Chapter 100: Well, of course we’d get caught.

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

“I feel like I've gotten younger. You should introduce me to your girlfriend sometime.”

“Please spare me. Can we talk about work now?”

Unaware that Sora was wobbling and steaming in exhaustion behind them, Ginji finished his dessert, took out his laptop, and began talking business.

“About the request from Misa-san to my mom—it just so happens there’s a factory line open, so I can get you a good deal. But it'll be a six-month contract. It's a small workshop that does all sorts of stuff, but they've rarely missed a deadline. I think there's a skilled craftsman that matches what you were talking about too.”

He handed over some documents first, then showed a plan on his laptop screen.

“Okay, okay. Can you go ahead and move things forward? Also, I'd like to add a little more if possible.”

“…Springing this on me all of a sudden is tough. I mean, doesn't your company already have its own setup? Why are you suddenly outsourcing?”

In response to Ginji's question, Misa grinned and pulled a business card from her pocket.

It was a high-quality card with a watermark, and printed on it was the name of an interior brand: “In space.”

“Fufun, I'm planning to launch a new brand called In space. You know how metal interior goods are trending lately, right? I saw an opportunity there—use craftsmen to create high-margin, low-volume products. My dad's against it, so I'm trying to show results. For now, I want to secure a line and start producing.”

“Isn't that going to be tough? Your company mainly makes parts and does welding assembly, right? You've got the skills, sure, but I don't really see the design side working out.”

“Ouch… harsh, Gin-chan. But yeah, you're right. Small businesses are good at networking horizontally, but we don't really have designers who are into this kind of stuff. I've been looking though, and we already have a few prototypes done, so things are in motion. First, I'm planning to make chairs—going all in and producing 50 units, so I'm counting on you.”

“Alright, I'll get in touch with the factory manager right away. From here on, I think it’s best if you talk directly.”

Ginji pulled out his phone and made a call, quickly confirming some details and scheduling a meeting. Just as he was about to put his phone away in his bag—

“Wait a minute!”

“What now?”

“Let me see that phone. Or rather, the phone case.”

“Huh?”

Ginji handed it over cautiously. Misa examined the design of the gear box printed on the metal case intently.

“This is a metal case. The design is so stylish… I want one too!”

“My girlfriend ordered it, so I don't really know the details. She designed it herself—it's custom-made.”

The moment he said that, Ginji realized he'd messed up. Misa had the gleam of a hawk that had found its prey.

“She can design!? This mechanical look with a hint of cuteness… this would sell!”

Meanwhile, at the table behind them, Sora was proudly showing her matching phone case to Suzu. She puffed out her chest while Suzu's eyes had lost their light—but Sora didn't notice.

“…I'm not introducing her to you.”

“Come on, Gin-chan. Do it for me. I really need a few more designers!”

“She's a high schooler, okay? It's not happening.”

“I can pay her a part-time wage. These days, even high schoolers draw illustrations and get paid for it, you know.”

“…Can I be serious for a moment?”

“What is it?”

Ginji's tone shifted, and Misa straightened up. Even Sora and Suzu behind them adjusted their posture instinctively.

“My girlfriend—she's had to draw things she didn't want to draw. She couldn't even draw what she liked unless she did it in secret. But recently, she's finally able to draw what she loves, openly and proudly. That's why I want to let her keep doing that. Not because someone told her to—but because she wants to. I think this is something she can only do right now. And I want to protect that for her.”

From the back table, tears started streaming down Sora's cheeks. Suzu gently pressed a handkerchief to them.

Misa sighed, then gave him a gentle smile.

“You've become quite the man… Alright, I won't pry. But if that lovely girlfriend of yours ever seems interested, let me know. I won't do her wrong.”

“Got it. I'll count on you if that time comes.”

“Well, that's all for today. Please coordinate the schedule with the contractor.”

Misa picked up the bill and stood. Ginji packed up his laptop and stood a bit later to follow her out when…

“Sniff… sniff…”

“…”

At the table behind, Sora was still crying, while Suzu looked at Ginji with an open-mouthed expression like a cat caught being naughty.

“Ha?”

Seeing that, Ginji froze—his brain unable to process the situation.