Chapter Text
“That's it, I'm leaving Tokyo...”
It was such an easy decision.
More than half a decade living in this city had left me on edge. Not only are living conditions a bit more expensive than at home, but I've just left another one of my low-paid jobs.
Frankly, what the lack of a college degree does to a man's life...
I pulled my phone out of my pocket, dialing a very familiar number.
“Mochi mochi?”
“Komachi, it's Onii-chan. I'm returning to Chiba with immediate effect.”
“Heeeh? What happened to your old job? Weren't you working on some construction site?”
“I left, the pay was shit, the working conditions were shit and my boss was shit... In short, I left because it was shit.”
I worked as an assistant for about four months in a building construction company. It was awful. The pay wasn't very good, the working hours drained your soul and the boss was that kind of grumpy old man who tended to do things the old-fashioned way.
Really? Who still makes concrete using just a shovel?! I thought we should just throw everything into a machine to mix it for us. But the old man refuses to spend money on something that would improve productivity. Technology exists for a reason, it makes our lives easier, dammit!
“Honestly, bro... With that, how many jobs have you quit?” Komachi asked with a bored tone, before sighing in frustration. “Last time you were working as a traffic warden or something, I don't even remember why you left...”
“I was just looking after the signs in a parking lot, Komachi-chan. It's not my fault if some idiot wanted to run me over just because I asked him to stay behind the crosswalk.”
I worked in a parking lot for a while. There was this idiot who thought he could break traffic laws at will, so I put him in his place as I should have. Unfortunately he was my boss son, so I was fired about two hours later.
“I still remember the amount of curses you put out that day... As for your book, any news?”
“Nah... It's still in the early stages. It'll be a long time before I can profit from something like this.”
I've had about two books published over the last seven years. They became popular and made good money for a while. Unfortunately, the life of a second-rate writer always requires new ideas. Creativity isn't so easy to come by, you know~~
“Well, what are you going to do? I love you and all, bro, but I don't want you in my apartment. You know my roommate has a phobia of boys, right? Besides, I don't think mom and dad will want you back either. So you're basically homeless”
My mom and dad were expected, but my own little sister doesn't want to take care of her onii-chan anymore?! What a cruel world... what happened to in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty - Wait, those are wrong vows, Hachiman. She's your sister!
“Just find somewhere for me. It could be any cheap apartment you can find... I'll be a bit tight for the next few months.”
“Fiiiiiiine~ Half-assed apartment for a half-assed bro leaving~~ I'll scout a few places and send you details tomorrow? Is that okay?”
“Yes, I'll be there tomorrow. Then you'd be a great help, Komachi.”
“Go ahead. It's the weekend so I'm going out drinking with friends now, I love you, Onii-chan!”
“I love you too...” I hung up, looking at the number with my sister's name with longing. “I hope she's not seeing any boys or else I'll have to get blood on my hands.”
If only she had phobias about men, except onii-chan, like that strange roommate of hers, life would be brighter. One can always dream...
With one last sigh, I looked around my old apartment. The cardboard boxes containing many of my possessions had already been ransacked and packed. I moved to Tokyo as soon as I graduated from Sobu, and now I'll be returning to Chiba almost eight years later.
“Time has really flown by, huh...”
I hope to find a job that pays well and doesn't enslave me to death. Seriously, my back still hurts from all the sandbags I've had to carry. Couldn't that fucking ojisan buy more wheelbarrows to prevent back problems for his employees?!
To work is really to lose.
You know, there's this weird habit that anime characters have of wanting to breathe the fresh air of their old town. Something like an oriental representation of the “home sweet home” version. I admit it's a bit nostalgic, but when it comes to a big city, you're just breathing in pollution and hot summer air. A habit that will lead to respiratory problems sooner or later.
Although I was back in my beloved Chiba on a hot summer's day, the area I found myself in was completely different from the one I used to live in. So I had a bit of trouble finding my way around my new home.
Fortunately, I won't have to worry about wandering around for too long, as Komachi gave me the address of an apartment complex with a very reasonable rent. It was a humble complex, but it was close to a bus station and a 24-hour convenience store. Which was an advantage.
My wristwatch was ticking around nine in the morning when I arrived near the complex. It was one of those two-storey shacks, with several small apartments next to each other. I tightened the strap of my backpack as I made my way towards the entrance, in front of which stood a woman with her back to me, cleaning the floor with a broom. I quickly approached her.
“Excuse me, does this place have an apartment that's vacant? I came here because I was told it was.”
“Yes, we do.” On hearing my call, the woman turned to me. Her purple eyes widened in mild surprise. “Oh, it's you Hikigaya, how long?”
I blinked at her, looking closely at her appearance. She had silvery blue hair, tied up in a ponytail. Her clothing style was casual, with a white summer shirt and tight blue jeans. Despite her modest attire, her curvaceous body was undoubtedly that of an attractive young adult woman. Her expression, although initially intimidating, was certainly model-like. Despite this, I tilted my head in confusion.
“Excuse me, have we met?” The best way to kill curiosity is to be direct.
“I'm Kawasaki Saki.”
“Who?
“Taishi older sister.”
“Who?”
“Sigh... I was the delinquent that Hiratsuka-Sensei was always scolding for being late for class and spending lunchtime on the roof.”
Something in my mind clicked with that information.
“Oh! You were the girl who wore black lace panties! Kawa something-san, right?” I pointed happily, pleased to remember someone from the past.
A very scary girl from high school who stood on a high platform of the roof as the wind breezed past resonated in my memories. The sight of lacy panties, very daring, has become ingrained in my mind after all these years. I guess I must have gotten my statement right, because Kawa something-san gave me an annoyed, slightly red-cheeked look.
“Yeah, yeah, just remember because of your memories of my panties, you fucking pervert... And my name is Kawasaki, how can you get the pronunciation wrong when I've just introduced myself, are you an idiot?”
“Oh! Sorry about that... Kawa... Saki-san.” I quickly bent down, afraid that she would start kicking me for some reason. If there's one thing I'll never forget about Sobu's former delinquent, it's that she sure can be scary.
“Tch... Only Kawasaki is fine, idiot. So, are you interested in a place to stay or not?”
“Yes, I need a place to live.” Wanting to change the subject, I quickly agreed while Kawasaki crossed his arms in boredom. “Can you tell me who the landlord is? I'd like to talk to him to see the place.”
“No need. He's right in front of you. I'm the owner. Which would have been obvious if you looked more closely at the name on the address,” Kawasaki pointed out, his annoyance showing. I looked at the address on my phone, it said: Kawasaki Apartment Complex.
“Oh, I see now... My mistake again hahaha.” I smiled nervously, Kawasaki snorted as if he'd seen something annoying.
“Idiot.” She turned around, giving me one last look. “Come on, I'll show you around.”
Naturally, I obeyed. After some negotiations about accommodation, Kawasaki brought me to what would be the entrance of my new apartment, which was on the second floor of the complex.
I watched my old schoolmate as she stared straight ahead without a care in the world. Trying to imagine the events that brought us together again after so many years.
So she decided to get into the apartment rental business, huh?
Now that I think about it, reminiscing a little about high school makes me sick to my stomach, especially at times when my only option is to work to earn enough money to keep living. Who knew that human life would be so expensive?
Studying is mandatory for any young person entering the job market, and the damn diploma is like a key that unlocks the entrance to a great dungeon, aka company, full of monsters, aka coworkers, with a boss at the end, aka the shitty boss you'll have, and at the end, the great treasure, aka the meager salary.
What have we learned from all this? That's right, you need the key, the high school diploma, to finally try to be somebody in this world of people who think they are somebody. I wouldn't want to step inside the dungeon, I don't want to die.
Now back to Kawasaki... is she really running an apartment complex? Not that I'm interested in other people's lives, but it does make me a little curious.
Although, curiosity killed the cat, but I'm not a cat, so I remained immersed in my thoughts.
My memories of the past are still a bit dark - and no, it's not because I had a bad life back then, I lived quite relaxed in high school. The whole thing was dark because it was adolescence, a time when your hormones are in overdrive and your dumb decisions can affect the rest of your life... and looking at Kawasaki, did she go to or finish college?
If I remember correctly, we're similar ages and she certainly had a degree. Could this apartment complex be her own dungeon? Facing an ex-offender as a boss is certainly not in my plans right now.
According to the old Hachiman's memories of high school, this girl used to go to college, so how come she's not in college? Did she give it all up to fulfill her dream of owning cheap apartments? It doesn't sound like such an incredible dream, but compared to mine, which is all about living quietly on rivers of money, Kawasaki has already achieved something.
“Hey...” I said, trying to start a conversation.
“What? You don't want the apartment anymore?” She asked with stern eyes. Clearly the delinquent genes still lived in her, how frightening.
“No, no. It's just that... you weren't going to college?” again, straight to the point. I hope you're used to this, imaginary audience, because this is a classic of mine.
“Oh, so curiosity killed you?” So I'm a cat?! “I didn't think the amazing Hikigaya would remember other people's dreams, you didn't even remember my name!”
“I remembered your panties.”
“Do you want to die before you even see the apartment?” Right, forgive me miss all-powerful master, I didn't mean to make that joke again. Although, I only remember this impressive scene involving her, so it's not a lie. “Idiot, don't talk like that right after asking a question.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Bam! I've forgotten! Now for your question, unfortunately not.” Even though the tone of the conversation was constantly changing, his eyes seemed to visualize an old scene as he continued. “You seem very at ease with life, Hikigaya... I, on the other hand, haven't had the same opportunity.”
If being verbally and physically abused by your boss while earning a mediocre salary is being at ease with life, throw me back to high school.
“I don't look like the ideal person to go to college and join a company, do I?” Kawasaki put his hands behind his back as he walked, continuing his story. “At one point, I just gave up. I may have been a complete coward, but I think I wanted to make room for people who were more motivated and capable than me.”
“In this case, the company owner's children?”
“My brothers! Boy, you're hard to talk to.” For me, that's a compliment. The only answer I need is silence. “My family is big and we didn't have much money. I wanted to give my younger brothers a chance, so I gave up the idea of joining a...”
“...” That's it, silence is the only answer. But damn, what a harsh opinion...
“My grandmother died a long time ago, leaving this piece of land for someone to hold on to, I decided to take over as the owner because I had nothing better to do.” She sounded a little nostalgic as she talked about it, especially as she ran her hand over the walls as if to say that it was all hers. “Not a very exciting story, is it? Baka Hikigaya.”
“...” Silence...
“...And what do you do to end up in a cheap condominium like this?” Apparently, she noticed my silence and decided to act like a question. The basics for restarting an almost dead conversation.
“Money, if I'm here it's because I'm out of money.”
“I'm not just talking about that, thick. What do you do for a living these days?”
His interest aroused my desire to continue the conversation, so I ended up answering truthfully:
“Well, for travelers looking for adventures out there, I've decided to carry out quests for some NPCs around the map to receive low-level rewards”
“Nerd. You've been doing odd jobs around here, then?”
“That's it in a nutshell.” Damn, I was soon going to tell you how I verbally confronted a dragon, aka my old boss. “Then money got tight, I lost my job and decided to move back to Chiba, where I'm now stomping around in this cheap condo.”
“Hikigaya, you're going to pay the rent, right?” With a crooked face, she forced a smile. Frighteningly, it looked like she was going to explode with rage at any moment, had I inadvertently set off a bomb? “Just know that it's not because you were a classmate of mine that I'm going to let you live here for free.”
“Duly noted.”
We talked a bit more about the rent until we finally arrived at what looked like the door to my new home.
“This will be your space from now on, room number 108.”
“Heh! That's my lucky number...” I joked lightly, receiving a look from Kawasaki that seemed to say “are you an idiot?” The blue-haired woman unlocked the place and gestured for me to look at her.
“There are three rooms and a balcony. The living room is divided between the kitchen and the dining table. The bedroom is in the first door on the left and the bathroom is at the end of the corridor.” I watched the place as Kawasaki pointed. It was a tatami-shaped apartment, with the living room, kitchen and a small balcony visible. There was a slight corridor with a set of doors leading to the bedroom and bathroom. Although humble, overall it was a suitable apartment for a single person to live in. “There's no bath or hot water, just a shower. If you want a change, there's a Bath House about five minutes away. Of course, there's always the option of looking elsewhere if you don't like it.”
“Nah, that's fine. That'll be enough.” I commented, tossing my backpack aside and settling down on the three-seater sofa, relaxing my arms and breathing lazily as I gazed contentedly at my new dwelling. As if I'd been living in it for a long time. I took one last look at the girl who was watching me curiously. “Is there anything else I need to know?”
“The usual, don't bother the neighbors and remember that the rent is due on the first of every month. Don't miss it, or I'll kill you.”
“How scary...” I shuddered as Kawasaki snorted, throwing down the set of keys which I caught with one hand.
“Thank you for accepting the services of the Kawasaki Apartments , Hikigaya-san.” There was a mocking smile there, how sarcastic can someone be when trying to be formal? “If you need anything, or have any questions, just contact me.”
“Can I complain about lowering the rent?”
“You can throw yourself off the balcony if you want, then I'll think about it.”
“How scary...” She really leaves no room for jokes, what a little woman! And she wore mature underwear for her age in the past!
With that, the former Sobu delinquent said goodbye, finally leaving me alone to relax. I took advantage of the solitude and dialed a Komachi number on my phone.
“Mochi mochi, onii-chan~~ how are you, did everything go well?”
“Yes, I've settled in successfully, Komachi. Onii-chan is pleased.” I said, picking up the TV remote and propping my feet up on the living room table.
“Yaaayyy! So, I take it you called to ask about job offers?”
“Yes, have you found any well-paid work?” I asked, flipping to the news and variety channels.
“Unfortunately, it's hard to find a good-paying job for someone who didn't go to college, bro. But Komachi worked hard and found a good one for you!” After his satisfied comment, Komachi sent an email notification. I raised my eyebrow slightly as I read the content.
“Janitor?”
“Yeah, decent pay, fixed hours and best of all, you'll be working in an air-conditioned space, bro! Now I won't have to listen to your complaints during the summer!” My sister clapped excitedly, so that I had to move my ear away from the phone so as not to go deaf. When her shouts stopped, I put my ear to the phone again, smiling with satisfaction.
“I see you've thought of everything, you've even taken Onii-chan's health into consideration.”
“Yeah~~Yeah~~ Komachi knows best. But that's not the best part, bro! You see, this company has something special...”
“Hun, what would that be?”
“Actually, it's a secret~~” Komachi commented mischievously, as if he had planned the world's greatest scheme. I rolled my eyes at his antics.
“Now I'm undecided... I never do well with surprises, you know.”
“Relax, relax, bro. It's not a bad kind of surprise, in fact, it might be a good one for you~~ Anyway, don't even think about missing the interview! It's this Monday! Komachi spent some time filtering jobs for his Onii-chan.”
“Yeah~Yeah...” I sighed, accepting whatever his scheme was in my life. “Thanks again, Komachi, what would I do without you?”
“Almost nothing, Onii-chan~~ Almost nothing. Well, I hope you like the surprise, bye bye.”
I scowled as I looked at my little sister's name on the phone. What on earth had she prepared for me?
If I could deduce, would it be that the job is better than I imagine? It's not that I despise the work of a janitor - without one, practically every business would be dirty, so you have to appreciate someone like that. But janitors are paid a low salary, but in my situation, salary is the least of the problems.
Komachi, dear, what have you prepared for your brother?
That same Saturday evening, after my conversation with Komachi, I didn't want to waste any time and handed in my extensive CV (which was only one page long) that same evening. About twenty-four hours later, I was accepted. A pretty quick selection process, if I must say so myself.
Perhaps the company was in dire need of someone as skilled as me? Or it's because no one thought the janitorial job was any good... I mean, the salary isn't exactly attractive, but at least there's air conditioning, which was a consolation for me.
Anyway, I received a notice that I should arrive early on Monday. I was introduced to the company by my senior and now former ex-janitor. Yes, the man had been fired. The reason? I have no idea. It was none of my business either. Poor man, I hope he manages to get another job and finds a cheap apartment! Should I tell Kawasaki about this?
Returning, according to my senior, the building was undergoing some changes, so there were always boxes wherever I went. I'd practically be a new employer joining a new company... only as a janitor. Not only did I get paid less than practically all the employees, but my working hours were to arrive before everyone else and leave after everyone else. How on earth could that be fair?
Anyway, the company, although not THE COMPANY, was of considerable size, with three floors and a parking lot at the entrance. In Japan, the concept of “skyscrapers” is very unpopular, so there are no buildings of this size in the country, apart from bloody Tokyo.
When I went to do the interview, I felt a pressure that almost made me fall, now looking closely... it's just a normal building. The dungeon would be quite frightening if I were the protagonist, but I'm just an ordinary NPC, a janitor who goes about his work quietly and has coffee every morning at the company.
And that's exactly what I started doing in my first few days. At first, I thought I'd have teammates who would pat me on the back and say “let me take care of this part of the building”... BUT I WAS WRONG! THIS IS A JOKE! AM I THE ONLY JANITOR HERE?
Look, I admit that I like to do everything myself, it comes from the solitary tendencies of a child who grew up doing everything... basically alone. I strongly believe that someone who makes an effort on their own and gets results should be valued for their efforts, and this company certainly does NOT value the janitor! How do they want me to take care of all this on a daily basis just by being the sole employer?!
That's probably why nobody wanted this job, Tsc-
Shitty salary, check. Shit difficulty, check. Is there anything else to list?
Although, having air conditioning on every floor is a great plus point, so I'll tone down the criticism a bit. Oh, thank you big corporations who care the least about their employees! Hikigaya Hachiman is going to be the best janitor this company has ever seen!
So, after my senior handed me the master keys to the building and said goodbye, I set about my work, beginning the simple procedure of cleaning up the remains of the monsters in the dungeon, aka the dirt on the floor. Look at that, Komachi, your Onii-chan is gaining experience points and becoming someone incredible in this company!
“How hard is it to become an employee here?” While cleaning the floor, I stopped for a short break. Watching the many well-uniformed employees relaxing in their office seats. “A janitor seems to have a harder job than these lifeless suits, and he gets the lowest salary... What a discrepancy.”
Ah, what an unfair life, but I guess it was all my fault in the end, so it's no good thinking about it. Otherwise I'll be complaining alone at home while I think about Komachi raising her brother's spirits.
While I was stuck in my thoughts, I spotted one of the company's employees walking towards me, and no, it didn't look like I was the target of this person.
It was a female figure, wearing a suit with a pencil skirt and black stockings. Her face was covered by the small pile of boxes she was carrying and she seemed to have no idea where she was stepping. Hmm... I guess she didn't notice the warning signs? Hmm, I guess I should warn her... If it weren't for the fact that she was heading straight for the floor I was mopping!
I quickly dropped the mop I'd been using as a support and ran towards her, because as soon as her high heels hit the damp floor, she slid like a bowling ball.
“Careful!” I said as an afterthought, throwing my body out to grab her.
“Ah-!!” I heard her poor voice escape as she was about to fall.
Like a hero, I put out my hand in an attempt to hold her by the waist and stop her from falling, unfortunately, I only managed to grab her wrist, making her inevitable fall less painful. Sorry, mom and dad, but your son doesn't have much practice in saving damsels in distress, I'm just a janitor.
As I watched the boxes fall and scatter their contents among themselves, the woman fell on her butt on the floor, making a “plop” effect, showing that she had accidentally sat down right where it was wet.
Oh... Black lace panties. How daring.
“Jeez... Are you all right?”
I asked, while still holding out my hand to her.
“W-What kind of janitor doesn't even leave a warning sign- Ah...” The woman commented, closing her eyes and clenching her teeth due to the probable pain in her ass from falling…
“With all due respect, miss. But I put up the warning signs. It's not my fault you were an idiot not to notice.” My tone came out harsher. Even though I could see she was slightly sore, her words upset me.
It's always like this, even when I do something right, people accuse me of having done something wrong.
“...Idiot!? Listen here, even if you're right, you're in no position to talk to me in that tone...” And it was at that moment that our eyes met. “Hiki... gaya-kun?”
Huh? Do we know each other? You were Kawasaki before, and now another lady knows me? Was I that famous in high school and didn't realize it?
Pff! That was a good joke, Hachiman. Haha, I'm dying laughing, myself~~
Now back to this woman... who was she? Her features seemed to resemble someone, but I wasn't sure...
“It really is you... When I looked at the CV of the person who was accepting the position of janitor, I was curious when I saw your name... but who knew.” As if ignoring the fact that her bottom was wet, the woman stood up with my help and continued. “Hikigaya Hachiman is now among my employees, cleaning the stage I walk on, what a turn of events.”
“...” His familiarity surprised me, but as I didn't know how to respond, I used the old technique of silence.
“...Don't you remember me? I should have known...” The woman sighed, straightening her wet skirt a little. She didn't seem at all shy about doing this in front of another man... Again, how daring. “Let's see... eyes like a dead fish, tired face, totally wrong posture and an expression that seems to be devoid of emotion... yeah, I have no doubt, you really are Hikigaya-kun.”
“Hikigaya-kun?” Hmmm, no one has called me that for a long time... Nostalgic... I'm a little curious to know where she knew me from. But “a little curious”, on Hachiman's interest level scale, means I'm disinterested. “Anyway, as I said, your little accident had nothing to do with me, I won't apologize for your fall, but...”
I bowed slightly in apology. Not for her accident, obviously, but considering that I'd accidentally caught a glimpse of the sky between her legs, I did it anyway. Not that she needs to know that last part. It's the intention that counts!
"I recognize now that I've been sloppy, but... You don't really remember me, do you? I guess all that sugary Max Coffee finally destroyed your neurons. As expected from a garbage drink.” Listen here woman, if you want to take this outside, just say the word, okay? Nobody badmouths my precious Max! ”Well, if you don't remember me, it doesn't matter. There's something more important at the moment.”
With that, the office worker looked between me and the floor with mild annoyance. She seemed to be expecting something... Okay, okay, I get it, okay? You don't have to look at me like that! I had to help her get these boxes.
I quickly picked them up and stacked them back in her hands. Giving me a chance to read her badge. I looked at the photo of a woman with black hair and cold blue eyes with the name: Yukino Yukinoshita, President.
“Yukinoshita...?” Raising my eyebrow, I stared at the woman again. Now that I was paying more attention, it really was Yukinoshita Yukino, the Ice Queen of Sobu. “Oh, so it was you all along? I didn't recognize you because of the ponytail and glasses. Beautiful women sure know how to disguise themselves.”
“...B-Beautiful?” Widening her eyes at my incredible discovery, Yukinoshita almost dropped the boxes in her hands.
“Calm down, woman. I've just put it all together!” Saved by the gong! I put my hand under the boxes to stop them from falling. Holding her arms and hands to make sure she was steady. Consequently, I ended up face to face with Yukinoshita, close enough to see her red cheeks... Why is she blushing?
“Cough cough... Looks like you remembered me, albeit a little late. Well, that was to be expected. After all, you haven't changed a bit, Hikigaya-kun.” She said, wearing the same indifferent expression as before as she turned away to face me. “To be honest, your direct way of speaking, your bad behavior and rotten personality... I feel like I'm seeing a memory from the past.”
“...Okay?” Did have an answer for that? “By the way, watch where you're going, I might not be around to hold you back.” I joked, earning more blushes from the girl.
“D-Don't worry, I'll be more careful...” Woman, there's no need to be embarrassed about tripping, seriously, just hold the damn box before it falls again.
“Well, in that case, if you'll excuse me.” Deciding to get back to work, I bid a rigid farewell to Yukinoshita. I think this conversation ends here...
“Wait a second, Hikigaya-san.” Or not... By the way, what's with the san? It seems strange... “Why don't you help me carry these boxes to my office?”
“Why should I?” Woman, I'm already busy, don't throw more work at me. That's what my face meant. Although Yukinoshita smiled coldly at me.
“Why should you? First of all, I'm your boss.” Okay, I get it, but what's with the creepy grin? “And secondly, don't think I didn't notice where your lustful eyes drifted during my slip, Hiki pervert-kun.” Then her malicious expression turned into nothing but coldness. It seems she realized... Damn it! “And last and not least, if you don't do as I say from now on, I'll only say this: fired. Do you understand, Hikigaya-san?”
Wow, is that what science calls Absolute Zero? I guess winter came early, and it's still summer... Anyway, I decided I didn't want to be fired on the very first day, rolled up the sleeves of my uniform, leaving my forearms showing, and picked up the whole set of boxes that Yukinoshita was carrying.
“Just show me the way.” I said, adjusting the weight of the boxes on my chest. Hmm... I wouldn't say it was exactly heavy, but with the volume of the boxes, it would be a bit difficult for a slender woman like Yukinoshita to carry them.
“Those forearms...” Some kind of murmur was heard from the side. Yukinoshita looking at the boxes I'd stacked with slightly red cheeks.
“Hmm? What did you say?”
“N-nothing, just follow me, Hiki slave-kun.”
Slave? Well, I suppose every employee can be called that. With that said, Yukinoshita coolly walked past me, her footsteps echoing down the corridor. I watched her figure as I followed behind.
So Yukinoshita Yukino was my boss now... She also dresses like a real cold and powerful Ceo. With glasses, a ponytail, and a slight maple commission... they've grown up, haven't they? Looks like your sister didn't get all the genes after all.
But damn, she had to be someone so important in the company... I'm going to get a lot of warnings just for existing, aren't I? Heh, this is Yukinoshita we're talking about. She'd probably get a few verbal insults before any warnings.
“Hikigaya-san, stop walking like a slug, follow me before I lose my temper.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Ah, Komachi, that was the surprise you were talking about, huh... Letting Onii-chan become the Ice Queen's slave was pretty low on points, you know!
I followed Yukinoshita up to the third floor of the building. It was a very refined corridor, with several rooms divided by transparent glass walls, which allowed me to see the company's employees at work.
The office of the President, Yukinoshita Yukino, was obviously larger and more spacious. Although this time the glass was dark, it wasn't possible to see the president at work through the dark windows, but from the inside, she could certainly see her employees.
It must be some kind of psychological pressure not to relax, since no one knows when your boss might be watching you.
“Where do I leave this?” I asked, following Yukinoshita into her office.
“You can leave it right here. “She pointed to another pile of boxes in the corner of her room. She let out a tired sigh at the sight. “Sorry about the mess, Hikigaya-san. The company is moving and short-staffed. It'll take a while for everything to settle down.”
“Got it.” I replied, carefully putting away the boxes in my hands and organizing the remaining pile so it wouldn't look so ugly. I took the opportunity to take a closer look around. It was certainly a place fit for a successful CEO. A huge desk with a leather armchair in front of a balcony that overlooked the city. Several plants here and there to make it look more natural. “Anything else?”
Yukinoshita looked at me, as he sat down at his desk in front of his computer.
“Actually...” She looked at the pile of boxes, before casting an apologetic glance at me. “Can you unpack these boxes and organize them for me? I know you have your duties as a janitor, but I hate being in a messy space.”
“You're the boss, boss.” Even if I wanted to refuse, I'd probably be fired, so I just accepted the extra work.
“I apologize again. I'd do it myself, but I need to finish writing a report. So if you'll excuse me...”
With that, Yukinoshita started typing whatever it was into his computer, while I started unpacking the various boxes. They were mainly decorative items and books. As requested by my boss, I organized them around her living room. Placing the books on the shelves, making sure to sort them according to volumes and themes. I placed the vases and photographs around the shelves and tables and hung the pictures of famous paintings on the wall. I thought it would look good in the living room.
In one of the boxes I was unpacking, I found a glass board with a diploma printed on it. Business Administration, Finance and Political Science were highlighted. Underneath was Yukinoshita's name, as well as the college from which she earned her degree.
University of Tokyo, hun...
Well, what can you expect from Miss number one at Sobu High School? I guess she really worked hard to get where she is.
“Tch. I don't believe it...” Suddenly, I heard Yukinoshita mutter sulkily.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, approaching her huge dark desk. I wondered what wood it was made of...
“A big problem, actually.” Yukinoshita grumbled, pressing the mouse key several times, as if venting his anger. “I forgot to call a technician to fix the problem with this machine.” I walked over to my boss, looking at the frozen screen of her monitor. “When this thing gets like this, it only works again after a restart. And the worst thing is that I didn't save the file, I'll have to redo it...”
I watched Yukinoshita Yukino's frustration with mild surprise. Who knew she could also complain like a true corporate slave? Never say never, they say...
“It must be a factory problem... May I?” I commented, gesturing at the computer keyboard. Yukinoshita gave me a puzzled look before nodding. I slung my arms over her shoulder and pressed the keys (Windows, Shift, Ctrl and B), causing the monitor screen to flicker and function normally again.
“How?” Yukinoshita was surprised, quickly going to the mouse cursor to save the files of the document she was working on.” What did you do?”
“I just restarted the video drivers.” I shrugged, indifferent to something that was no big deal. A mere acquaintance from my days as a computer technician's assistant. “If it happens to freeze again, just do as I did and it'll work again. Although I suggest you change the video card, it's probably a factory problem.”
“I see...” Yukinoshita said, a slight sloppiness in her words that I didn't understand. I guess she didn't appreciate my closeness? “Thank you for your service.”
“It's my job. Anything else, boss?”
“No. You can go if you like, Hikigaya-san.”
Hmmm... This san still seems wrong somehow, but it's not like I can do anything about it. I bowed like a good subordinate, ready to return to my original tasks without noticing the look Yukinoshita was giving me from behind
“Hikigaya-kun...”
“Yes?” I watched Yukinoshita from behind, seeing how she looked briefly nervous before her expression returned to its usual cold eventuality.
“Nothing. You're dismissed.”
Okay? But why did you call first, ma'am? How confusing...
I shrugged, leaving my boss's office and feeling my shoulders relax. That was definitely something. Although I can't say what.
Anyway, I decided to get back to my work, there were floors to be cleaned, garbage to be collected and to top it all off. Tch! Four more hours of work!
Fuck the romcom gods for dilating the fabric of space-time!