Chapter 13: Secrets and Surprises

**The Following Week**

The office was a hub of activity as Rafta and Oki prepared for the upcoming presentation. The project was in full swing, and their teamwork had never been more crucial. As they navigated their tasks, a different conversation was unfolding elsewhere.

On the rooftop

Ashi, sipping coffee in the break time, glanced over at Haari, who was distractedly drinking water.

“Nicawa-san, don’t you think Rafta and Oki are getting closer than before?” Haari asked, peering over his mug.

"It's normal for couple to be close." Ashi said, sipping her coffe.

Haari, caught off guard, nearly choked on his drink. “Did you just say ‘couple’? When did that happen?”

“They act like one when nobody is around,” Ashi replied, shrugging. “I’m not entirely sure about it, though.”

“So don’t say stuff like that if you’re not sure,” Haari retorted, trying to brush off the comment.

Ashi raised an eyebrow. “You get so worked up when I say that. Do you have a crush on Oki?”

“No,” Haari snapped, slightly embarrassed. “It’s not like that. I was just curious if they’re dating or if it’s normal for them to be like that.”

“It sounds like you have a crush on Oki,” Ashi teased.

Haari, visibly irritated, shot back, “I said I don’t have a crush on Habi-san. She’s just a friend, and it’s the same with everyone else.”

“Okay, okay, I get it,” Ashi said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I was just kidding. Actually, a few days ago, I overheard them planning to go somewhere together.”

“When did you start eavesdropping on others?” Haari asked, incredulous.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping,” Ashi protested. “I was just passing by when I heard them, they are planing to go somewhere.”

“Going somewhere together?” Haari pressed. “Do you know where exactly they were planning to go?”

“I think they were talking about food shops,” Ashi replied.

“Food shops?” Haari repeated. “And when were they planning to go?”

“I think this Sunday,” Ashi said.

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“Sunday, hmm,” Haari mused, his curiosity piqued.

As Haari was heading back to his apartment, he passed the old man’s shop located right in front of his building. This was where he usually had his breakfast and dinner. He walked into his uncle’s food shop, a cozy place that had been a family staple for years. His uncle, a jovial old man with a sharp wit, greeted him with a warm smile.

“What’s the matter, Haari? You’re not eating. Did something happen at the office?” the old man asked.

“No, everything is fine at the office,” Haari replied, though he seemed preoccupied.

“You can talk to me if you want. Maybe I can help in some way,” his uncle offered.

Haari thought, "Oh, yeah. Since the old man has been running this food shop for so long, he might have some idea about the other food places I’m looking for."

“Hey, old man, do you know any food shop where most of the couples go?” Haari asked.

“Oh!” the old man exclaimed. “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.”

“No, it’s not like that,” Haari said quickly. “My friend is the one asking about the food shop, not me.”

“I know you don’t have a girlfriend,” the old man said with a chuckle. “I expected as much from you.”

Haari, slightly offended, retorted, “That hurts, you know you old gijjar. What do you know about me? What if I did have a girlfriend?”

“You and a girlfriend?” The old man laughed. “I can’t imagine.”

Haari, now genuinely annoyed, shouted, “Shut up already. Just answer the question. I don’t have time for your entertainment.”

“Okay, okay, let me breathe a little,” the old man said, laughing. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help myself.”

**A Few Moments Later**

“Food shop for couples, hmm,” the old man said, thinking seriously. “I think I know some.”

“You know?” Haari asked, leaning in.

“Why are you getting so excited? You don’t even have a girlfriend,” the old man teased.

“Just tell me,” Haari said impatiently.

“Tell your friend to check out Sector 7. There are so many food shops there, and that area is quite popular with couples,” the old man advised.

“Sector 7, huh,” Haari repeated, nodding.

“Yeah,” the old man continued, “ask them to check out that place. It’s quite popular with couples, so they might find something interesting there.”

“Thanks, old man. This really helps,” Haari said, relieved.

“Don’t mention it,” the old man replied with a wink.

Haari finished his meal, his mind racing with thoughts about Rafta and Oki’s plans. He left the food shop, heading back to his apartment, pondering the possibility of Sector 7 and what it might reveal about his colleagues.

He left his uncle’s food shop, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The old man’s double entendres and cheeky comments were still fresh in his mind.

“Oh yeah, give me your girlfriend’s number once you have one,” the old man had said with a grin.

Haari had rolled his eyes. “Why in the hell would I do that?”

“I’ll teach her how to make a man happy,” the old man had replied.

“I don’t have one, and even if I did, there’s no way I’d introduce her to you. And talk according to your age, you old-gijjer,” Haari had snapped.

“When it comes to that, age doesn’t matter anymore. The only thing that matters is stamina,” the old man had said, winking.

Haari had been all red with anger. “It matters most.”

“And I have way more experience than you, so it’s better for her to get some advice first,” the old man had added with a chuckle.

Haari, fuming, had stormed out, muttering to himself about the old man’s ridiculous comments.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to Rafta and Oki’s relationship than met the eye. Their dynamic had intrigued him, and now, with the suggestion of Sector 7, he might just find out more than he had bargained for.

The Next Day

Ashi approached Haari with a bright, almost mischievous expression. “Sector 7, huh? I heard that place has lots of food shops and is quite popular with couples too.”

Haari was caught off guard. “Uh, yeah. I guess so.”

Ashi’s eyes sparkled. “Kichiro-san, do you have any plans for the day off?”

Haari hesitated. “Not yet. Why do you ask?”

To be continue.............