Amano Writing Club: 'I Want to Eat an Eclair'

"I want an eclair. I wonder if someone could go buy me one."
At the office.
The section manager says this loud enough for everyone to hear.
Go get it yourself.
"Eclairs are so good, aren't they? I suddenly have a craving for one."
I don't care.
Just go to the convenience store downstairs.
I don't even know if they sell them there.
"Hey, hey, is there anyone who wants to go to the convenience store? Anyone who wants an eclair?"
That's you, isn't it? Just go already.
"Oh, right. We're having performance review interviews next month. Everyone, please have your documents ready."

A tense atmosphere fills the office as employees look at each other.
Eclairs and a promotion?
No, no, it's not even worth weighing the two.
But to raise my hand here... wouldn't that be too obvious?

"Oh, I was just thinking about going to buy some cigarettes. Shall I go for you?"
My colleague Sasaki stands up.
Hey, wait. Are you betraying us?
Didn't we promise to reach the top together?
...We didn't, did we?
"I see. You'll go for me, Sasaki? Good. Alright then, get 18 eclairs. If they don't have them at the convenience store, find a nearby pastry shop. Everyone has worked hard this month, and our performance is excellent. This is my treat as a reward. Well, Sasaki, even from my perspective, your smoke breaks are too long, and you've been a step behind everyone else. Didn't you raise your hand because you felt a bit guilty about that?"

Silence follows the section manager's long speech.
And then, Sasaki leaves the office, looking dejected.
I've realized once again that our section manager is a demon.
...Or wait, is he a wonderful boss who appreciates his subordinates' hard work and even treats them to snacks?
Either way, I have no choice but to work hard so I don't become the next errand boy.
I'll tell Sasaki that, too.

For now, I'm just looking forward to the reward eclair.

I have participated in this project.
Thank you for your consideration.