As soon as Masato-san stepped out of the staff room, he was met with the sight of a spacious outdoor parking area. Trees swayed gently at the side, allowing weakened leaves to dance in the air before gracefully descending to the ground. Tall street lamps illuminated parts that were almost concealed by the trees, casting their glow on the open, rain-soaked parking area, where only four cars were parked.
However, the view seemed to bore Masato-san, as he was prompted to lean on the low staircase handrail and turn back to face Kenji, who stood by the doorway.
"So, what is it with Sakamoto-kun?" Kenji asked directly.
Masato-san hesitated for a few seconds, a delay that contrasted with his quick departure from the beverage station at the back of the shop.
He began by scratching his head, seemingly bothered by untreated dandruff. Then, he let out a long sigh, as if he was at his wit's end.
After at least two minutes, he finally spoke, "I know you're busy with school and everything, but I need a favour."
"Hm?"
"Can you continue training him?"
"Isn't he under Morikita's supervision?"
"And that is the issue!" Masato-san widened his eyes, clapping his hands once in front of Kenji's face. "I've already told Boss-san that Morikita isn't suitable for training newcomers."
"I don't think he's unsuitable, just impatient."
"Hah… I get that. But he doesn't care about his surroundings. He even yells when customers are around."
"I understand."
"Besides, Sakamoto used to talk about this to me," Masato-san said with a soft sigh escaping his lips. "He is more comfortable when it's with you."
Kenji furrowed his brow, taken aback by the unexpected remark.
"And can you believe it? He even compared you and Morikita, saying you treat him like a brother but Morikita is likely seeing him as a slave," Masato-san chuckled.
Subconsciously, a small smile formed on Kenji's lips. The shift in mood seemed to ease the tension between them, and Masato-san leaned against the handrail, crossing his arms as he stared directly at Kenji, who stood stoically against the nearby wall.
"Sometimes, I can't help but wonder how good you are at taking care of those younger than you," Masato-san commented.
"It's nothing special," Kenji replied in his usual calm manner.
"But to me, it is. You don't strike me as the nurturing type. Well, I understand when it comes to Sakamoto-kun, but you're quite close to Furuta-kun as well."
"I'm just tutoring him."
"Hmm… so, he approached you first?"
Kenji briefly glanced at Masato-san before averting his gaze to the nearly empty parking area.
"Yes, but it's more like an obligatory responsibility. I see him only as a brother."
"I see… Well, don't get me wrong. I'm not judging or anything. It's just that I'm curious because I heard rumours about you and Furuta-kun dating," Masato-san nodded in understanding.
Kenji remained silent, seeming distant.
Though his demeanour remained composed as usual, the rumour he had just heard for the first time was enough to unsettle him deeply.
Kenji had always expected that one day, even if he tried to hide it, his relationship with Yuuji would come to light to others. But now that the moment seemed to draw near, he discovered he wasn't as prepared as he believed.
Restlessness consumed him, but it wasn't due to how society might judge him for being in a same-gender relationship. Instead, he was haunted by his nagging doubts, questioning his sincerity when accepting Yuuji's feelings.
Trying to get hold of himself, he looked back at his senior colleague as he spoke, "That's impossible. There's no way I'd date my sibling."