Normal Days Pt. 2

"How are you feeling, kid?" Manager Na asked.

"A little bit sick," I sighed. "That was Taiyori Ayaka. THE Taiyori Ayaka. Phew... Just being in her presence made me feel like passing out."

"Hah. You think she's bad? Wait till you meet her husband. That guy almost killed me with one glance, and I'm sure he wasn't even trying to."

"Na Kazuto?" someone called out.

"Oh, that's me. I'll be back."

Manager Na rushed over to the counter, where the barista on the other side handed him a cup of coffee. He came back, setting it in front of me as he took the seat where Miss Taiyori sat just moments ago.

"Here you go," he said.

"Thanks."

I took a sip while looking out onto the busy street. A while ago, I sat in this very spot and saw the world outside, so bland and colorless. It was a reflection of myself and the way I perceived everything else.

Now, it doesn't seem so bad anymore. Instead, it looks pretty... lively.

"So, how are you feeling?" Manager Na asked.

"About what?"

"Whatever, I guess. It's been a month since you renewed your contract with Sunayomi. I never did get to talk to you about that, by the way. Those girls sure like to monopolize you, even from me. I sit you down for a meeting, and it's like their Yozora radar goes off. Like clockwork, five minutes in, they call you out. It's almost as if you guys have this all planned."

"Hah. It's nothing like that. But what is there to even talk about?"

"Every goddam thing. Do you know how surprised I was when they called me in for a meeting? Told me that they wanted you to stay, and that you agreed. First part wasn't all that surprising, but the latter? Never saw it coming. How'd that happen?"

I twirled the coffee cup, thinking. "To be honest, I'm still not sure. I guess if I were to give an honest answer... I grew attached."

Manager Na didn't have much of a reaction, which was not what I was expecting. He just sat there, looking at me with his usual poker face... as if he had already known everything.

"Do they know?" he asked.

I hesitated. "...Know what?"

"That you have feelings for them."

That pretty much confirms it. He had known. Now, it's a question of how long has he's known and what plans to do about it.

"No. At least, I don't think so. I'm not really all that great at showing my emotions, and it wasn't until recently that I realized these feelings. Maybe that was why I was so apprehensive when you said you wanted me to stay back at the riverside bar." I paused for a moment, then locked eyes with him. "Are you... regretting it?"

"That depends. If I were to fire you right now, would you be willing to accept it?"

I always knew this conversation would up. Manager Na isn't dumb. He'd find out sooner or later, and after the situation with their most recent assistant, it makes sense why he's being so cautious.

"Yeah, I would," I answered.

"Really?" he scoffed. "Just like that? Not even gonna think about it?"

"What's there to think about? I care about those girls, but I wouldn't drag them down because of my feelings. That'd be selfish and inconsiderate of me. So, if it's for their own good, then yeah. I'd leave."

I consider Manager Na a friend—a very valuable one. However, first and foremost, he is Sunayomi's manager. Naturally, anything that impedes on their performance has to be scrapped. Even me... and I, of all people, would understand exactly how that feels.

He knows the girls better than I do, so if he thinks that I'm someone they can't be around, then that's that. I'm not gonna toss and turn at night, throw a tantrum or whatever. I'll just keep going. After all, I made a promise to someone that if I'm not by her side, then I'll still be out there somewhere, watching her.

"Hah... Goddammit, kid," Manager Na scoffed. "You're either the most genuine guy in the world or a masterful liar. But, I like to think that I know you more than you know yourself. That's why I'm gonna believe the former."

That last bit surprised me. "I... I'm sorry?"

"You need me to say it louder or something? Sheesh, kid." He crossed his arms with that flashy grin of his. "Those girls still need you, and I still want the best for you. If that means I gotta deal with your snarky ass for another however many years, then so be it. Wouldn't prefer it any other way."

"Manager Na... This is insanely irresponsible of you. Even I, someone who knows close to nothing about the industry, can see that. You just confirmed that someone who works closely with them has feelings for them. Doesn't that worry you?"

"Hm? Course it does. I'd be lying if I said otherwise, but it can only be you. Especially after the last assistant? Hell yeah. I definitely rather you on board. Keep being the amazing assistant that you are. At the same time, though, keep it professional. At least... until they eventually retire. Then you can marry all four of them at once."

He just had to say that the moment I went in for my coffee. Mid-sip, my throat strained, and I coughed out most of the drink. I think I felt some it going into my nose too...

"W-what the hell...?" I muttered. "Polygamy is illegal, you know."

"Damn, you went straight for the legal definition without even refuting the idea itself," Manager Na smirked tauntingly. "Caught your ass in 4K. I guess you're what the young folks call a 'player,' eh?"

"Dude... Stop being weird."

"Oh, I'm the weird one, huh? Not the guy who likes four girls at the same time. Nope. Totally normal, that one."

"C-can you not?!"

He broke into a wholehearted laugh.

Even though Manager Na is my friend, he's still technically my boss. That's why it's extremely weird having him tease me about something like this, especially when it's directly involved with his career.

Am I just reading too much into it? After all, this is the quintessential Manager Na right here—the guy who seems like he doesn't take his job seriously but actually does from behind the scenes.

Yeah... Maybe I am. Hopefully...

"Anyway, just keep being yourself, kid," Manager Na smiled. "You're a good guy. You're honest, reliable, and you know how to give it to me straight. Not to mention that just your presence alone is delivering remarkable results. That's why I'm sticking to my guns right now."

He extended his hand across the table, meeting me with confident eyes.

"It's a pleasure to continue working with you, Assistant Yozora."

Dammit. Why's he getting all sentimental with me all of a sudden? It was easier managing his suspicious glares. At the same time, though, I couldn't help but feel a warm sensation overtaking me chest.

I guess... It's nice to have someone put their trust in me. Now, I just have to do my best to not let him down.

"Likewise, Manager Na," I smiled.

I took one last look at the folder Miss Taiyori had given me before my phone started blowing up with notifications.

Suzu: "Noa! WAKE UP!"

Mira: "I know it's your day off, but it's also our day off. You already know what that means, don't you?"

Suzu: "That means wake up, by the way."

Me: "I am awake. What's up?"

Yoko: "Like Mira said, we have the day off today. We're gonna go hang out in a bit. You're coming with us, right?"

Me: "Do I have to?"

Mira: "Yes."

Suzu: "Duh."

Yoko: "Most definitely."

Nabi: "Come on, Noa. It'll be fun! We haven't had a proper hangout session since the karaoke bar. Better late than never."

Me: "Fine. Send me the details. I'm busy right now, so I'll check in a bit."

Mira: "Whoa, Noa being busy? Never thought I'd—"

I slipped my phone back into my pocket before she could finish whatever snarky remark she had cocked and loaded.

"See what I mean?" Manager Na scoffed.

I chuckled. "How do you even know it's them? Could be anyone."

"Yeah, because Yozora Noa, the loner whose only friends are celebrities, definitely has someone else texting him. Get real, kid."

"Hah. My fault. Anyway, I need to get going. See you later, Manager Na."

"Yep. See ya, kid."

With the folder in one hand and my coffee in the other, I stepped out of the café. For a moment, I just stood there, eyes shut, letting the sounds of the city wash over me—chattering voices, blaring horns, the wind cutting through the streets, and birds chirping from somewhere above.

These noises used to annoy the hell out of me. I'd drown them out with my headphones, blasting music loud enough to make everything disappear. But now... I don't think I mind.

No... Actually, it's just that I don't care for it anymore... because my mind is already occupied with something else—something that makes me forget all the menial things and gives me a reason to smile.

"Hah... Dammit. This is so unlike me."