Souta parked in front of the hotel and get out of the car. Somehow he thought it's going to be bigger; bigger and more intimidating. Yet, his new workplace had only seven floors. He looked up and down. He had to admit, it was quite charming with white walls and red roof, placed right next to the beach. The view from rooms must've been breathtaking.
He glanced at his watch. There was still almost half an hour to the meeting and he felt thirsty. He haven't drunk anything since he left Kyoto. Souta looked around and noticed a small convenience store across the street. Killing some time in a shop seemed like a better idea than standing in front of the hotel like a creeper or lurking in his car.
First, he strolled around the shelfs and checked out limited products, then flicked through some new comics and magazines. After a few minutes, shop assistant started giving him long, suspicious look. He smiled to her. Does he look weird? New people were coming in and coming out, and with every second he felt even more and more out of place. Yet, he still had a lot of time left. Souta bought iced coffee and went out. Here he could wait without being judged. He leaned on a bike rack, took out his phone and dove into social media world. At least he could keep up with some news.
When he finished his drink, he looked at the watch. Shit. It was almost time. When did he lost track of it? He jumped up, put his phone into pocket and bumped into someone. Fuck. He stomped over something soft. He looked down and noticed a pack of cigarettes under his feet.
"Shit," he mumbled. "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay." His victim was some young guy. Both of them bended down to pick up, now all crushed, cigarettes.
"I'm really sorry, I'm gonna buy you a new one, okay?" Souta couldn't stop apologizing, a sheepish grin on his face. "But on the other hand, look on the bright side! Cigarettes aren't that good for your health, you know?"
Somehow he felt that the other man didn't like what he just said. He chuckled nervously and coughed. His gaze slid down on his victims wrist, as he lowered his head and stopped on a man's watch. "Oh, shit!" Souta straightened up and bow deeply. "I really need to go! I'm so sorry, really, I really meant to buy you these, but I have to go!" And before he finished the sentence, he rushed towards hotel, hoping he will never meet the guy again.
*
Fortunately, he was perfectly on time. He even had some spare minutes to calm down from embarrassment. Mr. Watanabe, who met him to finish the paperwork, had the calmest voice he ever heard and listening to his explanations made him forget about the whole incident. Soon however, he felt like it's dragging on too much. He couldn't help but glance at watch every 5 seconds and wish it's all over. He felt his skin crying for some activity, some rash of impatience on his back. He was eager to go around the hotel and see how it looks like inside, every room, every corridor, even the smallest corner. Anything was better than looking at this small, balding guy for another minutes.
Finally, he could take his signature seal out.
Signing the contract hadn't felt real for Souta, but signing all of the other papers made him feel mature. First step in an adult world! Maybe it wasn't as big as his friends, who have just started their lives as new employees in big companies, but he still felt proud of himself. His first full-time job (even though he wasn't a proper company employee)! His first own apartment (even though it was actually a dorm)! And on top of that, a beautiful scenery for his first adult memories with clear ocean and a famous beach, he often visited with his highschool friends years ago. Nothing could've destroy his joy.
After all these waiting he was finally to be shown around. First stop was a locker room, so he could try his new uniform. Mr. Watanabe gave him two sets and lead him through corridors. He pointed out one locker and said: "I believe, this one is yours. Oh, good afternoon, Tamura. You're still here?"
Souta noticed someone changing his clothes in the corner of the room and froze.
"Just starting my shift, sir." Tamura shifted his gaze to Souta and smiled. "You're new? Welcome to our hotel."
Souta bowed, happy he could avoid his look. "Maeda Souta, nice to meet you."
"Tamura Haruto. If you will have any problem, feel free to ask me." Souta looked up. Tamura's voice was warm and welcoming, yet he felt shivers down his spine. He couldn't shake the feeling it was all empty words. But what made him feel uneasy the most was the way Tamura smiled – with stretched lips, without his cheeks risen.
He really should've bought those cigarettes.
Comments (0)
See all