Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Totally Not A Couple!

Sometimes the opinion of a nameless guy could matter. His name is not important nor does he disclose this information unless asked. However, he had a watchful eye when it came to the people at Ensemble Square, being active ever since it had been established. He was a guy living his life, liking to think of himself as one of the more average people you can come across here. He was doing his work and his bosses were pleased. As long as he did his job, he was not going to mingle all too much into someone else's business. As long as he could live his life on the sidelines, it would be more than enough for him. His peaceful life is undisturbed.

If anything he liked to see himself as the side character to any story going on at that place if lucky. After all, he was just the one doing the work and that was fine by him. He was no one important so no details on him mattered. He was never told that, he truly thought so. And that was the best part. He would stay on the low and observe what is going on, perhaps finding some way of amusement in it. After all, every major idol at this place had an interesting story to tell, their stories varying greatly, ranging from comedic to tragic. He was mostly an audience member, never actively participating in their stories. That's all, he didn't have to be more. And he didn't desire to be more.

This includes this story. His input didn't matter, or so he liked to believe. He couldn't make a change and he wasn't trying in all honesty. He just found this mildly amusing if anything else. He had to comment from time to time yet it was usually kept in his own head. To most he was silent but he had a lot to say. Especially when it came to one of his co–workers, the young translator, and her relationship with one of the idols. He had always made the joke that there was something going on between them whenever he spotted them arguing... Or whenever he heard it whenever passing by anywhere. It was no secret and everyone talked about it. Having a day in silence was an exception for some time, not the norm. Though the way the two were arguing was always something special. He couldn't help but note that. It felt so different compared to what one would expect. Why? It was hard to pinpoint down. This was one of the things you just accept and don't really look too deep into. Because it felt natural enough. Something more had to be going on here.

And honestly, recently he feels as if he had the confirmation, given what he had heard. No, he had seen the two together. It was luck if anything, him doing one of his chores before seeing the idol and the translator converse. Not about work, no, about personal matters. Lines like "You forgot your lunch again!", "I won't be home until evening." or "Let's go somewhere when the shift's done!" – Some of the most mundane lines one could ever imagine dropping. The indications were all too clear and besides, they seemed closer than ever. Almost like a—

"Couple!?" Ann had repeated in utter shock when the employee had brought it to her attention. The face was all red and she was trying so hard to deny it... Only someone who was completely blind or oblivious would not be able to read the signs correctly. He was sure that even a kid could understand those signs without any issues. And then the wild headshake before she put a hand on her forehead, sighing. "Not this again..."

"Again?" He asked the translator who seemed to not be too thrilled to hear such a claim to begin with. Well, he was not going to let go of this that easily.

"Last time, no couple. Izumi is just—"

"Oooh, first name basis~" He teased which silenced them right away yet made them grumble yet again.

"W... Well, as roommates—"

"Just roommates you say. Do you want me to continue?"

"WIth wha—"

"Hmm... Let's see... You two live under the same roof, you go out a lot from what I'm seeing and you seem to have lots of fun just talking to another. And before you argued like an old, married couple." He brought up, listing his rather limited observations, enough to make her stutter however, as if trying to find an explanation.

"Imagination..." She finally said, though more softly than before. "Also couples insult each other now?"

"Haha, some do." He laughed, amused by this expression. She was just as stubborn as Sena, wasn't she? Well, it was the only thing making sense in his head. "Hey, don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. No one will ever know. Promise."

"Just said... That... Ugh, no one listens." She leaned her elbow against the table, holding one of her cheeks as she leaned her head against the palm of her hand. She looked flustered yet annoyed, her cheeks puffing up ever so slightly. Bingo~

"Am I wrong? It sounds a lot like something a couple would do."

"Is that norm? Doesn't have to be a couple."

"Hmm... You know? That's fair. Some things like these don't have to mean it." He agreed, not even hesitating. It was a fair mindset to have and he at least liked to think that he was not someone to jump to such a conclusion without reasoning. Living together is one thing and doesn't have to mean anything. "But you're getting very defensive whenever someone brings it up. Are you sure there's not more going on between you two?"

A moment of silence, Ann looking away with her gaze. Was she actually considering those words? He wasn't a mind reader, he couldn't say, but the silence had to mean something.

She would answer him of course, though probably after careful consideration over something. "I dunno... Maybe?"

That had his attention a little. It wasn't a flatout 'no' after all. Hoho~ "Did you just say maybe?"

"Ah— That— Who knows, that's all!"

"Maybe. So you're considering it. Of course you are. You seem to actually enjoy being around Sena after all."

"Never thought I'd see the day..."

"Oh, you should read up on your tropes then."

"Life isn't tropey!" She would argue either way. "Anything but tropey!"

"Hey, I'm just throwing it out there. You two just gave off the vibe you know."

"How!?"

"I already said how. Anyway, anyway... Embrace it! Enjoy your existence as a couple! If none of the higher ups find out, you are in the clear~"

One of her eyelids seemed to twitch at the suggestion yet the redness did not disappear. "W... We... Not..."

"Haha, discuss it first. I'm sure you two will be juuust fine~"

"What—"

"Enough from me though. I have somewhere to be. Won't be here for a while actually. So... Best of luck! Go get him girl!"

His role as the side character has been fulfilled~