“Last month’s Toramura-san’s book… the numbers were pretty bad…”

Monou-san says with a sigh mixed with a bit of irritation.

“Toramura-san?”

“The veteran film director, Toramura Goshin.”

Even I, who isn’t very knowledgeable about movies, know the famous film director Toramura Goshin.

A director who created many masterpieces from the Shōwa era through the Heisei era.

Though in recent years he hardly shoots any movies anymore, his main activities are as a talent.

He’s active on variety shows, wide shows, lectures, and even YouTube.

For the younger generation, rather than a film director, he’s probably more known as “the funny old grandpa commentator who bluntly says harsh things and prejudices.”

Even for me… I haven’t seen a single one of his movies, but I have seen him on TV.

That Toramura Goshin recently published a book from our publishing company.

However…

“The previous four books he released with us all sold quite well, so I thought this one would do okay too.”

“It wasn’t really related to movies, after all…”

The books Toramura Goshin had released before were all related to movies.

However, the one released last month──was like an autobiography that barely touched on movies.

Things like his favourite alcohol, original snack recipes, recommended tourist spots, and his own senryu poems were haphazardly included in the book.

“His YouTube channel where he mostly talks about cooking is fairly popular, so I thought it wasn’t a bad bet…”

Monou-san says with a face like she had just bitten into something nasty.

She and I work at a major publishing company called “Maruyama-sha.”

We’re in the third sales division.

We mainly handle sales for practical books.

Her position is section chief, and I’m a regular employee.

Monou Yuiko──is my direct superior.

She is extremely stoic about work and always produces high results. Due to her strict attitude toward both superiors and subordinates, she is nicknamed “the Empress” with respect and fear.

That’s why… she probably can’t forgive the poor sales of a book she was in charge of.

“…To begin with, this book was a project that got moving because Toramura Goshin was going to direct a new movie for the first time in ten years, you know? That’s why I, as the section chief, personally took charge… Yet the movie talk suddenly fell through, and we had to redo the entire strategy… Ah, no. This is just an excuse, isn’t it. No matter how little time there was…”

“U-Um, Monou-san.”

I timidly stop her from speaking.

It’s not that──I dislike these kinds of talks. Monou-san’s talks are always full of things to learn, and I’d actively want to hear them.

But right now… it felt a bit different.

“Shouldn’t we put on some clothes soon?”

I said.

While subtly averting my gaze.

The place where we were wasn’t the company office──but.

Monou-san’s home apartment.

And her current appearance──was in underwear both top and bottom.

A black bra enveloping her ample breasts, and black panties covering her buttocks.

In that appearance, she started reflecting on work with an extremely serious face, so I was a bit at a loss for how to react.

“…T-That’s right.”

After saying that a bit quickly as if embarrassed, Monou-san hurriedly resumed changing clothes. That flustered appearance was a little comical, and that’s why it was endearing. Since I was only wearing pants too, I continue changing.

Just a dozen or so minutes ago, we were entwined on the bed.

Overlapping bodies, nurturing love──ah, no.

We weren’t nurturing love… probably.

There is no love between us.

But──we were doing the act to make a child.

After finishing one round, we both started putting on clothes, Monou-san picked up her smartphone, happened to see some unimportant net news like “Toramura Goshin slams affair on wide show,” and that’s when her work switch turned on──that’s how it flowed.

Yes.

This is our current relationship.

Without marriage or romance, we periodically overlap only our bodies.

It’s probably been about two months already.

After a certain drinking party──I was invited to a hotel by Monou-san.

There, she told me her wish and request.

──From now on, won’t you just make a child with me?

She has no intention of marriage or romance.

But she wants only a child.

So, think of her as a convenient woman and hug her periodically.

That was her request.

After some conflict… I accepted that request.

After that, there were various twists and turns, but she still hasn’t gotten pregnant, and the body-only relationship continues.

A relationship where I’m called by her and we intersect without contraception──

“Well, I’ll be going then.”

I say while putting on shoes at the entrance.

“…Sorry about this every time.”

“What for?”

“I’m the one calling you, yet I send you home without proper hospitality.”

Monou-san, who came to see me off, said apologetically.

On days like today when I’m called after work, the usual flow is to go home before the last train.

After doing what needs to be done, I try to go home as quickly as possible.

…Well, there were a few times I ended up staying over due to the flow, but that doesn’t mean I can relax every time.

If I were her boyfriend.

A guy who goes home right after the act might be the worst.

But I’m not her boyfriend.

Not even a friend.

Someone like me staying long would just be a nuisance.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“But”

“Besides, as for hospitality… I’ve received plenty.”

“What do you mean?”

“Um, that… I-In bed, you’ve been plenty proactive in, um, hosting me, so to speak.”

“…~!!”

After a few seconds of silence, Monou-san’s face turned bright red.

Crap. I tried to follow up but might have completely messed up!

“What are you saying, geez…!”

“S-Sorry!”

“…It’s fine. Just go home already. We have work tomorrow too, so don’t be late.”

“Yes! Excuse me!”

I quickly bow my head and reach for the door.

And finally,

“Well, see you.”

“…Yeah, see you.”

We exchange that, and I close the door.

I don’t even know what that “see you” meant. Whether it means see you at work tomorrow, or again in this room.

On the way home from the apartment.

An indescribable sense of emptiness comes and goes in my chest.

Why is that.

A relationship where I can freely have sex with the beautiful superior I’ve always admired.

Moreover, without even a condom.

I might be in a situation that most men in the world would be overjoyed about.

Having sex with a beauty for free, without any responsibility or risk.

Yet, why does it feel so empty.

Why does my chest hurt so much──

“…”

I know.

I already know the answer.

The reason it’s empty──is because I’ve come to want more than this.

Because a body-only relationship is no longer satisfying.

Sanzawa Haruhiko.

In the midst of continuing this rotten relationship, I’ve genuinely fallen for Monou-san.