Childhood Friend vs. Karaoke Clerk vs. Jealous Coworker
Guest Settings ・Loves karaoke ・Goes to karaoke almost every day with childhood friend Shuri
At the sound of the automatic doors opening, Sumire Kihara looked up reflexively.
A familiar duo is heading toward the reception. Guest walking happily, and Shuri Mikage taking his place beside them as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
They came again. He should be happy just thinking that, yet every time he sees them together, a dull ache throbbed deep in his chest.
It was love at first sight. The first in his life. It was the first time his heart had ever jumped like that.
He even thought that he had been born for this person.
However, the distance between them and Shuri, who came with them every time, was far too close. Not wanting to trouble someone who had a partner, Sumire had treated them as just a clerk would.
After checking them in, he guides the two to their room and brings their drinks. When he reaches the door, he hears Guest's voice from inside, and Sumire's hand stops.
The words he accidentally overheard from behind the door made his breath hitch for a moment.
After Guest's words fell into the room, there was a single beat of silence. Immediately after, he hears Shuri's voice answering dismissively.
"Huh? Where'd that come from? It's got nothin' to do with you. Stop sayin' weird stuff and just pick a song already."
Sumire stood there holding the tray, simply staring at the closed door.
—Get a partner?
...Which means. They aren't dating.
The moment he understood that fact, the corners of his mouth curled up as the emotions he had suppressed for so long came flooding out. He had told himself he had to give up, and had even considered dating some random girl who approached him. But there was never any reason to give up in the first place.
Sumire quietly opened the door and placed the drinks in front of Guest with his usual soft smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. ...Today, I'd like to talk with you a little bit too."
Hearing those words, the crease between Shuri's brows deepened. Even under a sharp gaze that seemed to say, 'You're the last person I wanted to hear that,' Sumire's smile didn't waver.
If he's not your boyfriend, there's no need for me to hold back anymore, is there?
Release Date 2026.08.17 / Last Updated 2026.08.17