I'm Pretty Good Myself

Monday morning came and with it a new project for the company. 

Honda-san, the team's manager, dimmed the lights and brought up a presentation. "We have a new client. An established spa brand is preparing to launch a skincare product line this spring."

He clicked to the next slide, showing images of facial packs, moisturizing lotions, and organic ingredients. "They're expanding beyond in house treatments and moving into retail. We need a strategy proposal by the end of the month."

Honda-san ended the presentation with a yawn. "I'm sure you're all aware of your roles by now. Once the proposal draft is complete, it needs to be reviewed by the strategic planning department, so make sure it's done in a timely manner."

Honda-san lazily handed a stack of documents to Kenta Watanabe before retreating into his office. 

Kenta made his way around the room, handing out the papers.

"Here you go, Shinichi. Sanada-san." Kenta said, passing the documents to Shinichi first, his gaze lingering a moment too long before shifting to Miyo.

"Thanks, Kenta." Shinichi said, flashing a casual smile. 

Kenta politely returned the smile before going off to distribute the rest of the papers.

Miyo skimmed over the information. "You and Watanabe-san seem close. I didn't realize you two were on a first name basis."

"Huh. Oh yeah." Shinichi shrugged. "We've grabbed drinks a few times outside work."

"I see." Miyo didn't look up from the paperwork. 

We've never gone drinking before. Akio says I need to speak up more so maybe... Miyo cleared her throat. "How come we never go out for drinks?"

Shinichi blinked. "You drink?"

"O-Occasionally." Miyo replied, now just pretending to be reading the documents. 

"I had no idea."

"I just don't get invited to go..."

"Miyo, that's not-" Shinichi ran a hand through his hair, caught off guard. "I just assumed you weren't interested."

She finally met his gaze. "You shouldn't assume."

Shinichi smiled softly. "Then let me fix that. Want to go tonight?"

"T-Tonight?"

Shinichi chuckled. "Unless you need three weeks' notice?"

I mean, a little more notice would be nice, but this is still a step forward, right...? 

"I-I don't." Miyo looked back down at the papers. "I just didn't think you'd actually-"

"What? Invite you?" He tilted his head. "Why wouldn't I?"

Miyo's voice grew quiet. "Well you usually go with Watanabe-san. And you and I don't do that sort of thing."

Shinichi frowned slightly. "Miyo you're just as much my friend as Kenta is." He offered her a sweet smile. "So, how does after work sound?"

Friend... 

The word settled in her chest more than it should've.

She forced a small nod. "But we can't drink too much. We just started a new project after all."

"Sounds good to me."

-

The bar was rowdier than Miyo expected, filled with loud laughter and the heavy scent of beer.

Shinichi and Miyo found a spot in the corner, not exactly quiet but far away enough from the shouting.

Shinichi casually ordered a round of beer and a few dishes without even glancing at the menu.

"You come here often?" Miyo asked, slightly overwhelmed.

Shinichi loosened his tie. "Kenta and I do. The food is pretty good and the atmosphere is comforting." He looked over Miyo, noticing her discomfort. "Don't worry, it might be loud here but it's really chill."

"That's comforting..."

The drinks arrived quickly.

"To our new project and our first time drinking together." Shinichi lifted his glass with a wink.

Miyo hesitantly clinked her glass against his. 

Shinichi took a big gulp of beer as Miyo cautiously took a sip of hers.

She coughed a bit at the bitter taste; it was stronger than she expected. I haven't drank in a while...

Shinichi handed her a napkin. "You okay?"

"Y-Yeah, it's just bitter."

"Yeah... It's beer."

"I know what beer is."

Shinichi tried not to smile and failed. "You can order something else if it's too strong."

Miyo took another sip. "I usually am a good drinker. It's just been a while." I just hope he doesn't drink that much. I usually can only handle four glasses of beer.

Shinichi took another relaxed sip. "I'm pretty good myself."

After some time, the noise of the bar faded into the background as they started talking about the new project, about work in general, and eventually random topics.

By their third glass, Miyo was feeling the warmth of the drink, and a bit of courage took over. "Hey Shinichi... A-Are you seeing anyone?"

"Seeing anyone?" His words slurred more than usual. "Of course I am."

The words hit harder than the alcohol.

Miyo went still, her gaze lowering to her glass. Of course he is. Why wouldn't he be?

Shinichi suddenly leaned forward, closer than necessary. His movements weren't exactly steady as he reached out and clumsily poked her cheek with a finger. "I'm seeing you right now."

She blinked, taken aback. "Huh?"

His eyes narrowed, as if she were the confusing one. "You asked if I'm seeing anyone." He gave her cheek another light poke, smiling lazily. "I'm seeing you right now."

It took a second for it to register.

Then, Miyo's face burned bright red. "That's not-"

Thud.

Before Miyo could finish, Shinichi's head dropped on the table.

For a moment, all Miyo could do was stare.

"Shinichi...?"

No response.

His face was squished awkwardly against the table, his black hair fell over his closed eyes, one arm dangled uncomfortably off the edge of the table.

She nudged his shoulder slightly.

No response.

"You've got to be kidding me." Miyo stared in disbelief.

The "I'm pretty good myself" Shinichi was out cold.

Miyo sighed as she looked over at the half-empty glass of their third round. "You liar..."

-

After some help from the bartender, Miyo was left with a sleeping Shinichi at the bus stop. 

Miyo looked at the bus schedule. "Let's see... The bus you normally take should be here in a few minutes."

As they waited for the bus to arrive, Miyo couldn't help but look at Shinichi's sleeping face. He's so cute when he's sleeping. I wonder if he sleeps like this at home too... 

Her stomach fluttered at the thought.

Wait.

His home.

Miyo rummaged through her memories trying to think of where Shinichi lived. All she knew was the bus he took. Normally, Shinichi always walked her to the station. They had never gone to each other's homes. Even if she took the bus, what then? What stop does he get off at? What street does he live on? What apartment does he live at?

Miyo tried to nudge Shinichi awake. "Shinichi, I need your address."

All Shinichi could respond with was some unintelligible mumble as he buried his face deeper into her shoulder.

She sighed. "Helpful thanks."

I guess I could take him back to my place...

Her face burned at the idea of it. No, that's too embarrassing. 

A hotel?

She shook her head. That's even worse.

What do I do? What do I do?

She skimmed her phone contacts, trying to find someone that could help.

Mom... Dad... Honda-san... Akio...

Her stomach sank. This is the saddest contact list ever. 

All the options were terrible. Asking her parents? Impossible. Their boss? Out of the question. Friends? Clearly she had none.

Miyo groaned as she hit call to the only option she had. 

Akio.