"That mean you're celebrating 'Lipstick Kiss' anniversary?"
Taisuke Nadauchi: "That's right, tomorrow is the day Lipstick
Kiss opened."
"Oh! Really!? Huh but you said you celebrated twice yearly?"
Taisuke Nadauchi: "Ah yes, we have a reason for that. Uh..." Taisuke looks at Junpei for help, who laughs and says
Junpei Kudo: "The other anniversary day we celebrate is the day Motoki decided to start the business"
I look over at Kotaro as I recall the events of the day where he had been hungover and refused to reschedule his date with his client. Kotaro gives me a knowing look, as if he can read my thoughts
Kotaro Horibuchi: "You're still worried about what happened that day?"
"Huh? I'm not exactly worried..."
Kotaro Horibuchi: "No, I guess I'm the one who was worried." He says sarcastically, at himself. Then he turns to me and bows vigorously. "I'm sorry!"
"...Horibuchi?"
Kotaro Horibuchi: "I meant to apologize sooner but the timing wasn't right. I said some horrible things to you that day. But you didn't hate me for it. You even handled my client for me." Oh... "I'm sorry. I really am... that wasn't me. I just lost my temper and hurt your feelings."
"Horibuchi... I was so worried about you, but seeing how much you care about the client was really... impressive."
Kotaro Horibuchi: "Thank you. I do accept you as a member of the staff here. Otherwise I wouldn't have come to you for advice. And at this point it probably just sounds like a flimsy excuse... and it might seem super after the fact that I'm apologizing right now... but I felt I just had to get it out there" Kotaro's words hit me straight in the heart. I feel warm.
"Thank you... your date was yesterday, wasn't it"
Kotaro Horibuchi: "Yeah. I thought she'd give me a hard time for it, too. But instead, she was worried about me and gave me some good hangover medicine. I feel like the circumstance actually brought us closer together. She said she'd reserve me again soon"
"Hmmhm, is that so. If she was worried enough to bring you medicine... she's like your girlfriend"
Kotaro Horibuchi: "Well, she is my girlfriend."
"Huh?!" I blink rapidly at his declaration. Then I see him smile suddenly.
Kotaro Horibuchi: "It's all part of the job." Kotaro's expression as he says this reminds me of Aito when he took me on my training date. I never cease to find new ways to be impressed by the case's dedication by the cast's dedication to their work.
Taisuke Nadauchi: "Hey Kota. Stop ditching. Stop moving you moth and move your hands instead"
Kotaro Horibuchi: "Sure thing!" Kotaro says casually as he turns to Taisuke. As I watch him, I'm also filled with inspiration to work.
"Um, I'd be glad to help with anything!"
Kotaro Horibuchi: "Ooh! Niece-girl wants to help!"
Junpei Kudo: "But we can't let Seto take on the muscle work..."
Taisuke Nadauchi: "True. She'll probably break something."
"What I'd never! I'm sure I can help in my own way, it's not like there's anything impossible to do?"
Taisuke Nadauchi: "It's too risky to let you do any of the more dangerous tasks." Does he inted to let me do anthing...?
