nothing!”

The way she hurriedly shook her head was so funny that I laughed a little. Apparently, she was talking to herself. For a moment, I wondered if my hearing was failing due to age, too… but well, it wasn’t worth worrying about.

Exchanging those little remarks, the two of us left the hotel. The morning sun was unexpectedly bright. Walking out from under the gaudy neon signs, it felt like I was finally returning to reality.

After walking down the street for a bit, the station came into view. But the moment we arrived and I looked up at the electronic board—I couldn’t help but frown.

“Wait a minute…”

The words heartlessly displayed were: “Service still suspended.” In smaller text, it added, “Expected to resume after noon.” In other words, I couldn’t go anywhere for a few more hours.

This was bad. Should I kill time at a family restaurant, or try to catch a taxi? I couldn’t stand for long with my legs like this, but I didn’t have the energy to walk home either.

The thought of charging her for a taxi separately crossed my mind. Well, I felt like it could be excused as “compensation for muscle pain.”

While I was running these calculations in my head, Sakura-san suddenly spoke up loudly.

“Um!”

Her voice was so serious that I instinctively straightened my posture.

“What is it?”

“Well… would you like to come to my house? It’s right there!”

“Right there…?”

I looked in the direction she was pointing and my eyes widened. Ahead of us stood a luxurious, glass-walled high-rise apartment building.

…No way, she lives in a place like that? She’s quite impressive for someone so young. She’s completely winning at life.

“Ms. Sakurai, your back and legs look really tired. I have a massage chair at my place, so please use it! Plus, you can kill some time there!”

Looking at her serious expression as she made the offer, I unconsciously looked down at my feet.

My calves felt heavy. My back ached. To be honest, if I could collapse right here, I would. That’s exactly why I wanted a massage. An opportunity like this doesn’t come often.

…And besides, a massage chair.

At that word, the scales in my heart tipped easily.

“…Well then, maybe I’ll take you up on that.”

When I said that, Sakura-san’s face brightened instantly.

“R-really!? Thank goodness…! Then, this way!”

Watching her back as she started walking ahead with great energy, I smiled to myself.

It’s strange. After just one night of chaos, I feel like we’ve become much closer than before.

Following behind her, I began to walk slowly.

The muscle pain was still there but my steps felt just a little bit lighter.