Meeting Rui-senpai (French Love Story 99)

Attachment to my surname

Early December.

“My name is Tachibana. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Since I started job hunting in Tokyo, I have said these words many times.

When I used to work as a Japanese language teacher in France, I was called “Reiko-sensei.”

However, it is common practice in Japanese business to be addressed by one's surname, and since returning to Japan, I have encountered many situations where I have been made aware of that.

Whether I was at a staffing agency or visiting a company they introduced me to, I have repeatedly stated my surname and been called by it over and over.

Each time, I think to myself.

“I never want to change my surname again.”

I have always thought my surname, “Tachibana,” was “cool” since I was a child, and I have always felt an attachment to it.

People who like history sometimes tell me, “It’s one of the ‘Genpei Tokitsu’ (four great clans), so that’s nice.”

When I married my previous husband, I really didn't want to change my surname, but in a world where “it is natural for a woman to change it,” that was not allowed.

That is why I was so happy when I got divorced and could go back to being “Reiko Tachibana.”

But because my surname returned to my maiden name, I had to report “I got divorced” to everyone around me, and when I was only 28, I was hurt by the awkward reactions I received.

“Why do only women have to change their surnames due to marriage or divorce?

There are people in this world who repeat marriage and divorce many times.

That is not a crime or a bad thing that causes trouble for others.

If you are a man, you can live your life as usual without any obstacles, so why must only women be punished by having to expose their private lives to those around them?”

...It even makes me think that the root cause of why this system doesn't change is the jealousy of unpopular middle-aged men who believe that 'a virtuous woman should not serve two husbands' and that 'a woman who is promiscuous in love is unforgivable.'

Because I am the type of person who falls in love easily, 'Even if I remarry, I might get divorced again' I was aware of that possibility.

'Tachibana' I love the surname 'Even if I remarry, I absolutely do not want to change my surname' and for that reason, my desire was very strong.

So, I seriously thought about things like this.

...Eventually, it started to feel ridiculous, and I thought, 'Maybe I should just give up on having children and go for a de facto marriage.' I considered that.

That is why Japan's declining birthrate will not stop. (Though I'm sure that's not the only reason.)

I sincerely hope that Japanese politicians will understand these subtle female feelings and quickly decide on a 'selective separate surname system for married couples.'

Real Estate Rental Business

Through an introduction from a temp agency that helped me before I went to France, I started a job as a 'sales assistant at a real estate rental company' for a limited period from December to the end of March.

The reason it was a limited period of four months is because this time of year is the busy season for the real estate industry, and they need staff regardless of whether they are newcomers or not. they said.

The company is a chain with locations nationwide, and I was assigned to the Jiyugaoka branch.

The reason I chose this job is that I love looking for apartments more than anyone else, I wanted to see various properties, and I thought I could make use of my strong customer service skills.

Moreover, since it's a temp job, it's nice that there are no sales quotas.

The downside is that Wednesday is a fixed day off and I have to work on weekends and holidays, but since it's for a limited time, I don't think it will bother me that much.

Self-introduction

Monday, December 7th.

After receiving the job offer in the first week of December, I hurriedly finished three days of training, and this was my first day at the store.

I was a little anxious about being in a new industry, but I was more excited than anything.

At the morning meeting before opening, I introduced myself in front of all the employees.

“I’m Reiko Tachibana. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

“Ah, Tachibana-san, nice to meet you.”

The store manager, who looked like Jiro Sato and was about 40, spoke to me with a gentle smile.
Since he mentioned he was a devoted husband and father of three, I instantly nicknamed him the 'Family Man Manager' in my head.

Looking around at the team, all five sales representatives were men, and the two office clerks were women.

My eyes landed on one of the salesmen.

He was a super handsome guy who looked like Hiro Mizushima but seemed incredibly flashy and “BEWARE OF THAT MAN”—a warning alert started blaring loudly in my brain.

He introduced himself, saying, “I’m Rui Oikawa.”

What kind of host-like name is that?

I knew he was a player.

“Oikawa-kun is the most handsome guy in our store, so he’s very popular with female customers and always has the top sales record.”

The manager introduced him jokingly.

Yeah, yeah, I bet he is.

But I am definitely not going to fall for him.

I swore to myself, “I will try to avoid getting involved with a man named Oikawa as much as possible.”

Work like a drive

“Well then, Tachibana-san, please ride along with the sales staff.

Listen to their explanations and get a feel for the local area.”

For the first week after my assignment, per the manager's instructions, I often rode one-on-one in cars with them, driving around the roads near Jiyugaoka.

They were all kind and gentlemanly, and it was fun to drive around the city with them.

He told me in detail about the characteristics of the area and things to be careful about, and occasionally cracked a joke, so we spent a pleasant time together.

As I am a female employee sent here on assignment, I could feel their consideration that "there must be no mistakes," and I felt reassured in that regard as well.

The flirty senior

Saturday, December 12th.

It was my fifth day since being assigned, and the day had finally come to ride in a car with Rui Oikawa.

This was the first time I would be alone with him, but I decided to avoid talking about anything other than the bare essentials.

When I sat next to him, I caught a faint, pleasant scent of perfume, and it annoyed me slightly that it was a scent I liked.

When I remained silent, Oikawa-san spoke to me like this.

“Reiko-chan, why are you so quiet?

Do you hate me?”

Huh... why are you suddenly calling me "Reiko-chan"?

I was surprised by how much flirtier he was than I had expected.

“It’s just that you’re my senior at work, so I don’t particularly like or dislike you.”

After a brief silence, Oikawa-san suddenly put on a serious expression and said this.

“You know, I’m often told I’m handsome and people get the wrong idea, but at heart, I’m a serious and good guy, so keep that in mind.”

No, no... a serious person wouldn't call themselves handsome, would they?

Without caring that I was dumbfounded, he began to talk passionately about himself.

“The reason my performance is good is because I properly study real estate and work hard on my sales pitch, so I’m getting results.

I’m securing contracts firmly not just from female clients, but from male clients too.”

I decided to just nod along for now.

'...Oh, I see.'

When I looked at his profile as I replied, I was captivated by the line of his nose, which didn't look Japanese at all.

No, no, I shouldn't be getting dizzy over something like this.

Without noticing my agitation, he continued to promote himself.

'I studied while I was busy with work and passed the real estate notary exam on my first try.

I'm the youngest among the members, but I'm more confident in my knowledge than anyone else.

So, if there's anything you don't understand, just ask me.'

For now, I understood well that he seemed like a more serious and good person than I had thought.

'Thank you very much.

Well, I'll ask you if there's anything I don't understand, so I'll be counting on you then.'

When I replied honestly, he seemed relieved and returned to his playboy mode.

'That's right, Reiko-chan. Being honest is the best.'

As he said that, he patted my head with his left hand.

'Hey, stop that!!'

However, because the other person is a handsome guy, I find myself allowing the 'head pat'.

...As expected, this man cannot be let down.

I strengthened my guard mode.

Confusing scent

Today, Saturday, Tomoya-kun was at his home in Tokyo, and I was staying at his place after work.

Since we got back together on November 29th, it seems like we've returned to being the lovey-dovey couple we were before.

'What are you making?'

As I stood in the kitchen cooking, Tomoya-kun hugged me from behind.

His nose brushed right against the top of my head, and he asked curiously.

"Huh, Reiko, are you wearing perfume today?"

...It's all that playboy's fault.

"No. I just changed my shampoo."

Tomoya-kun didn't ask anything more, kissed the nape of my neck, and began to undress me.

I didn't particularly resist and decided to respond to his youthful desire.

I had to make him forget this trivial suspicion quickly by giving him a new kind of stimulation...

Oh well, even at a time like this, I'm reminded that"I really need to watch out for Rui Oikawa."is a thought I can't shake.

Such thoughts were soon drowned out by Tomoya-kun's caresses, which had improved over time.

"Reiko, haven't you become more beautiful since you started working?"

I can hear Tomoya-kun's voice whispering in my ear...

However, since colleagues spend long hours together every day, young men and women inevitably end up becoming conscious of each other...