Candy Time: The first story

I woke up to the sound of my sister, Ayame's voice, before my alarm clock even had a chance to ring.

"Good morning, big brother✨"

The door to my room opened, and there stood Ayame, as energetic as ever.

"Is it morning already?"

Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I looked up at the ceiling. Then, suddenly, Ayame's figure standing by my side caught my eye.

"Good morning, Ayame. Your college life starts today, huh? Feeling nervous?"

I gave her a smile.

"Yeah! But I'm okay because I have you, big brother!"

With those firm words, Ayame headed towards the kitchen. Her back was tense with anticipation and anxiety for the new challenges ahead, but seeing her like that somehow filled me with energy too.

Sounds of breakfast preparation came from the kitchen. The sizzle of eggs frying in the pan, the toaster crisping up some bread.

Despite her unpracticed movements, Ayame was making breakfast with all her might.

"Big brother, breakfast is ready!"

Her voice heralded the start of a new day.

"Ayame, you've already prepared breakfast?"

As I got out of bed and asked her, Ayame nodded proudly.

"Yes! I'm a college student starting today, so I wanted to start off with some energy!"

On the table were fried eggs, bacon, and a salad.

Her cooking skills seemed to improve day by day.

"That's amazing. Thank you, Ayame."

I expressed my gratitude, and she beamed with joy.

While eating breakfast, Ayame started talking about what she wanted to do in college and what she was looking forward to.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and listening to her, I found myself getting excited too.

"Make sure you have a great day too, big brother!"

As she said that, Ayame handed me a lunch box. Inside were rice balls and side dishes she had prepared for me. With this lunch box, it feels like I can get through the day.

"Yeah, you too."

I replied while gently patting her head. She giggled with an "Ehehe," and we both started preparing for our day.

After finishing our meal, Ayame went back to her room. I returned to mine and changed into a suit, getting ready for work. With the start of a new life, it feels like our morning routine has gradually changed as well.

“Ayame, I’m going.”

As I was putting on my shoes at the entrance, she replied, "Good luck, big brother!" After exchanging these words, I left the house.

...

The morning rush hour. As usual, I was swayed by the crowd in the train, welcoming another day. In such a moment, when the train doors opened, I caught sight of Emi.

"Good morning! It's rare to see Takahashi-kun here.♪"

"Good morning, Emi. Well, it's also rare for me to go to the office this early."

Emi, as always, had her short hair with a part of it braided as her charm point. Contrary to her gentle nature, her appearance stands out a bit at the company. Especially attracting the gaze of men...

"What's wrong?"

"Ah! No... nothing!"

I hastily answered while I was absent-mindedly staring at Emi. We joined the company in the same year and have overcome various projects together over the years. We talk a lot, not just about work but also about our personal lives.

In the train, we talked about the new life we started this spring. I shared about the new cohabitation life with Ayame, and from Emi, I heard she's added new dishes to her cooking repertoire. She always enjoys trying new recipes, and her attitude often inspires me.

"With a big brother like you, Ayame-chan must feel safe♪"

Emi said that with a gentle smile. Those words somehow made my heart feel warm. Indeed, I worry about Ayame, but having a friend like Emi also gives me a sense of reassurance.

Upon arriving at the office, I immediately exchanged greetings with Nagisa and Mika-san.

Nagisa greeted me energetically, "Senpai! Good morning!" Her light blue hair well reflects her bright personality. Although she's always fooling around, she has a serious side when it comes to work. However, it's rare for her playful nature to reveal her serious side.

"Senpai, you're not thinking something rude, are you? (―○ω○)ก ｸｲｯ✧︎"

Mika-san responded, "Good morning. Let's do our best today," fully switched into work mode as usual. Her neatly maintained black hair serves as a good example to her subordinates. Despite her strict attitude towards work, she's also known for being very caring.

Once work began, the usual morning routine kicked off: checking emails, reviewing the day's schedule, and then the morning assembly. That day, there was an important meeting, and I was busy preparing for it. Despite the busyness, Emi sometimes helped out. Her presence often made the workload feel lighter.

For lunch, it was decided to go to a cafe recommended by Emi, along with Nagisa and Mika-san. Emi always has a knack for finding new places.

Nagisa, in her usual playful manner, teased,

"Senpai! You're just staring at Emi-san's chest again! (―○ω○)ก ｸｲｯ✧︎"

I hurriedly replied, "I'm not!" though my voice might have cracked a bit.

Mika-san watched our exchange with a look of bemusement, yet her expression was also kind.

She's a competent supervisor who can be strict at times, but underlying that is a deep care for her subordinates.

During the meal, we had lively discussions about work and personal matters. These moments are precious breathers for me.

・・・・・・・

In the evening, after work had calmed down a bit, Mika-san suggested, "How about we go for a drink today?" It's one of the rare opportunities to talk about not just work but also personal matters. I happily accepted her invitation.

After work, I headed to the bar we had agreed on with Mika-san. Mika-san is usually stoic, with strict manners and attitude towards work, but I knew she had another side to her. That is, she becomes a bit of a klutz when she drinks, an unexpected trait.

Mika-san was originally my senior but was promoted after a while, becoming my direct supervisor.

Since joining the company, I've been affectionately looked after, and her love for alcohol turning her a bit clumsy is something that has remained the same, both then and now.

The bar's lighting creates a calm atmosphere, and the quietly playing jazz is comforting. Mika-san and I took seats at the counter and began talking about work and recent events. And then...

"Do you remember what today is?"

Mika-san asked me out of the blue...

"Uh... Oh"

Shoot! I can't remember at all! Grandpa used to say it's dangerous to not remember when a woman asks you this! Today is Ayame's first day of college, but that's not relevant to Mika-san... What else... As I desperately sift through my memories.

"It's okay if you don't remember."

Saying so, Mika-san took out an old, worn-out planner.

"Actually... today marks the 5th anniversary of meeting my junior."

I was surprised. I hadn't expected Mika-san to remember such a thing. Now that I think about it, I was assigned to the department after finishing the new employee training around April 5th.

"I didn't remember it myself, actually. I was organizing documents for the end of the fiscal year when I found a planner from 5 years ago. I was feeling nostalgic and looking through it when I saw it written in the schedule."

"The date we met?"

Mika-san laughed softly, saying,

"No, You know you were my first junior, right?"

Of course, I know, so I nod in response.

"Well, back then, I guess I was really pumped up. Looking at the schedule, it said, 'First junior! Let's do our best!'"

Laughing heartily, Mika-san was devoid of her usual stern demeanor.

(She's probably getting drunk by now...)

"That's why! Today, I wanted to treat you as a way to appreciate my junior who has also landed a big project at the end of the fiscal year♪"

As she said this, Mika-san patted her chest, and the well-shaped hills...

No, no! Where am I looking!

Feeling a sense of regret, I avert my gaze with an indomitable spirit.

"So, don't hold back and drink up today♪"

Mika-san, not to the extent of forcing alcohol but certainly becoming more generous with her offers when she's had a few, urges me to drink more. As Mika-san, who seemed to be in a good mood, progressed through several glasses of her favorite wine, her demeanor began to change even more.

"Hey, hey, junior, listen to this~. Something really funny happened today..."

Mika-san's story gradually started to veer off course, shifting from work-related topics to completely unrelated hobbies. Seeing her burst into laughter mid-story or forget the punchline was unimaginable from her daytime persona.

When I pointed out, "Mika-san, you've told that one three times already," she showed a surprised expression, saying, "Eh, really?" But then she burst into laughter again. I couldn't help but laugh along with her. Seeing Mika-san so natural and at ease was a rare and precious moment.

...

"Bring me more alcohol!"

Hours passed, and Mika-san was quite drunk, her speech... no, significantly slurred.

"Mika-san, Let's go home now!"

Mika-san, with a vacant look in her eyes, staggered to her feet and left the bar with me.

(She agreed to leave more easily than I expected)

I had imagined she might insist on drinking more, saying, "We're going to drink even more!" But she obediently left the bar, which was a relief. Once outside, I suddenly felt the alcohol hit me harder than I had anticipated.

(This is bad... I wonder if I can make it home)

As I worried about whether I could safely get home, Mika-san, with slightly unsteady steps, made a suggestion.

"Junior! Let's go to the next place!!"

"Mika-san! You're staggering. Let's just go home."

I've had quite a bit to drink myself and am feeling a bit out of it, but Mika-san seems even more affected.

"What are you talking about~? I'm still totally fine~"

Hmm... This is definitely not good...

"Mika-san, the last train will be leaving soon, we should really start wrapping up..."

"The last train is leaving~? Haah~ I see what you're getting at..."

Mika-san is giving me a sly grin.

"It's okay~! Today is a special day after all~!"

"Whoa! Mi... Mika-san!?"

With surprising strength, Mika-san pulls me along. As I'm dragged along, I eventually realize...

"Where are we?"

When I ask,

"You know where we are without me having to say it..."

Hmm... It looks like the kind of place you stay overnight. Mika-san, whether due to intoxication or embarrassment, is looking at me with a flushed face. And then...

"Come on, let's go..."