We walk silently through the evening city, enjoying the summer and the cozy quietness. Sometimes it's nice to just be quiet together, immersed in unexpected harmony. I hope she feels the same.

"Are you okay with walking? It won't take us long, just another five minutes along this street, and we'll be there. Do you often visit this area, apart from work?"

"I wouldn't say often. Right after work, I go to the station and head home."

"Doesn't this schedule tire you?"

"No, everything's fine! I enjoy working. I want to go to university and become a professional graphic designer. But before that, I want to save some money and attend art courses." I smile at Sato-sama, looking up at her just like Aya, but my boss's face radiates a calm and serene smile.

"You draw amazingly, Suzuka-san!"

"Oh, no,no, I still have a long way to go compared to many aspiring artists and designers. You've probably seen the drawings by Kimura Midori; they're very professionally done," I admit reluctantly. "I watch a lot of tutorials and masterclasses on various platforms, but it's not the same as attending a real art school with experienced teachers."

Sato-sama stops and looks at me with surprise, "You're probably joking. Her vector drawings, presentations, and designs are primitive. She's just Matsui's assistant doing simple tasks that don't require intelligence. That's why we hired her when Matsui needed extra hands due to increasing responsibilities."

"I thought I was the same kind of assistant as Kimura-san!"

"You're mistaken. Initially, you play the role of an assistant, but it will change soon. I've been keeping an eye on you for a while. You're doing great wanting to develop further in your profession and, despite being busy at work, finding time to go through art lessons." She continues walking, looking at the sky where the yellow-eyed moon gazes down on us.

I haven't heard so many compliments in one day. Just don't accidentally tell her that many of my ideas come not only from professional masterclasses but also from the yuri manga I read with enviable constancy.

"The moon is very beautiful today," I say.

It seems I just said it out loud, since Sato-sama chuckles quietly. We walk close to each other as the sidewalk narrows in favor of the road.

"Yes, you're right, the moon is truly beautiful today... Aaaa!"

"Sato-mama, are you okay?" I grab my boss's hand as she, mesmerized by the moon, steps into a tricky hole. Losing balance, she starts balancing with her hands and falling toward the road. I pull her towards me with all my might, and we lean against the wall of the building just as a motorcyclist swiftly passes right where Sato-sama's head was.

"Suzuka-san, are you alright?" my boss asks, leaning over me. "Did you hurt yourself?" Her voice is concerned.

"Everything's fine!" I mumble in response. Pressed between her and the wall, everything looks much more romantic than I dreamed. "My graphic tablet!" I gasp in horror.

"Here it is, it's intact," Sato-sama carefully hands it to me.

"Thank you! Thank goodness it's safe; there are sketches for our meeting today. We need to turn it on urgently and check if everything's working properly! Sato-sama, how's your leg? Does it hurt?"

The young woman looks disdainfully at the stuck heel. "I hate heels, but they make me look taller, and it's useful when dealing with men at work. Of course, they are all useless and talentless, but, unfortunately, I sometimes have to work with them. This is the last time I wear such shoes," she says with malice, rubbing her ankle.

"Let's get it out!" I demand firmly.

"It's okay, I'll walk barefoot." Sato-sama puts her hand on my shoulder.

"I don't want you to hurt your leg or catch a cold," I frown, looking at her.

"It's summer..." Sato-sama bites her lower lip not to burst into laughter.

"Bag!" I insist.

"Please take it, Suzuka-sensei..."

I ignore her "sensei" joke and eagerly rummage in the bag, pulling out two pairs of soft home slippers folded in half.

"Here, take them!" I joyfully hand over this hidden treasure to my boss. "Now you definitely won't scratch or hurt your feet. In home slippers, you will look no worse than in expensive shoes. Style is in your blood."

"Where did you get these?" she asks in surprise, obediently and quietly putting on pink slippers with rabbit ears.

I feel embarrassed, "Sometimes I have to stay overnight or sit at the computer for a long time. Mom gave me these slippers to prevent leg pain."

"Your mom is a lot like mine. They are both very good women."

"You're right! Is it comfortable for you to walk like this?"

"Suzuka-sensei, you saved me twice today. You're just a magician." She lightly squeezes my shoulder in gratitude. "I am in an unpaid debt."

I don't know if she's joking or not, but her expression in the light of lanterns and the moon looks quite serious.

"I'm sure you'll be able to repay your debt, as there's nothing impossible for the princess dragon," I almost whisper. It was supposed to be a joke; my words were supposed to sound like a joke, but she nods in response.

❣️ ❣️ ❣️

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