I was nervous, I think. Starting my first day and praying that nothing goes wrong with the orders I took. Beyond that, I could feel my stomach growling since I had skipped breakfast to avoid feeling nauseous.

"Hey Rie, what would you like for lunch today? Haruto is preparing his makanai since you are taking your breaks together," Anita asked.

Omg! No...I am eating with him? Wait, she did mention it earlier. Okay, calm down Rie. It's just lunch and you get to know more about work this way.

"Is there anything you'd suggest?" I asked.

"I—uh—you could try the side dishes for today, they are quite filling," Haruto replied.

"Okay."

When he walked into the lounge, my anxiety levels rose. I could not tell why I was so nervous about being alone with him. Maybe it was because he was my boss and I was afraid that... 

"Oh, let me help you with that!" I said, cutting into my thoughts. "Wow, it looks delicious and quite a lot." 

That is a lie Rie. You can eat a whole cow right about now, so stop being so modest!

"I think you'll need these", Anita said, handing Haruto some bottles. "Enjoy your date!"

Date? That had to be an inside joke, right?

Haruto's face was flushed. When he turned around, I smiled and said, "Well, shall we get this date on the road?"

"She was just joking—"

"I know," I whispered, reaching for some gyoza. I stuffed my mouth to avoid speaking because I was too embarrassed to add anything after the joke part and who am I kidding? Me, dating the manager's son! Hah!

"Is it good?" Haruto asked, breaking the ten-minute silence that felt like a million years.

"Yeah, best toppings I've ever had," I replied, sipping some green tea.

"So you'll be here just for the summer?" He asked.

"Yeah. I need to leave this place for a while."

"Bad memories?"

"Something like that," I replied. 

Okay, careful with what you say next because you do not, under any circumstances, want to sound like the heartbroken mess that you are.

"I hope you at least enjoy working here," Haruto said, reaching for some takoyaki.

"Yeah, me too."

"You can have anything for makanai while you're here, but careful, the noodles sort of grow on you," he said, rubbing his tummy.

"Is that why you barely ate?" I asked, considering all the food I had inhaled.

"Kind of," Haruto replied. "Just a bit self-conscious."

"Well, don't be," I said getting up. "You look great."

"I—"

"Break's over guys! Our turn," Tony said, walking in.

"Thanks for lunch Haruto."

Why is my face so hot right now?