Short Story: "Sweet, Sweet, Sweet, and Salty."

From beside my large computer monitor, I saw a glimpse of semi-long hair swaying softly. As usual, she popped her head out.

"Senpai, do you have a date today?"

Nomura-san, who sits at the desk across from me, stopped working and stared at me with a grin. She must have seen the note I left in the shared department schedule for today—'Atsugi: No meetings after regular hours'—and started speculating.

"That's not it at all."

I replied with a bitter smile, not looking at her face. It was a response filled with self-deprecation, but she didn't seem to mind.

"Oh, really? I thought you had finally fallen in love, our impregnable Senpai."

Called by the section manager, she stood up briskly. As she walked, the cardigan draped over her shoulders fluttered. I watched her go before returning to my work. I didn't say out loud that I had fallen in love a long time ago.

◆

Nomura-san joined the company on a warm spring day that felt ahead of the season. When the section manager introduced her, she was petite with fair skin, and I thought she looked like a doll. Perhaps I thought so because of her feminine attire—a lemon-yellow blouse and a white frilled skirt. When she looked at me, having been introduced as her mentor, her large, jewel-like eyes shone gently.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Senpai."

I probably replied with a reflexive 'Likewise,' but I don't remember it well. Only her refreshing voice, like lightly brewed tea, remains in my memory.

◆

I confirmed that all of today's tasks were finished. Five minutes before closing time. I tidied up for tomorrow and punched my time card the moment the clock struck the hour.

"Well then, I'll be heading out first."
"Ah, Senpai! Please wait a moment."

Nomura-san hurriedly pulled something out of her bag and held it out. In her hand was... a chiffon cake wrapped with a ribbon.

"Would you mind taking this? I'm moving the day after tomorrow, and I still have so many ingredients left over."

She occasionally makes sweets and gives them to me. Every time, I tell myself, 'She's just giving them to me because I'm the only other woman in the department.' There have been cookies, pound cakes, gateau chocolat, and even donuts.

"Thank you as always. I'll gladly accept it."

When I thanked her and took it, she smiled with her eyebrows arched, saying, 'And thank you, I'm sorry for forcing it on you.' I raised my hand to say it was no trouble at all, and she said,

"Tomorrow will be my last day in the office, but I look forward to working with you. Good work today, Senpai."

With that, she bowed her head. I could only give a small nod.

◆

I got off at a large terminal station, two stops before my usual one. I wove through the concourse, crowded with people on their way home, and hurried toward my destination. There were only thirty minutes left until closing.

I had known for a while that she was thinking of quitting the company when she got married. She had felt comfortable enough to talk to me about it whenever we had lunch together. It seemed Ms. Nomura couldn't bring herself to leave the company that had raised her. It was me who pushed her forward with the mundane words, "Don't worry about the company. It's your life, after all."

As soon as I arrived at the shop, I spoke quickly, "Excuse me, I'm Atsugi, and I reserved an assortment of sweets." There were only a few items left in the display case. I was glad I had made a reservation.

"The sweets at that shop are incredibly moist, rich, and delicious."

She might not even remember telling me that anymore. But I had remembered it all this time. I had decided that if I ever had the chance to give her a gift, it would be from this shop. I never imagined back then that it would end up being a retirement gift.

"Would you like to add our new cookies as well?"

Since it was almost closing time, they offered them at a discount. Without the strength to refuse, I let myself be swayed and bought them along with the gift.

◆

I got home and sat at my desk to write a message card for Ms. Nomura's gift. It was a gorgeous, floral-patterned card that I thought she would like. Without writing a single word, I took a bite of the cookies I had bought.
Huh? They're saltier than I thought.
Wiping the corners of my eyes with a tissue, I kept eating.
Come to think of it, I also have the chiffon cake Ms. Nomura gave me. Without bothering to get a plate or fork, I took a bite of the cake straight from the bag.
This time, it's sweet. Sweeter, sweeter, and sweeter than the cookies I bought at the shop.

"Senpai"

How many times have I savored the sound of her calling me that? I'm sure I'll never forget it. Her voice, as clear as tea. The next bite of the chiffon cake I took had, before I knew it, turned salty.

(End)

This work is an entry for the "Second Annual Awards for Those Who Lose Everything" literary prize.