This money not only included the total amount of the shopping she had just made, but it was even rounded down to a nicer whole number before being transferred to her.

Looking at the large red envelope that had been given to her, Tanaka Mitsuko couldn't help but look up again at Lorraine in front of the counter.

Lorraine smiled gently.

"Silly girl, I was just kidding you. It's not easy for people to work away from home, how could I really let you pay for me?"

"You... Hmph, don't think I'll easily agree with you just because of this."

Tanaka Mitsuko turned her head away and put her hands on her hips, refusing to accept the gesture.

Lorraine then took out the energy drink from her shopping bag and placed it on the counter in front of her.

Tanaka Mitsuko frowned and asked, puzzled.

What do you mean by that?

"This is for you to drink."

"Huh? I don't want to drink the beverage you gave me. Who knows if it's poisoned?"

"Please, it's still unopened."

"If you've touched it, then it's poisonous."

"Haha, it doesn't matter if you lose it later. Once I've given it away, it means it's yours, and you can do whatever you want with it."

"Trying to bribe me with a mere bottle of drink? You're dreaming."

"Keep up the good work!"

Lorraine's soft words.

This left Tanaka Mitsuko stunned. When she looked at the man again, setting aside their past conflicts and simply interacting with him as an ordinary person, she realized that this was how they should interact.

It was just a simple expression of concern.

But why did it make her heartbeat start to become so chaotic?

Huh...

This guy's usual smile... is it really that good-looking?

unconsciously.

Tanaka Mitsuko's gaze was fixed on Lorraine, never looking away, until an old woman came to pay with a bottle of water. Seeing the cashier staring blankly at the man, the old woman became anxious and hoped that the cashier would pay for her.

But Tanaka Mitsuko didn't notice.

It wasn't until Lorraine waved to her and reminded her, "Hey, hey, Miss Manko, the guests have been standing here for ages, what are you daydreaming about?"

Coming to her senses, Tanaka Mitsuko's face flushed red, and she cried out, "Ahhh! I'm so sorry!!! Ma'am, I was just spacing out. I'll settle the bill for you now!!!"

The old woman's gaze lingered between Lorraine and Tanaka Mitsuko a few times.

He suddenly realized what was happening and covered his mouth with a laugh.

"Haha, it's nothing, it's nothing. It's rare for my boyfriend to come and visit me. I completely understand that he wants to enjoy some happy and loving moments with me from time to time."

Lorraine: "?"

Tanaka Mitsuko broke down, her face flushed with excitement, and shouted, "He's not my boyfriend!!!"

The old woman smiled and waved her hand, "Ah, yes, yes... I understand, I understand."

Mitsuko Tanaka: "No, that's really not it!!!"