During only a week and a half, Souta started feeling like part of their family in hotel’s restaurant. Because they had two shifts during the day and sometimes when everything was done they went to the bar, he ended up spending with his coworkers whole days. He felt comfortable around them and almost as if he knew them his whole life. Now it was time to move to lounge and he wasn’t sure how he feels about that. Working hours were much better and work itself relatively lighter, but there were only two people on a shift. What if he’s not going to like the other person?
The other thing, that made it harder for Souta to feel comfortable there was the fact, that he could see the whole lobby from where he stands.
And that view included Tamura.
He already bumped on him this morning, when everyone went out in front of the hotel to see banquet guests off. Despite being late April and standing under the full sun, Souta got goosebumps and felt freezing whenever their gaze crossed each other. But what else he could do to clear the air? He already apologized for cigarettes and tried to listen to the music only on his headphones. Was there anything left there?
When he was standing in front of the lounge, waiting for guests, he noticed that Tamura was using the same fake smile to everyone. Dead eyes and stretched in thin, slightly curved line lips were there every time someone walked in. Of course everyone had and were using this kind of smiles, even Souta, but only Tamura’s one was getting on his nerves that much, and he couldn’t say why.
It was probably the first time to see lobby from this perspective and without his friends from restaurant. Usually, when he was on the first floor, he was horsing around with Ito and Okamoto and at this time they were already upstairs, preparing all the tables.
“Oi, city boy!” He looked up. Was it him being called? “Help me with those guests. I show them around, you take the luggage.” Tamura was looking at him, this time without a smile and for Souta it felt more natural. With a small hesitation he took the luggage cart and followed him.
When Tamura was telling about the hotel, he looked professional, Souta had to admit. There was some shine inside of him that turned on that moment. Every word was said clearly and loudly, so the whole family could hear him and even kids, who were screaming and running around just a few minutes ago, were paying attention now. Souta was impressed.
When elevator doors closed behind Tamura and guests, Souta breathed a small sigh of relief. Will he ever be that good at something? He entered the elevator and rose a finger to push the button.
But suddenly he froze. What was the floor?
His face flushed immediately. He squinted trying to remember. Was it third? Or sixth? It could’ve been any floor and he knew that. He glanced over the corridor. He can go back and ask someone from front desk about the floor, he thought. But that would be embarrassing. Suddenly, he saw the shadow of someone and pushed a random button, without thinking. Elevator jerked up. With racing heart, he decided to check every floor.
The elevator was stopping and starting, but each floor was empty. Finally, he reached seventh floor, hoping it’s the one. And it was. Tamura was waiting for him with crossed arms and disappointed face. But he didn’t say anything. Not until they were alone.
“Where were you?” he hissed, when they finished with luggage.
Souta lowered his head. At first, he felt embarrassed. He was asking himself, why it was Tamura out of them all, who saw his mistake. He couldn’t look him in the eyes. But when they were going through corridor, he realized it wasn’t all his fault. Irritation pricked at him. He clenched his eyes and took a deep breath. Tamura was his senior, after all. He permitted himself a small mirthered smile and said humbly: “I’m sorry, Tamura, I really am, but you didn’t tell me the floor.”
His nerve took Tamura aback. He blinked rapidly. “I did.”
“No, you did not.”
“I definitely did.”
“Did you?”
“I– I did not.” Tamura’s face turned pale as he realized his own mistake. He took his gaze away and clenched his hands on the cart. Souta could see them tremble. He couldn’t help but feel victorious. He straightened up and smirked, but didn’t say anything. He wasn’t a monster after all. As soon as they reached the first floor, Tamura dashed off without saying another word.
A/N: And that's all for chapter 4! I hope y'all liked it!
Feel free to share your opinion or vote for the chapter :) It means a lot to me!
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