The Loner’s Coincidence
Since then, I hadn’t been bullied or hassled, but being alone remained unchanged. I graduated middle school as a loner and started attending my current high school. Rumors have a way of spreading, and even as a high schooler, I still got hassled. But I always fought back when necessary.
“Still, it’s only April, and I’ve already dealt with over 30 incidents of harassment. Seriously, how much do they hate me?”
I mused while eating some bread. As a high schooler, finding a part-time job was tough. I kept getting turned down, often because of those same rumors.
“Man, this is bad. I really need to find a job. I’d rather use Mom’s inheritance for tuition, so I could really use the extra money for living expenses.”
Being a loner sucks at times like this. Without people to ask, my only option is to rely on job ads. Well, guess I’ll take my time searching.
“Anyway, lunch is over. Time to head back to class.”
I returned to the classroom and went through the afternoon lessons. Soon, it was time to go home.
“Guess I’ll head out…”
I wasn’t part of any clubs, so my evenings were pretty free. I usually just headed home to play online games—after finishing my homework, of course!
On my way back, I noticed something unusual.
“What’s that about…?”
A woman was standing on the sidewalk, looking flustered. I decided to approach and see what was going on.
From the looks of it, she’d been carrying books in a paper bag, but the weight caused it to tear apart, leaving her in a bind.
“Excuse me… Do you need help?”
“Huh?”
When she turned around, I was momentarily captivated. She was incredibly beautiful.
“Oh… If you’re okay, then—”
“No, thank you. You’re very kind. I didn’t have a spare bag, and this paper one just couldn’t hold up…”
Wow, the bag’s bottom was completely gone. I guess I should lend a hand.
“Well… I have a bag with me. Let’s put the books in there, and we can grab a box from the nearby supermarket to carry them the rest of the way.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Let’s get these packed and head to the store.”
“Thank you so much. You’re a lifesaver.”
I pulled out a reusable shopping bag from my school bag and handed it to her. I’m glad I always carry one—living alone, you learn to be prepared. We managed to fit most of the books in the bag, while the rest went into my school bag.
“Alright, let’s go.”
“I can carry the books if they’re too heavy for you.”
“It’s fine, really. They’re not that heavy.”
In truth, they were quite heavy, but I didn’t want to admit it. Slinging my school bag over my shoulder like a backpack, I walked with her to the supermarket.
Now that I think about it, this was the first time in ages I’d had a real conversation with a woman. At school, I barely spoke, and at home, it was dead silent. So that’s why this feels so strange…
“May I ask your name?”
“Mine? You might be better off not knowing…”
“No, I’d like to know. You’ve helped me so much.”
Hmm… Should I just tell her? Well, if she figures it out, I’ll deal with it then.
“It’s Kiriyama Yuuki.”
“Kiriyama Yuuki? It’s nice to meet you.”
Wait, she doesn’t recognize my name? Is that even possible? Well, for now, I’ll just play along.
“Nice to meet you too.”
“Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? I’m Shiraishi Yuki.”
“Shiraishi-san, nice to meet you.”
After that brief exchange, we arrived at the supermarket. I got a cardboard box, packed up the books, and we headed to her home.
“Thank you so much for bringing the books all the way here.”
“It’s no problem at all. So, where’s your house?”
“See that old bookstore over there? That’s my house.”
Looking where she pointed, I saw an antique-looking bookstore. I’d passed this way before but had never noticed it.
“Alright, let’s go.”
I followed her into the store and placed the box behind the counter.
“This spot is fine.”
“Got it. Well, I’ll be heading out then.”
“Wait, at least have some tea before you go. You must be tired, and I’d like to show my gratitude.”
She seemed genuinely worried, so I decided to accept her offer.
“Alright, I’ll take you up on that.”
“Great! Please wait in that room over there.”
I sat on a cushion in the tatami room, waiting for her to bring tea.
“Sorry for the wait. I don’t have much to offer, but I hope this is okay.”
“Not at all. I’m grateful you’d bother at all.”
She handed me some green tea and a manju.
“This is regular sweet red bean manju. Do you not like anko?”
“Not at all! I love it. Thank you.”
“How is it?”
She looked at me anxiously. Beautiful women really shouldn’t make expressions like that—it gives guys the wrong idea. Not that she wouldn’t have a boyfriend already, looking like this…
“It’s delicious. Pairs perfectly with the tea.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.”
We ended up chatting about random things—hobbies, favorite foods, school life. It was fun, but time flew, and before I knew it, night had fallen.
“I should be going. Thanks for everything today.”
“Wait… May I ask you something?”
“Sure, what is it?”
She hesitated before speaking.
“Are you good with computers?”
“Computers? I’d say I’m decent. I’m no expert, though.”
Being a loner, I spent a lot of time tinkering with computers, so I knew my way around.
“I was wondering… Would you be interested in a part-time job here?”
“What kind of work?”
“Mostly computer tasks, like making sales records or managing online orders. Would you be interested?”
Honestly, I was thrilled. But why me?
“I’d love to, but why ask me? I’m sure you could find someone else…”
“Well, I’m not good at talking to people, and I don’t know anyone who’s skilled with computers. So I thought of you.”
“I see… Alright, I’ll do it. I’ve been looking for a job anyway.”
“Really? Thank you so much!”
She smiled so brightly it was breathtaking.
“When do I start?”
“Tomorrow, if possible.”
“Sounds good. I’m free in the evenings.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Of course.”
---
And that’s how I started working at Shiraishi-san’s bookstore. This marks the beginning of my part-time job and my connection with her.
---
Author's Note:
Next time, we’ll return to the present, and the story will finally start moving forward.
Thank you for reading! Please share your thoughts and feedback. Your support means the world!
Comments
Post a Comment