>>5634821You decide to sit beside Matsuno Kojiro in front of the bus for the duration of bus ride to the hot spring.
The last time you’ve spoken was during the Ichihara Riko fallout. A good, long while ago.
<span class="mu-g">“Good morning, Matsuno-san,”</span> you say, <span class="mu-g">“Mind if I sit here?”</span>
Matsuno seems occupied with his phone, <span class="mu-g">“Feel free, Nagata-san,”</span> he replies.
Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki sit close to each other in the back while Kaiba sits by herself near the front and listens to music, her head resting against the window.
Watase Yoko and Ichihara Riko sit side-by-side as well, but any attempt at friendly conversation is shut down by Watase.
Ichihara’s face is short so her face is hidden behind the back of the seat in front of them, Watase Yoko is clearly visible.
Yukimore Kyoden sits by himself, he brought a laptop and is working through his mailbox.
You sit quietly until Matsuno Kojiro puts away his phone.
Sitting next to him like this, you can’t help but notice he’s actually quite tall.
He has forgone the usual three-piece suit for a more business casual look.
After a while Matsuno puts away his phone, then looks at you and smiles, <span class="mu-g">“I haven’t gotten a chance to properly thank you for organising this trip,”</span> he says, then raises his voice, <span class="mu-g">“And of course to congratulate you on signing some wonderful new talent.”</span>
A few seats behind you, Chigusa bobs her head and Enatsu replies with some embarrassed laughter.
You lower your head slightly, <span class="mu-g">“It was really no problem at all,”</span> you say, <span class="mu-g">“I’m only hoping that all the new girls can become quick friends.”</span>
The implication here being that you want to avoid bullying.
Matsuno smiles, <span class="mu-g">“What a wonderful thought,”</span> he says, <span class="mu-g">“I’m hoping for much the same.”</span>He then stretches for a moment and uses a hand to message his neck, <span class="mu-g">“I’ll admit I’m happy you decided on a hot spring for this trip, these last few weeks have left me hella stressed.”</span>
Hella?
Matsuno notices the look on your face. <span class="mu-g">”Relax a little, we can be a couple of stiff suits back at the office,”</span> he says with a chuckle, <span class="mu-g">“I think it would be beneficial if us managers get on friendly terms as well, no?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“That would be nice,”</span> you say.
To be able to go to a hotspring and not mind your behaviour and manner of speaking too much would be a dream.
To finally, for once, let your guard down?
To do away with all the office politics?
That’d be amazing, but you know some things he doesn't.
Unexpected guests may arrive at any moment.
