[3-Minute Novel] A Beer Mug in the Right Hand, Hope in the Heart, and Stomach Medicine in the Pocket | Fight! Salaryman - Ketsumeishi

"Takahashi-kun..."

Monday morning. I had a bad feeling the moment the section manager called me over. My gut feelings in these situations are almost always right.

"Can I ask you to be the mentor for the new hire?"

I was right. And it wasn't a request; it was a done deal.

The section manager was wearing a good-natured smile, but behind that face was clearly a case of "dumping a hassle on someone else."

"Well, you know, young people these days are difficult... Hahaha!"

No, managing that is what a manager is for, isn't it? I swallowed the words that were right at the tip of my tongue along with my coffee.

The new hire, Sato, is 23. He greets everyone, so he doesn't seem like a bad guy.
It's just that our values are worlds apart. As far as the moon is from the Earth. No, even further.

He's an alien.

"For this document, you should write this part like this."

When I pointed that out,

"Why?"

was the reply.

"Because that's the business custom."

"Is that necessary?"

"..."

No matter how many times I explain, it's like this every time. I lose the will to say anything.

One afternoon. I checked an email to a client.

Subject: [Confirmation]
Body: Understood. I will handle it.

The end.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. It's not "the end." No, it is over. Or is it the beginning of the end? No, no, this is no time to be saying things like that.

"Sato-kun!? Can you cancel that email you just sent!? Oh, wait, it's already too late. What are you doing~~!"

"What do you mean? The facts are conveyed, aren't they?"

"Look... *sigh*. Never mind, just draft an apology email right now! I'll check it before you send it."

"Why do I have to apologize?"

"...!!"

30 minutes later. A call from the client.

I apologized.

Sato is unscathed.

That night, a message arrives from the section manager.

"Good work! I heard about today. Thanks for handling it! I'm treating you to a drink!"

I wanted to refuse. But I couldn't. Before I knew it, I was at an izakaya. Just me and the manager, of course.

Sato isn't here. Apparently, he was invited, but he supposedly said this:

"Does that count as overtime?"

Wow... he's strong. His mental state is made of steel.

The manager says while drinking beer.

"Being the bridge between us is tough, isn't it?"

I thought to myself while chewing on edamame.

You're one to talk.

The next morning, I had a slight hangover. Or maybe it wasn't so slight.

I made a resolution. I need to communicate properly. After all, I am his mentor.

"Sato-kun."

"Yes."

"Please make sure you at least report and consult with me properly."

"Understood."

He answered immediately.

I was a little moved. He can do it if he tries. That was the moment I thought that.

"By the way, I've been recording the guidance you gave me yesterday."

"Hmm?"

"It's for compliance verification."

I froze.

"Recording?"

"Yes."

"Everything?"

"Everything."

An alarm went off in my brain.

Just then, the section manager walked by. I sent him a look, begging for help. The section manager looked away. And then he disappeared into the restroom.

He ran away. That guy, he ran away.

On the way home, I bought a beer at a convenience store. I also bought some stomach medicine while I was at it. I feel like I've been relying on stomach medicine quite frequently lately.

The night breeze feels a bit nice. My phone vibrated.

It's a chat from Sato.

"Mr. Takahashi, I have something to discuss with you."

Oh. A consultation?
Has he started to rely on me a little? Isn't that nice.

I opened the message.

"What is the earliest I can use up all my paid leave?"

I looked up at the sky.
Ah, I can see Orion. It's beautiful.

A deep sigh escaped me.

I'll go to the office tomorrow, too.

For now, I think I'll buy another box of stomach medicine.