“It’s not that I hate him” confessed Haruto drawing on a cigarette. “And I’m not even that mad about those smokes. He bought me one pack later after all. But there is something in him that ticks me off.”
“You’re just jealous that every girl is into him now, huh?” Ito burst into laugher as if he said the best joke ever. Haruto smirked and shook his head. It was actually obvious for everyone, that girls will start talking highly about the new guy as soon as possible. It was always like that: someone new came up and for at least a week they were a hot topic. Then, when emotions cooled down or someone else appeared, they were just one of many and their quirks and flaws were already well known around the coworkers. It was all about fresh meat.
“I really dunno.” He shrugged. “Maybe it’s his clothes. Or hair. Or some overall… vibe. Have you heard him whining there’s no department store, so he can’t go to the movies, bookshop or something? What a city boy!”
Ito didn’t seem like listening to him anymore, however. He was scrolling through his phone, his gaze set on some gravure idol. “You think, if I make friends with Newbie, ladies would like me better?”
“Not likely, man. Everyone already knows what kind of character you are.”
“Oi, everyone loves me!” objected Ito. They put out their cigarettes and entered the canteen. There were already a lot of people. Cutlery clutter and buzz of conversation was filling the space completely. Haruto winced slightly and sighted. He felt the headache coming.
Yet, even in this enormous pandemonium one voice was breaking through. “I’ve decided to take a gap year” said Maeda, putting an English accent on the last words. “It’s common on the West and I think it’s not a bad idea. We’re still young, how are we supposed to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives?”
Haruto couldn’t roll his eyes harder. It must be nice to have options.
He glanced at him. Maeda was sitting surrounded by people, all shiny and beaming. He felt burning sensation in his chest. Everyone were hanging on Maeda’s every word, as if he’s some kind of idol. Well, he kind of looked like one with this radiant smile, slightly wavy hair coiffed carefully and no dark circles under his eyes.
At least, not yet.
And it’s not gonna be like this all the time, thought Haruto with bitter satisfaction. Most of new employees from big cities looked like that at the beginning, but soon they were as tired as everyone and didn’t care about looks anymore. Even girls were sometimes fed up with make-up at morning shifts.
He couldn’t wait to see this.
When they sat down with their trays, Haruto took out his phone and checked messages. Nothing. He pursued his lips and shove the phone back in the pocket.
“Still no reply?” asked Ito. Haruto shook his head avoiding an eye contact. Word ‘still’ was ringing in his ears.
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