Checking Out at 5:15 PM Chapter 23: White Linen, Golden Kiwis, and a Kamakura Thunderstorm (Patreon)

What am I thinking?

My heart hammered violently against my ribs. I had literally just promised myself during my morning run that I wasn't ready for another relationship. Yet, as a healthy, warm-blooded man, standing here in the hallway, I couldn’t deny the sheer, overwhelming charm radiating from the woman in front of me.

Different from her usual sharp, imposing office fashion, Misaki appeared incredibly relaxed and casual.

It completely threw me off balance. I honestly wanted to slap my own cheeks for my earlier, rude thoughts about how troublesome visiting my boss on my day off was going to be. Now? While I didn't dare say it out loud, I was profoundly glad I had come.

She was wearing a simple, slightly sheer white linen shirt that draped loosely over her curves. The top two buttons were undone, exposing her delicate collarbones and a tantalizing hint of the soft, pale skin beneath. Her legs—which were usually hidden behind a modest pencil skirt—were now snuggly wrapped in tight denim pants that accentuated her long, beautiful thighs and the generous curve of her hips.

Her raven black hair, usually pulled into a severe, perfect bun, was hastily gathered in a simple claw clip. It was a bit messy, with several long strands falling freely to frame her face and brush against her bare, white nape.

The outfit was incredibly simple, and technically not even revealing, but it hit every single one of my specific tastes perfectly. She was breathtaking.

“You look good, Motoi,” Misaki noted, her sharp eyes scanning me from head to toe.

She offered an approving nod. I was wearing a simple black knit polo shirt, dark, straight-cut denim, and a pair of clean leather loafers. I wasn't dressed too formally to seem stuffy, but I wasn't casual enough to look sloppy. It was a perfect balance, and honestly, the dark colors complimented my frame well.

“Thank you, Kacho,” I replied smoothly. “You look beautiful as well.”

I wasn’t entirely sure if it was appropriate for a subordinate to say that to his boss, but Misaki’s reaction proved I had hit the mark. She flinched slightly, crossing her arms defensively as a soft pink blush dusted her cheeks. She let out a small, embarrassed snort.

“Do you casually say that to every woman you meet?” she asked, narrowing her eyes playfully.

“Of course not. I only say those words to you.”

“You little...!”

Her blush deepened dramatically, her composure shattering. She quickly turned her back to me. “Anyway, get inside. You’re going to disturb the neighbors if you keep loitering in the hallway.”

“O-Oh.”

Even as she looked away, trying to hide how red the tips of her ears had become, I couldn't help but think about how unbelievably cute she was.

Why is she still single?

If no one else was trying to approach her, then maybe I should. That thought might have actually crossed the line into reality if my heart hadn't been so heavily weighed down by cowardice, or if I hadn't just spent the entire morning going on a pseudo-date with Yui at the farmers' market.

If Misaki knew I had gone out with Yui, she would definitely overthink it and assume we were dating. It was a logical assumption, given the massive difference in our status. Yui was a bestselling author, completely in the spotlight. Even in a slump, she was amazing. Yes, my Tier 1 qualifications were impressive, but acting on those emotions right now felt far too early.

But what about Misaki? Could I actually date her?

Sometimes, as a man, the instinctual desire to just have someone beautiful love you bubbles up to the surface. I sighed internally at my own foolish imagination.

Yui was one thing. If I ever fell for her, the aftermath would be manageable. She didn't work at the library. If we fell out, we could just move on with our lives, as our professional sectors would never cross.

But Misaki?

If a relationship with my boss succeeded, it would be wonderful. But if it ended in failure? It would be absolute hell to keep working comfortably at the Kamakura Library. Eventually, my rank would legally overtake hers due to my Tier 1 track, but until then, one of us would likely have to beg for a transfer. Working with a bitter ex-girlfriend was a nightmare I had zero intention of experiencing.

So, romance with Misaki was definitely out of the question—unless I was absolutely certain it would last forever.

Then again, who could ever predict how long a couple would last? Some might say that if you like someone, you should just try, because the regret of failure is always better than the agonizing regret of a missed opportunity.

But with my wavering feelings, it was best for me not to play around.

“Also, Kacho,” I said, lifting the paper bags I was holding. “It might not be much, but please take this.”

“Huh? You brought something for me?” Misaki was startled, and her "Iron Lady" persona instantly returned as she began to scold me. “Motoi, you are just a newcomer! Do you know how low your starting salary is? Don’t waste your hard-earned money on expensive hostess gifts! I honestly wouldn't have cared if you showed up empty-handed.”

Civil servant starting salaries were notoriously average. They provided a secure, stable life, but you certainly weren't living in luxury. Misaki had been working for over a decade, so her income was high due to her position. But as a rookie facing rising costs for rent, electricity, and groceries, she knew money was tight for me.

“Next time, don’t ever bring this type of thing again, okay?” she sighed, placing her hands on her hips. “I invited you here specifically to treat you. You don’t have to bribe me.”

Hearing her genuine concern, I couldn’t help but smile. Yes, she was scolding me, and I certainly wasn't a masochist who enjoyed being yelled at, but I knew the harsh words came from a place of deep care.

“But I already bought them,” I reasoned smoothly. “They’ll just go to waste if you don’t accept them, Kacho.”

“Geez... you really are...”

Misaki shook her head, completely helpless against my logic. But her eyes darted curiously toward the bags. “What exactly did you bring, anyway?”

“This bag has some kiwis.”

“Oh? Sanuki Gold?” Misaki’s eyes lit up as she recognized the premium fruit. “That will make a fantastic dessert. Let’s eat them together after lunch. It’s way too much for just me, especially since I don't have anyone here to share them with.”

“Yes, let’s.”

I nodded, deliberately ignoring how casually she had just confirmed that she was entirely, painfully single. It was highly inappropriate for me to pry, but looking at my gorgeous boss, I had honestly wondered if she had a secret boyfriend or a hidden partner. It seemed she really was entirely alone.

What is wrong with the men of her generation? I thought to myself.

Were they truly that intimidated by Misaki’s extreme capability? She could easily be the head of the family and the primary breadwinner while her husband managed the home.

But then again, I couldn't entirely blame the men who hesitated. Marriage required more than just love; it required economic stability. I was lucky—I had a brain and a family backing me up. But with how expensive survival had become in Japan, the thought of marriage was a terrifying financial burden for most men. The number of brilliant, beautiful career women who remained single into their late thirties was staggeringly high.

“What about that one?” Misaki asked, pointing to the tall, narrow paper bag.

“It’s a bottle of wine.”

“WINE?!”

Misaki was completely dumbfounded, staring at me in sheer disbelief. The premium fruit was a thoughtful, relatively affordable palate cleanser. But wine? Good wine was a completely different financial ballpark.

“...Motoi, seriously, next time, do not buy me anything, okay? I’m supposed to be treating you.”

“We can just drink it together, Kacho. It won’t be a waste, and honestly, the price wasn’t that bad.”

“Even so, don’t blow your budget on luxury items,” Misaki sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Do you know how frugal I had to be when I first started? My income is great now, but I was exactly where you are ten years ago. You need to keep track of how you spend your money. Tell me you didn't put this on a credit card.”

She was genuinely terrified that I was taking out high-interest online loans just to buy her expensive gifts to save face. Because civil servant jobs were so stable, banks practically threw predatory loans at us. If a rookie could live on their wage and build savings, why go into debt just to impress a boss?

“Don’t worry,” I laughed softly. “I don't use credit cards for things like this. I promise I didn’t hurt my wallet to buy it. I just thought it would pair nicely with whatever delicious food you promised to cook for me, Kacho.”

“...Well, that’s good, then.”

Misaki looked away, her heart violently fluttering against her ribs. She wondered how Motoi could casually say such incredibly sweet, smooth things without getting embarrassed. She was practically melting on the spot.

Am I really so thirsty for male attention that I’m blushing over a subordinate? she thought miserably.

She knew Motoi was an absolute catch. But would a handsome, elite Tier-1 rookie ever seriously consider dating a woman nearly a decade older than him?

No way.

Misaki sighed, a heavy wave of depression washing over her. Fortunately, the wine Motoi brought would be the perfect medicine to wash away her anxieties later. “By the way, what kind of wine is it?”

“It’s a Kyoeido K25HR_RZ.”

“...What?”

“I think it’s from the Yamanashi prefecture,” I explained simply, seeing her total confusion. “The store clerk said it has a very distinct, floral rose taste.”

“That’s really interesting. Let’s definitely open it with lunch.”

Rumble!

We both jumped, turning to look out the small window in the entryway. The previously sunny Kamakura sky had rapidly darkened, and thick, ominous gray clouds were rolling in fast from the ocean. A heavy crash of thunder echoed through the hills.

“The weather here is so incredibly fickle!” Misaki complained, crossing her arms.

“We’re right next to the sea, after all. The coastal fronts move in fast.”

“Well, you’re very lucky you came a little early, otherwise you would have been drenched. Come on in. I’ll make us something warm to eat while we wait out the storm.”

“Is it ready?” I asked, slipping my loafers off in the genkan.

“Almost.”

As I closed the heavy metal door behind me, sealing us inside the quiet apartment, the scent of the oncoming rain was instantly replaced.

The air inside was thick with her personal scent—a gentle, incredibly soft, comforting blend of vanilla and clean laundry. Was it her expensive fragrance? Her body lotion? Or just the natural scent of her skin?

Whatever it was, as I followed Misaki deeper into her private domain, I had to admit one thing: it smelled absolutely intoxicating.