Chapter 3: Because Relationships Matter

Yuka, sitting beside Misaki as she drinks, looks at an email and says,
“Misaki-san, there’s a collaboration request—ju—”
“Pass.”
She cuts her off instantly, before she can finish the sentence.

“Ehh—he’s pretty famous, you know. A guy named Gou—he’s really strong when it comes to alcohol. You know him, right? GO! GO! GO! (Gou!)”
As she says this, Yuka turns her smartphone screen toward Misaki.
On it, one of Gou’s videos is playing.

“Whether it’s famous or not doesn’t matter. I just want to drink quietly.”
Misaki lifts the glass to her lips, looking content.

“I see—but apparently, if you win, you get some really expensive sake—”
At those words, Misaki’s ear twitches slightly.

“One, ten, a hundred—apparently around five hundred thousand yen.”
As Yuka speaks, counting on her fingers, Misaki sets her glass down with a small sound.

“…Well, relationships with people are—important, you know.”
She folds her arms and nods seriously, over and over.

“…Yeah, relationships are important…”
Those words were delivered flatly.

Yuka lets out a wry smile and mutters quietly,
“Misaki-san—you can handle sake, but you’re weak when it comes to sake, aren’t you?”