(V2) Chapter 1: Starting From Nothing

“You’re kidding me, you nutsack,” Akio-san groaned, burying his face in his hands.

“I can’t even believe what I’ve done to myself.” I mumbled, slightly scratching my hair. Then I proceeded to polish the dirty table like brand new.

I can’t even remember how many times Akio-san’s face contorted just by narrating how I took Ayase from that old geezer. He thought everything was a fluke, but then, my near-empty wallet had everything to show.

“So that’s why you've been lodging in here full time recently?!” he said it louder than expected—but it was rather due to disappointment than anger.

My regular presence here was off routine, and I have reasoned out that we don’t have classes so he allowed me to work on whatever time I was available. Yet as my father figure, it didn’t take him long to finally make sense and uncover the truth.

“What choice do I have?” I shook my head, a small strained smile forming on my lips. “Maybe this is the price of freedom—you have to start from scratch.” I reasoned out, fatigue already taking over my limbs.

I was so lucky that I managed to survive the surge of customers each night I was present, but I can blame it on passion, not ability.

“Goodness,” Akio-san scoffed. “You’re really Kenji’s son. You fools do really have that innate talent of sacrificing yourselves for the sake of people around you. Yours may be a little bit too late, but I’m proud.” as he stepped closer to pat my shoulders.

But him mentioning my dad’s heroics sparked curiosity within me. The memories of him were too blurry to recall. All I just remember was staying at home alone, and my parents seldomly came home to be with me.

“About dad,” I asked, chest tightening slightly. “How was he?”

“Your exact opposite.” he immediately responded, grinning. “Guy would never stop rambling about how good people around him were. And that’s not even him before he met your mom.”

“Because?” I leaned on the counter, curious more than ever. Akio-san seemed to contemplate about it deeply, and he couldn't help but wear a smile as for sure memories of him with my dad started to reel.

But the doorbells clanked before he could answer, and familiar figures wearing Komorebi High uniform went in. I froze, my grip tightening on the damp rag in my hand.

Akito.

Behind him, a long cascading hair in between hues of black and blue. Her eyes sparked gold, and her pair of ponytails flapped as she stepped in.

“Saori?” I mumbled.

“Yahoo, Haru!” she waves back, voice constantly on high pitch.

Fujisaki Saori, the only female member of our losers’ club. She was the leader of the literature club with Akito.

They tried to convince me to join but literature isn’t really to my liking.

“Hmm, we’ve got company.” Akio-san remarked, scanning them one by one. “Schoolmates, eh? Guess you have to serve ‘em.”

Akio-san’s words went straight to the air between us, unheard.

Seeing another woman behind Saori glued me to where I was standing.

It wasn’t just another woman, and the way her sharp eyes softened as we met, they never ceased to make my heart drop.

“T-takamine-san?” I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper.

“T-girl?” Akio-san added. “Hah, this is exciting. Go grab them, I’ll serve them a platter.” as he went into the kitchen and started to rummage with utensils.

“Yo, buddy!” Akito dashed forward, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me up. “You just up and disappeared! No texts, no calls—you’re lucky we didn’t file a missing person’s report!”

I was still glued at my position, speechless.

“Yup,” Saori nodded. “It’s been days you haven’t shown up, so we went up looking to check up on you.”

Noticing my silence, Akito shook me once more.

“You good, buddy?”

It was when Saori waved her hand in front of me that I managed to break my own trance.

“I’m fine…” I mumbled, managing to take my eyes off Takamine-san.

The atmosphere was dramatic, but somehow I felt relieved. There are still people looking out for me, which I thought long far gone. I watched as my classmates settled into the booth, their chatter filling the cozy diner. Akito and Saori were clearly at ease, but Takamine-san lingered at the edge of the table, hesitating before finally sliding into the seat across from me. My stomach twisted, but I anchored myself to the table—because whatever this was, I wasn’t ready to run from it.

“So, how did you find me?”

“It’s already 2025, dude!” Akito explained, tapping his temple. “We have all means to look for people who just vanished. And of course, you take no chance of hiding from the genius.”

Saori rolled her eyes and giggled. “We asked around. You aren’t as mysterious as you think.”

I sighed, setting the rag down on the counter. “I didn’t vanish. I’ve been working here. That’s it.”

“But why?” Saori asked gently, her expression full of concern. “You didn’t tell anyone. We were all so worried.”

I shrugged, avoiding her gaze. “I didn’t think it mattered. It’s not like I was running away or anything. I just...needed to figure some things out.”

Akito tilted his head, eyeing me suspiciously. “Uh-huh. And what exactly are you figuring out, genius?”

Before I could answer, Saori spoke up. “You’ve missed so much, Haru. The teachers are asking about you, and everyone’s wondering why you haven’t been coming to class.”

“Yeah,” Akito chimed in. “Even Inoue-san was all like, ‘Is Haruki okay? Should we send someone to check on him?’ You’ve got people worried, man.”

Inoue-san? I didn’t know LUNAs have the emotional capacity to look for their own students.

“And we can’t even reach you through your contact number.” Saori added.

I sighed again, rubbing the back of my neck. “I don’t use my phone that much, but I’ll make sure to keep in touch now.”

The two of them just gave me a reassuring smile.

“I didn’t mean to make anyone worry. I just...I got caught up in something, okay?”

Saori’s eyes softened. “Caught up in what?”

I hesitated, glancing toward the kitchen as if Akio-san might swoop in and save me. When he didn’t appear, I took a deep breath and sat down at the edge of their booth.

“Okay, look,” I began, keeping my voice low. “I’m broke to the last yen.”

Akito’s jaw dropped.

“You what? What did you even spend it on? A new car? A secret hideout?”

“Akito!” Saori whispered, tugging Akito’s sleeve.

“I spent all my money helping someone. Someone who needed it. And now I’m broke, so I’ve been working here to make up for it.”

“Who?” Saori asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. “It doesn’t matter. Just...trust me when I say it was the right thing to do.”

Akito leaned back, crossing his arms. “Man, you really know how to drop a bombshell, don’t you? First, you disappear, and now you’re telling us you’re broke because you were playing hero?”

“Akito!” Saori scolded. “Don’t be so rude. Haru did something amazing.”

“Yeah, amazing,” Akito muttered, shaking his head. “But also reckless. You’re lucky you didn’t end up on the streets, dude.”

I bit back a retort, focusing instead on Saori, who was giving me a sympathetic smile. “It’s not reckless,” she said firmly. “It’s brave. You helped someone who needed it. That’s...really admirable, Haru.”

“Yeah, well, I’m paying the price now,” I said, forcing a small laugh. “But it’s fine. I’m managing. And I’m still alive and kicking at least.”

The table fell silent for a moment, and I could feel Takamine-san’s gaze on me. When I finally looked at her, her expression was unreadable—somewhere between guilt and something else I couldn’t quite place.

“So that’s why you’re not coming to school?” Takamine-san asked softly.

“Pretty much. I couldn’t afford to keep going, and I didn’t want to ask for help. It’s my own mess, so I’m cleaning it up.”

She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her blazer.

“...I thought it was because of me.”

“Entirely wrong.”

The tension between us was palpable, and I could see Akito and Saori exchanging confused glances.

I just need to get out of this sticky situation, that’s all.

“What’s going on with you two?” Akito finally asked, pointing between me and Takamine-san. “There’s some weird vibe here, and I don’t like it.”

“Nothing,” I said quickly, my voice sharper than I intended. “Maybe that’s what you came for, to know my answers. I’m giving it all.”

“Ishida-kun,” Takamine said, her tone quieter but more insistent. “I’m sorry. For...everything.”

Her words caught me off guard, and I stared at her, unsure how to respond. “What are you apologizing for?”

“For what happened recently. I—I didn’t know you were going through so much. And now...I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“It’s fine,” I said, cutting her off. “Honestly. I’m not really in the place to know your reasons.”

The wound of her rejection stood fresh, but I don’t care anymore. It already happened, and none could take back that pain anymore.

“Hey,” Akito cut off, his glances ricocheting between the two of us. “What’s really happening between you two?”

“This guy…” I whispered internally. I must think of excuses to change the topic.

I glanced around for a lifeline. None. Just Takamine’s eyes on me.

So I lied.

“I borrowed money.” I falsely admitted, making Takamine-san’s shoulder shudder. “She tried to take it back, but I really can’t at the moment.”

The two of them studied me with their glances, and that alone cued my sweat to fall straight to my cheek.

“Wow. That’s not harsh at all,” Akito said dryly.

“He already explained it.” Takamine-san answered. “I just didn’t know you were that capable of sacrificing yourself for others—I should’ve known better.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Akito and Saori were staring at us, wide-eyed, yet I barely noticed them.

I’m just glad that in the end, my friends bought our made-up scenarios.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said finally, my voice hollow. “What’s done is done. Let’s just leave it at that.”

Takamine-san looked like she wanted to argue, but Saori stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. “Maybe we should all take a step back,” she said, glancing between me and Takamine. “It’s been a long day, and Haru’s probably exhausted.”

She was right, but it's not like I'm tired physically—maybe in other ways. Takamine-san’s presence alone weighed my heart down more than anything else.

“In real business, huh?” Akio-san swooped in, putting a tray full of steaming Japanese delicacies right into our table. “What’s the deal with you and dear T-girl over here? You two got history, or what?”

I glanced at Takamine-san, who quickly looked away, her cheeks slightly tinged with pink.

“Whatever it was, it’s over.” I said firmly, staring straight to my clasped hands.

Akio-san raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the issue. Instead, he turned to the others. “Alright, kids. That’s a treat.”

“But Akio-san…” I turned to him, worrying about the real cost of what he just served.

“That’s a treat.” he repeated, throwing a grin, putting me back to my seat.

The three of my classmates expressed their gratitude and started to eat.

The utensils started to clink. And my gaze landed everywhere except Takamine-san.

Looking back, she always waltzed around with an air of superiority and irresistible charms that caught heads like a magnet. Her circle was the popstars of the school. I expected the worst when I had the courage to confess, to throw stones at the distant star.

Now, her prestige lay dormant in the diner. She reeked humility and guilt, with a voice and her head held low.

Right now, she was within reach.

But I have to ignore her at all costs.

I can't call these actions simply ‘avoidance’—it’s a coping mechanism. Maybe ignoring her would prove beneficial to the process of moving on.

But the hints of regret for her actions—it is beyond concerning.

Akio-san was right. There is always innate kindness inside a person, no matter how twisted and sick they are.

“I’m sorry that I have to leave you for a moment. I have to help Akio-san.” I stood up, a strained smile forming on my lips.

“Sure.” Saori nodded. “We’re happy that you’re doing well, Haru.”

“Yeah,” Akito agreed, though his expression was still full of curiosity. “We can talk more later. You’ve got our numbers, right? Don’t be a stranger, buddy.”

I nodded, grateful for the escape. “Thanks, guys. I’ll...I’ll be in touch.”

As I stood to leave, Takamine-san hesitated, her gaze lingering on me. “Ishida-kun,” she said softly. “Thanks for the treat.”

I didn’t respond, turning around swiftly. When I reached the kitchen where Akio-san was stationed, I let out a shaky breath, the weight of the conversation crashing down on me.

Akio-san called out, “That looked intense. You okay, kid?”

I didn’t answer, my mind too full of everything Takamine had said—and everything I didn’t know how to feel.

I slumped against the wall, resting the back of my head against the hard surface.

“...She’s the one who rejected me, Akio-san. She made it pretty clear how she felt. And now, out of nowhere, she’s acting like—like she regrets it.”

“Maybe she does,” he said simply, still busy washing the large tuna he’s about to dissect. “People change. They see things differently when time gives them a good kick in the teeth. If I were to hear that the guy I rejected threw all of his money to charity, I would be impressed too. Question is, what do you feel about it?”

I frowned, staring at my own shoes. “I don’t know. I thought I was over it, but seeing her again... it’s confusing. And honestly, I don’t have time for this. I’ve got too much on my plate as it is. I got to protect Ayase, I have to earn that money back.”

Akio-san emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. He leaned against the counter, his sharp eyes fixed on me. “You’ve got that look, kid. The one where your head’s spinning faster than a blender. Wanna talk about it?”

I shook my head, focusing on the table I was wiping down. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Uh-huh,” Akio said, crossing his arms. “So, the way that girl was looking at you like a lost puppy was nothing? And the fact that you looked like a deer in headlights the whole time—also nothing?”

I groaned, throwing the rag onto the counter. “Akio-san, I don’t need a play-by-play, okay?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Look, kid, I’m not saying you should go running back to her or whatever. But I’ve seen enough of this ‘love drama’ nonsense to know when someone’s got unfinished business. And you? You’ve got a whole goddamn novel’s worth.”

“Well,” I sighed, “I wanna know who the writer of that shit is. But I’m too busy to go check myself.”

“Busy?” Akio-san questioned, his tone softening. “Life doesn’t exactly wait until your schedule’s clear to throw curveballs at you. But here’s the thing, kid: you don’t have to decide anything right now. Maybe she’s serious, maybe she’s not. Either way, you’ve got enough going on without carrying extra weight.”

I nodded slowly, his words sinking in. “Yeah. You’re right.”

“I got an idea,” he mumbled, the sound of faucet hitching. “Why don’t you pack up and go home? You look like two minutes away from collapsing. Your personal housekeeper isn’t here to save you.”

Somehow, that brought me back to the thoughts of Ayase. I wonder what she’s doing right now.

I left her enough parfaits and pocket money to last for a day. It’s not like the pocket money mattered anyway because we have a stock there to last for a week, but that’s for emergencies.

I managed a small smile, pushing myself to my feet. “Thanks, Akio-san. For everything.”

“Stop being cheesy. I am old enough to hear those compliments.” He waved me off, already heading back to the kitchen. “But don’t mention it, kid. Just don’t let those high school dramas get in the way of your job. These tables won’t clean themselves, you know.”

I laughed lightly, the tension in my chest easing ever so slightly. “You will regret it if I choose not to.”

***

The night had settled in, and the dim glow of my phone screen was the only thing illuminating my small, cluttered room. I lay in bed, exhaustion pressing down on me like a weighted blanket, my limbs heavy from another long shift at the diner. The silence was comforting, a rare moment where I didn’t have to think about my dwindling funds, my aching body, or the uncertainty of tomorrow.

After reading my favorite novel series “I Was Hitting on the Tokyo’s Brightest Model”, I put the phone back down in the bed, and closed my heavy eyes.

Then, my phone buzzed.

I ignored it at first, thinking it was Akio-san reminding me to wake up early tomorrow. But then another buzz followed, then another.

Groaning, I reached over and squinted at the screen. My eyes widened.

Takamine Shizuku:

"Ishida-kun, can we meet?"

"At the convenience store near Hikifune Station."

"Please."

“I’ll be waiting. An hour at the latest.”

I stared at the messages, my mind still groggy with exhaustion. It had been hours since our awkward reunion at the diner, and I thought that was the last of it. But here she was, reaching out, asking to meet in the middle of the night.

What the hell could she possibly want?

For a moment, I considered ignoring her. But the hesitation was fleeting. No matter how much I told myself I was over her—over the past—there was still a part of me that was drawn to her. Maybe out of curiosity. Maybe out of something deeper.

Either way, I was already pulling on my hoodie and heading out the door.

As I stepped into the living room, Ayase was already fast asleep on the sofa, half of her face drenched at the moonlight coming from the windows.

She was at peace, a stark contrast of the war going inside my head.

A traitorous feeling surfaced as I stared at Ayase while thinking about Takamine-san but I shrugged the feeling and headed off outside.