Chapter 21: Picking up my childhood friend from her part-time job

Picking up my childhood friend from her part-time job

As the evening approached, the haunted house was almost complete.

Rehearsals for the roles of the ghosts and the mechanics were also finished.

The tension that had filled the classroom was beginning to ease.

Only some minor details needed to be worked out before welcoming tomorrow.

A few students were starting to leave here and there.

“Phew,”

I, too, took a break and sat on the floor.

Looking around the classroom, I searched for Aya.

She was in the hallway, talking on the phone.

Words like “That sounds tough” and “Yeah, it’s okay” came from her end of the conversation.

After finishing the call, Aya returned to the classroom and quickly began preparing to leave.

After a while, my smartphone vibrated as well.

I took it out of my pocket and the screen displayed ‘Ryouji-san’.

Ryouji-san was Aya’s father’s younger brother – essentially, her uncle. Because my real name, “Ryuji,” was similar to his, I had felt a strange sense of closeness to him since childhood.

He was a cook and ran a stylish Chinese restaurant.

I had visited his restaurant countless times, so I was familiar with Ryouji-san.

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His special dumplings were exquisite – you could eat plate after plate without getting tired of them.

I went out into the hallway and pressed the call button.

“Ryouji-san, what’s up?”

Then, a cheerful voice sounded, saying, “Boyan, sorry to bother you!”

Ryouji-san was the complete opposite of Aya’s father – he was a lively person.

“Today, one of the staff members for the part-time job couldn’t make it, so I had to ask Aya-chan to help out! I know she’s busy with the festival preparations, but we suddenly got a lot of reservations for today.”

“Aya’s pick-up, right?”

“Really sorry! I’ll treat you to a meal!”

“It’s a simple task. Dinner… please.”

Aya helped out at Ryouji-san’s restaurant a few times a month. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

They usually finished around past midnight, so on days when Aya’s father was late due to work, I would usually pick her up.

Ryouji-san loudly exclaimed, “Thank you, Boyan!” and hung up.

The loud volume made my ears hurt and I involuntarily closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, I met Aya’s gaze as she walked out of the classroom.

She was probably going to Ryouji-san’s restaurant now.

We exchanged a brief look.

With my eardrums still numb from the loud noise, Aya smiled gently.

She must have known that I had been talking to Ryouji-san on the phone.

Shall we go together? I was about to say when I was interrupted from the side.

“Boyan, you’ve got something in your hair.”

“Huh?”

I looked and Yukari was standing right next to me.

She was reaching her hand towards my head.

“Bend down.”

My focus had been on Aya, so I bent down as Yukari instructed.

“Don’t bend down.”

Huh?

A strange warning from my intuition.

But already, I had started bending my knees.

“Here, it’s gone.”

Yukari showed me a small piece of wood chip.

It must have stuck to me during the preparations.

I quickly looked at Aya, who had turned her face away and was walking away in a hurry.

She must have been trying to avoid something.

As I was about to call out to Aya, Yukari spoke up.

“Boyan, do you have time later?”

“I don’t know.”

I replied casually and was about to call out to Aya again.

“I have something important to tell you about Aya.”

“Aya?”

I turned towards Yukari without thinking.

“Yeah, just for a little while.”

“Alright, if it’s quick.”

I went back into the classroom, hurriedly grabbed my bag and joined Yukari, who had already finished getting ready. Then we headed towards the school building’s exit.

- - -

We were sitting across from each other at a cafe near the school.

“So, what’s the deal with Aya?”

I immediately asked about the most important topic.

Yukari sighed and slumped a bit.

Her semi-long black hair swayed gently.

“Honestly, Boyan, you’re only interested in Aya, right?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s not something you’d care about, but did you know that I’m in the same club as her?”

“Sure, I knew that much.”

As I prepared for the haunted house, I had seen Aya and Yukari talking a few times.

Yukari sighed and looked at me with upturned eyes.

“Boyan, you received a strange power from God, didn’t you?”

At Yukari’s words, I froze.

However, before I could ponder its meaning, I somehow understood.

Yukari had also received a similar power.

It was coming through to me.

Yukari continued speaking calmly, probably sensing that I had grasped the situation.

“Remember when we were on the way back from the school trip and you were sleeping on the shinkansen? I woke you up at that time.”

“Yeah.”

Indeed, I felt like someone had lightly tapped my shoulder, waking me up.

I had vaguely thought it was Aya, but it was Yukari after all.

“Back then, I made a wish.”

“What kind of wish?”

“………… I wished for you to be mine, Boyan. Then I heard a voice saying ‘Wish granted’, and for some reason, I knew you had received the same power.”

“I see.”

I wasn’t the only one then.

It seemed like God was quite generous.

“Boyan… no, Ryuji-kun.”

“What?”

“I want to have sex with you. Shall we?”

Yukari looked straight at me.

I took a moment to think.

If Yukari’s words were influenced by the intuition from God…

Was this direct approach the kind of thing that would appeal to the original me?

Perhaps I was susceptible to being addressed by my true name, Ryuji.

However, the words had no effect on me now.

“Sorry, not interested.”

No explanations of why or what do you mean? Just conveying the truth as it is.

“Then, how about going on a date?”

“No.”

“Then, at least, could we hold hands?”

Yukari placed both of her hands on the table, asking for a handshake.

“No.”

Yukari’s eyes welled up with tears as she struggled with words.

Was this also an instinctive command?

In any case, my resolve remained unwavering.

“… Can I tell Aya about the power from God?”

Seeming exasperated, Yukari persisted.

“You can tell her, but… what’s the point? She’d probably just ask, ‘So what?’”

“… Yeah, I guess.”

That’s right.

This power, when revealed, simply made instincts and luck better.

There were no elements of telekinesis or anything like that.

Even if I told Aya, she would likely just ask, “What’s wrong, Yukari?” and that would be the end of it.

Perhaps Yukari was aware of this too – she lowered her head again.

Even her semi-long black hair seemed tired.

But then, she lifted her head and stared at me once more.

This time, her expression was one of fear as she began speaking in a hushed voice.

“Hey, I wonder who this God really is… Isn’t it a bit scary?”

“No, not really.”

For now, I have nothing but gratitude for this power.

“I’m scared. Maybe it’s some kind of demonic thing. It might have a negative influence on Aya too… Hey, why don’t we try to figure this out together? Since you and I are sort of accomplices, right?”

I have a vague sense that Yukari might have changed her tactics.

Honestly, being rather insensitive to everything other than Aya, I don’t quite understand Yukari’s true intentions.

However, I couldn’t care less about the true identity of this God.

Whether it’s Buddha, countless Shinto deities, a devil like Yukari suggests, a goddess, or a demon lord… it doesn’t matter.

As long as I can have Aya.

So, I answer concisely.

“I’m not that interested, I guess.”

“Ughhh, seriously, what’s up with you…”

With a thud, Yukari collapsed onto the table.

It’s almost like a gesture of surrender.

Yukari’s requested iced tea wobbled and the ice in my water clinked.

“Are you done?”

I gulped down the still-cold water.

“Oh, wait! How about we go around the cultural festival together? Just for a short while on the first day… then I won’t bother you anymore.”

Her voice turned teary toward the end.

“Sorry, I—”

Just as I was about to refuse, an instinct whispered.

—Accept.

I listen to Yukari’s plea.

If that leads to obtaining Aya, then so be it.

So, I’ll just do it matter-of-factly.

“… The morning’s fine.”

“Huh, really!?”

Yukari looked like she couldn’t believe it.

During the first morning of the cultural festival, Aya is busy as the haunted house’s ankle-grabbing performer.

During that time, I could spare a bit of time.

I don’t understand Yukari’s intention.

But I’m certain that my confidence in acquiring Aya during the cultural festival remains unshaken.

I don’t feel any bad premonitions either.

In other words, whatever actions Yukari takes won’t affect the end goal between Aya and me.

Perhaps the intensity of our feelings is just fundamentally different.

“Then, let’s go.”

Having finished our business, I stand up.

“Where are you going?”

“Aya’s workplace.”

“Oh, right…”

Yukari mumbled, seemingly having given up.

- - - -

Ryouji-san’s shop is about a thirty-minute bike ride from Aya’s house.

Using a train or bus would take over an hour, so cycling is faster.

On days when Aya’s father can’t pick her up, she usually goes home first and then rides her bike to the shop.

When I arrived in front of the shop, it was past 7:00 PM.

I absentmindedly gazed at its exterior.

Stylish lighting illuminated the shop’s signboard.

Aya’s familiar bicycle was parked in the parking lot in front of the store.

Upon opening the entrance door, the scent of dumplings wafts gently.

Smelling this aroma immediately stirs up hunger within me.

Scanning the scene, I notice that the interior of the shop, with around twenty seats including the counter, is completely full.

Families and couples are enjoying delicious-looking dishes with gusto.

A delighted, cat-like voice echoes from the counter-kitchen.

“Hey, welcome!”

Aya, beaming with a smile, looks at me.

In that moment, my previously monochrome field of view suddenly burst into color.

The world I had been vaguely gazing at just moments ago becomes incredibly clear, almost unbelievably so.

“Is the counter okay?”

While carrying dishes, Aya asks me.

Nodding, I indicate my agreement. Aya’s lips curl up and she points toward the counter with eye contact.

She passes by me and heads to a table occupied by a family, carrying their food.

She seems quite busy.

“Here’s the roast pork noodle!” Aya beams and even the little child at the table couldn’t help but smile.

Sitting down at the far end of the counter, I peel off a piece of paper with ‘Reserved’ written on it.

It’s Aya’s handwriting.

In the slightly rounded and neat script, I find myself feeling inexplicably warm.

This is my usual spot where I can see the whole interior of the shop.

The familiar hardness of the chair, the accustomed scent—it’s a place filled with countless memories of Aya and me.

I’ve been coming to this shop since elementary school.

When we were sixth graders, it was a trend for Aya and me to come on weekends by bicycle, have lunch and then head back.

Venturing a bit far from home, eating out at a restaurant just us kids—it felt like a small adventure.

When there were fewer customers, Ryouji-san used to treat us to his special dessert and the three of us would chat about various things.

“When’s the wedding for you two?”

Teasingly, Ryouji-san would say that and Aya and I would exchange awkward smiles.

The topic would quickly shift and by the time we left, we’d forget all about that brief moment of awkwardness.

Or at least, Aya would.

I’d always pretend to forget.

Lost in thought, a delicious-looking glass of ice water is placed in front of me.

“What would you like to order?”

Aya asked in her familiar tone.

Inadvertently, I find myself mesmerized by her presence.

Aya helps out in the kitchen as well, so she’s wearing a long-sleeved white chef’s coat with black pants underneath.

The chef’s coat seems to be oversized and Aya has folded the sleeves over multiple times.

Despite that, the fabric is pushed up to emphasize her bust, creating a slight bulge at the neckline.

Looking up, I notice a different hairstyle than usual.

She’s brushed her short cut upward, tying it at the back with a hairband, accentuating her well-defined features.

Seeing Aya in this precious slicked-back look is a sight unique to this place.

I must have been entranced by Aya’s presence even before this, in this very shop.

Since childhood, always.

“Two special orders of gyoza and a serving of tan-tan noodles.”

I state my order without looking at the menu.

“Sure thing! Order up for counter number one!” Aya cheerfully exclaims.

From the kitchen, Ryouji-san responds with a hearty “Got it!”

While waiting for the food, I subtly gaze at Aya working.

From assisting in the kitchen to attending to customers and handling payments, she’s busy multitasking.

Even now, she’s deep in conversation with a blond-haired male customer at the counter, the most distinctive of her features.

Seeing Aya’s troubled smile, it’s probably some light flirting.

From the kitchen, Ryouji-san booms, “Thank you very much!” forcing an end to the conversation. It’s a familiar occurrence.

The blond man, wearing a half-hearted smile, exits the shop.

Ryouji-san talks to Aya in hushed tones as she returns to the kitchen.

“What’s up?”

“I wanted to ask if you were coming again next time.”

“Yeah.”

After this brief exchange, Ryouji-san places a dish in front of Aya, saying, “Number four, pork fried rice!” Aya responds with an enthusiastic “Got it!” before returning to attending to customers.

Another patron says, “Excuse me,” and Aya replies with a cheery “Sure!”

I’ll refrain from striking up a conversation for a while.

- - -

After 9 p.m., the customer flow begins to calm down.

A sense of ease has set in and Aya occasionally comes over to me, having a brief two or three-word conversation.

The two orders of special gyoza and tan-tan noodles have long been devoured and we’ve finished the almond jelly dessert. Now, we’re sipping post-meal iced coffees, lost in thought.

In about an hour, it’ll be Aya’s time to head home.

Suddenly, I’m addressed by Ryuji-san from the kitchen.

“Boy, can you give me a hand?”

“Sure.”

Following Ryuji-san, I step out of the kitchen and head to the back of the shop.

Occasionally, I help out like this, carrying beer bottles or ingredients.

But this time, it seems to be something different.

With Ryouji-san leading the way, we head around the shop, toward the entrance.

As we approach the parking lot in front of the shop, he stops.

“Boy, does Aya know that guy?”

Ryouji-san’s gaze is directed ahead.

There’s a figure leaning against the fence near the parking lot.

The same blond-haired guy who was chatting with Aya at the register earlier.

He looks young, around twenty years old maybe.

At least, I haven’t seen his face before.

“I don’t know him and probably Aya doesn’t either.”

“I see.”

Ryouji-san mutters in a low voice.

The blond man pretends to check his smartphone while sneakily glancing inside the shop.

Even without relying on intuition, I know exactly what’s going on.

“Is he stalking Aya?”

“Don’t really know yet. Since the day Aya started her part-time job, that guy’s been coming every day.”

“Regular customer?”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. But earlier he asked Aya when she’ll be working next… Damn it, Aya was finally getting used to customer service.”

“True.”

The blond man inquires about Aya’s next shift, then lingers in the parking lot.

Both Ryouji-san and I are certain he’s a stalker.

Aya has dealt with a stalker once before.

It happened when she was in her third year of junior high.

A college student living nearby apparently developed a crush on Aya, who was alone in the shop. He started asking about her name and school.

After a while, he even began to wait around near the shop for her.

Since Aya was known for her relationship with Tokita at school, weirdos didn’t approach her there.

But outside of school, she occasionally got hit on or targeted by strange guys.

Ryouji-san apparently dealt with the college student stalker quietly.

Thus, Aya doesn’t know she was targeted by a stalker and she doesn’t know that Ryouji-san handled it.

Lately, Ryouji-san has been asking me to pick Aya up often, so when I asked why, he told me: “If things get noisy, Aya will get scared.” Ryouji-san laughed as he said this, seeming reliable and cool. For some reason, that made me a bit jealous.

— Go talk to him.

God’s intuition is urging me.

“Ryouji-san, I’ll go talk to that guy.”

“No, no. Boy, you stay here at the shop with Aya. That’s why I called you over. I’ll talk to him.”

“If you start talking to him out in front of the shop, it’ll draw too much attention and Aya will get worried.”

“True, that’s a point.”

Ryouji-san doesn’t want Aya to know about the stalker.

The truth is, he doesn’t want to frighten Aya, who’s naturally more timid than most.

I understand that sentiment, too.

“Would it be okay if I handle this? If it doesn’t work, I’ll call Ryouji-san.”

I look into Ryouji-san’s eyes, conveying confidence.

Ryouji-san widens his eyes and looks at me.

Thanks to intuition, he must be surprised by my unexpected confidence.

Under normal circumstances, he probably wouldn’t entrust something like this to me—

“…Alright, Boy, can I count on you? If you find that he’s not responsive, engage in conversation without provoking him, then discreetly call my phone.”

Ryouji-san asked for my help.

I feel recognized as a man by Ryouji-san, someone I’ve secretly admired and respected. Is this also a little twist of fate from the gods?

“Understood. Can you please tell Aya that I’ll be waiting outside?”

“Oh, definitely. But be careful. Don’t provoke him under any circumstances. Don’t threaten him with stuff like ‘I’ll call the police right away’ or ‘I’ll beat you up.’ That’ll just make him more agitated. Try to peacefully defuse the situation as much as possible, got it?”

“Yes, I will.”

Ryouji-san nodded deeply.

“Well, with your build, Boy, he probably won’t attack you or anything.”

Leaving behind a slightly unsettling remark, Ryouji-san returned to the shop for now.

I slowly began walking toward the blond man.

— Provoke him.

— Threaten him.

— Make him angry.

God’s intuition was whispering something unsettling.