"Your wife looks really cute," I said.
"Oh? You think so? This old guy still has good taste, right?" Jinnai said with a grin.
I gave a small laugh.
"Really, we met by chance, so I should introduce you, yeah? She isn't as cute as my wife, but she has some pretty cute friends."
"No, no. If they're your wife's friends, they're nineteen, right? I'm 40. They won't look at me."
I knew it was true, but it still stung to say it out loud.
"I don't think that's true. You're a bit cool in a mature way. I think my wife's friends would like you."
I laughed again. "You're kind, Jinnai. Anyway, nice to meet you."
"It's not like that, ssu. Well, whatever. See you."
At first, I thought he would pick a fight with me, but he turned out to be a good guy, so I felt a little better.
Long ago, I helped a girl and got beaten up by some delinquents. Since then, I've been wary of people who look intimidating.
Of course, I know it's not good to judge people by how they look, but I can't help it.
Well, it didn't look like I had anything more to do here, so I thought it was time to head home.
"Hanaoka-san."
"Eh? Me?"
"Yes, Hanaoka-san."
"Um, you're... Nakatsuka, right?"
If I remember right, during the introductions she said she liked drinking. She looked so happy when she said it that she stayed in my mind.
"Yes, that's me. I'm glad you remember."
"Did you need something?"
"No, not really. I just heard what you were saying before."
"Oh... you heard."
"Yes. Sorry, but... are you single, Hanaoka-san?"
"Ugh... yeah, I am."
"Wow, really? I see. Do you not have a girlfriend?"
"N-No, I don't."
What was with this girl? Why was she prying into my personal life so much?
"So that's how it is. You said 19 was too young, but how about 20?"
"Even if you ask me that... I don't think I'd have a chance."
"And if you did have a chance, then what?"
"Well... if I had a chance, sure."
"I see. By the way, I'm 20."
"Oh, I see."
"So, what do you think?"
"Hm? About what?"
"How about a 20-year-old like me?"
"You're young and full of energy. It's nice. I think it's good."
"Really? I'm happy to hear that."
I had no idea what kind of conversation this was supposed to be. My opinion wouldn't help her with anything.
"Hanaoka-san, do you have plans after this? If you'd like, would you have tea with us somewhere?"
"Us?"
"Yes. We became friends today, and I thought everyone could come."
When she called out, three girls came over.
"Let's see... Ootani, Miyake, and Kinoshita, right?" I said.
"You remember all our names, Hanaoka-san? That's amazing," one of them said.
It was a skill I picked up from my previous job. Once I exchange names with someone, I remember them. It's a crucial skill for a salesperson.
"So, how about it, Hanaoka-san?"
"Yes, yes, come with us!"
"We want to hear more from you."
"Let's gooo!"
"Well... then I guess I'll join you."
And so, for some reason, I ended up going to a café with four young women.
"Wow, you're really single, Hanaoka-san?" one of them asked again.
"Yeah..." I answered.
Here we go again with this topic.
I know being a 40-year-old single man is uncommon, but it still stings.