"Is Tetsu-kun really that eager to hear someone call you 'Dad'?"
What kind of question is that?
It's kinda tempting.
Tetsu Fuyukawa froze for a second, his mouth opening to say something, but just then, Sayoko Kawai smirked slyly. "Tetsu-kun, you're such a big pervert, aren't you? I can see the words 'super eager' written all over your eyes. But, nope, that's absolutely not happening."
No way, no way!
Sayoko crossed her arms in front of her chest, a triumphant teasing grin on her face, like a little fox who'd just snatched a chick.
"You little—"
Tetsu never expected to be played like this by a woman who's usually all shy and blushing. He couldn't hold it together, but honestly, seeing her loosen up made their banter way more fun.
Scratching his head, Tetsu chuckled. "You're the type who shines the moment you get a bit of sunlight, huh? I still remember how you were so scared by one look from me that you practically bowed to the floor. Looks like I need to be a bit stricter with you from now on."
"Hmph, as if you would," Sayoko said with a playful smirk, hands behind her back as she skipped forward with light steps. "You're not the type to be harsh with people. If you were, you wouldn't have taken me to the manager's office today or said all those encouraging things."
"I just think you're a pretty efficient subordinate, that's all."
"So efficient I was almost let go by the company?"
"…Alright, enough chatter. Lead the way already—I'm starving."
"Hehe, you're totally dodging! We're almost there. I'll treat you to some tempura soon!"
Sayoko's mood visibly brightened, her steps growing even lighter.
This girl…
Watching her silhouette weave through the bustling crowd under the neon lights, Tetsu shook his head with a smile and quickened his pace to catch up.
Sayoko's part-time job wasn't in Kabukicho.
After passing through the lively streets, Tetsu followed her to a small izakaya tucked away in a back alley. The place had some age to it—the sign was practically weathered to a shine. A menu board by the entrance listed the day's specials, but through the half-open noren curtain, it was clear there weren't many customers inside.
"Yoko-chan, you're here!"
As they pushed through the curtain, a kind elderly woman in an apron, her face full of wrinkles, greeted them warmly from behind the counter.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late," Sayoko said.
In true Japanese fashion, she bowed deeply, even though the old lady hadn't scolded her at all.
"No worries, it's still quiet right now, so I can manage on my own. Oh, and who's this handsome young man?" The old lady's squinted eyes widened as she spotted Tetsu. Sayoko's cheeks flushed, but before she could respond—
"Is he Yoko-chan's son? Oh, come here and let Granny take a look!"
"Granny!" Sayoko squeaked.
"Haha, just kidding! But you know, those little business cards they hand out nowadays often mention cosplay, don't they?"
"Granny, stop it! He's my boss, Tetsu Fuyukawa. You know, Fuyukawa as in winter river, Tetsu as in clear and pure."
Sayoko's face was beet red as she fumbled through the introduction.
What kind of introduction was that? Tetsu stepped forward. "Hello, ma'am. I'm Tetsu Fuyukawa. Nice to meet you."
"Haha, sorry about that, young man. Forgive a seventy-year-old granny for teasing a bit."
"No worries. Thanks for looking after Yoko-chan all this time."
"Tetsu-kun!" Sayoko's face turned even redder as Tetsu spoke like a concerned parent. But then Granny landed another blow. "Yoko-chan? You're probably younger than her, aren't you? Wait, don't tell me I was right—are you two doing one of those trendy cosplay things? Judging by the way you talk, you're the 'parent,' huh?"
"Granny, you've got a sharp eye," Tetsu teased back.
"That's it, I'm done with you both! I'm going to change!" Caught in the crossfire, Sayoko was both embarrassed and annoyed. She puffed out her cheeks and stomped off to the back.
"That girl, she's so easy to tease," Granny said with a chuckle.
The izakaya had only two middle-aged men drinking and smoking. Granny pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket. "Smoke, young man?"
"Thanks." Tetsu, who'd never met such a spirited old lady, took a cigarette and leaned in as she lit it.
They sat in silence for a moment. Granny took a drag, then hopped onto a high stool with surprising vigor. "Bet you think my personality's a bit odd, huh?"
Tetsu leaned against the counter. "It's not bad, just… different from most grandmas."
"When a woman's been alone for too long, she gets a bit quirky. Who knows, maybe Yoko-chan will end up like this someday."
"Ahem!" Tetsu nearly choked on his smoke as the conversation swung back to Sayoko. "Granny, you're overthinking it. With Yoko's qualities, finding a boyfriend would be a piece of cake."
"Her qualities?" Granny's eyes glinted with a strange look. She flicked her cigarette ash and changed tack. "You're right, with her qualities, finding a guy should be easy. But… she's too stubborn."
"Stubborn? I haven't noticed that yet."
"You'll see—cough—wow, Yoko-chan, you changed fast!"
Granny was about to say more but froze, sensing a murderous aura. Sayoko, now in a white T-shirt, jeans, and an apron, emerged from the back. Her apron was stretched tight over her full figure.
"Granny, what were you about to say?" Sayoko asked suspiciously.
"Nothing! Oh, wait, I forgot—the dish I was cooking is almost ready. You take care of the customers!" Granny slipped away.
"Really…" Sayoko muttered, pouting. She turned to Tetsu, tying her apron. "You must be starving, right? What do you want to eat?"
Her vibe was completely different from earlier in the day—livelier, bolder even. Tetsu found it amusing. He spun around on the stool to check the menu board on the wall.
Izakayas are a bit like hole-in-the-wall diners back home, but unlike those, their menus often change daily based on whatever ingredients the owner picked up. That said, staples like yakitori and tuna sets are usually always available.
"I'll take a yakitori set and some ramen."
The set is just a combo meal, and yakitori is basically grilled meat skewers, mostly chicken, sometimes mixed with beef, pork, or veggies.
"Got it, give me a sec," Sayoko said, starting to prep ingredients at the counter. Tetsu watched her with interest. For work, she'd tied her hair into a low ponytail, with her bangs pinned up by a butterfly hair clip, giving her a youthful vibe.
Sayoko had a sort of "mature wife" charm, but she didn't wear heavy makeup, and her face was relatively small. The playful butterfly clip added a touch of innocence that, combined with her natural allure, hit Tetsu with a mix of pure and provocative.
She looked good. He lingered a bit too long, and soon enough, the tips of her ears turned red.
Even in a comfortable, safe environment where she could be more outgoing, she was still quick to blush. But the way she cooked was far more confident than her work demeanor—no wonder she had such high-level culinary skills.
Tetsu looked away, waiting quietly at the counter. Just then, a few middle-aged salarymen pushed through the noren curtain.
"Boss, one yakitori, one fried chicken, one tuna belly, and a bottle of shochu, please."
"Same for me, but make my yakitori spicy. Oh, and add a plate of edamame."
"Can you start me off with some tamagoyaki?"