Chapter 123: Factory Tour

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Translator: Soafp

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In the morning, the Momoi brothers sat across from each other at the table, eating breakfast. Today's meal was grilled fish and miso soup with tofu and green onions—prepared by Ginji.

“Mackerel's good. Feels like summer.”

“Yeah. …By the way, there's that summer volunteer thing… You're busy, right, Aniki?”

“Huh? Our parents probably won't be able to go again this year, so I was planning to. When is it? If you participate in volunteer work in high school and report it, it boosts your record. Might as well take Sora too.”

The summer volunteer work Tetsuya mentioned was a community cleanup project organized by the middle school, usually led by sports clubs. Tetsuya had already decided to join for a particular reason.

“Next Tuesday… Everyone'll be happy to see you.”

“Hell yeah, I'm going to see my adorable underclassmen. So, you’re headed to school again today? You've got a lot on your plate too.”

“Not as much as you. I'm just checking in as the previous student council president.”

Even though it was summer break, Tetsuya wore his school uniform.

“Doesn't look like ‘just checking in' to me. Seriously, you're such a dependable little brother, Student Council President.”

“…Former president.”

Tetsuya Momoi—capable, reliable, and the former student council president of Seimei Middle School. Even after handing over the position, he continued to help out with school events, always looking after others.

After Tetsuya left, Ginji cleaned up and made a phone call while glancing at his phone. Then he pulled out a light green work uniform from the dresser. It was too hot to wear fully, so he left the front open.

“Alright, time to head out.”

He locked up the house and biked to Sora's place. When he rang the doorbell, a flurry of footsteps came before the door opened. Sora appeared, hair tousled and half-asleep.

“S-sorry! I was asleep! I swear I set an alarm!”

“What the hell are you wearing? Someone might see you!”

Ginji quickly looked away. Sora had come out in just a tank top and shorts, her underwear clearly showing through.

“Ugh—I'll get ready right away!”

Panicking, Sora grabbed clothes and rushed off to wash up. When she came back, she asked,

“Was that salad in the fridge breakfast? Want orange juice or milk?”

“…Milk.”

“Got it. Don't make that face. It's summer break—sleeping in is normal. I bet you were up drawing again last night, weren't you?”

“No. Last night, I just stared at the choker for a bit and fell asleep right away. I slept so well and even had a great dream. Before I knew it, it was time for you to show up. I wasted precious summer break… By the way, what's with that outfit?”

She pointed at Ginji's slightly small work uniform.

“We didn't settle on plans yesterday, right? So this morning, I called a factory manager I know and asked if we could use their workspace. Let's go. You'll need to figure out what you can actually make for your arts festival piece.”

“A factory tour!? Really? I can go!?”

“It's a familiar place and people, so it's fine. But you should wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.”

“I'll change right away! And I need my sketchbook too!”

With eyes sparkling, Sora started wolfing down her chicken salad.

“Don't stuff it all at once—bad for you.”

“Mmmggh mmphh!”

“I have no idea what you just said.”

Gulp “I'll get ready right away!”

Finishing her breakfast, she washed the dishes and headed upstairs. She returned wearing a long-sleeved top and jeans.

“This okay?”

“I'll lend you a spare work top later. Let's head out.”

“Let's gooo!”

They rode bikes to the factory just across from Ginji's house. It had three buildings on the premises. When they entered the gate and went to the office, the strong AC hit them like a wall. Inside, three middle-aged female employees were working at desks.

“Morning. It's Momoi. Is the boss around?”

“H-hello.”

One of the women immediately responded.

“Oh, Gin-chan, good morning! Did you have a meeting today?”

“No, it's not for helping out my mom this time. I've got a personal favor to ask.”

“…Hold on a sec, Gin-chan—who's the girl behind you?”

The women's eyes locked onto Sora, who had been hiding behind Ginji.

“Oh, we're working on a piece together. Come on, Sora.”

Prompted by Ginji, Sora stepped forward.

“Um, I'm Sora Takagi—Ginji's girlfriend. Thanks for having me today.”

“““G-Girlfriend?”””

The three women stared at Ginji and Sora, glancing back and forth. Then they looked at each other—and sprang into action.

“Call—no, use the intercom!”

“Connecting now!”

“Where are the fancy tea snacks!?”

[President Iwasaki, President Iwasaki, Momoi-kun has arrived at the office with his girlfriend. Please return to the office immediately.]

“Eeep!”

“What are you doing!?”

“We can't keep this kind of news to ourselves! Also—wow, she's seriously cute. Good for you! We always figured Tetsu-kun would have no problem getting girls, but we were worried about you, Gin-chan. You've got that tough-looking face. I was even thinking of introducing my daughter to you… Bring out the fancy yokan for guests! Come, sit down, sit down!”

“…This feels familiar somehow.”

“Don't go around getting introduced to people, Ginji.”

“I won't. I'm only into Sora.”

Forced into chairs by the excited women, Ginji and Sora waited. Before long, the sound of many footsteps echoed from outside.

The door flew open, and a flood of men in work uniforms stormed into the office.

“Ginji's got a girlfriend!?”

“No way, he beat me to it?”

“Gotta be a mistake—maybe they mean Tetsu-kun!”

“Is it that girl? Is she cute!?”

“Congrats, Gin-chan! We need to throw a party—get your dad in on it too!”

The crowd ranged from college-aged to men with greying hair. Overwhelmed, Sora hid behind Ginji.

“What the hell are you guys doing!? Get back to work—the morning meeting's already over!”

Scolded by the office ladies, the workers were scattered like leaves in the wind. Ginji could only let out a heavy sigh.