Chapter 24 The Past Mistakes

Koji sighed as he looked at Ayumi, who was sitting on the sidewalk with Dogo by her side. He had been feeling jealous, seeing how much attention Ayumi was giving to the stray dog. He knew he shouldn't feel this way, but he couldn't help it. 

 "Ayumi," Koji said softly, "can I ask you something?"

 Ayumi looked up from petting Dogo and nodded, "Of course, Koji. What's on your mind?"

 "I was just wondering...about your past. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I feel like there's a lot I don't know about you."

Ayumi let go of the Dogo and sighed as she leaned against Koji's vending machine, her eyes gazing into the distance as she spoke softly. "My past is painful, Koji... I never really had anyone growing up. No friends, no family. I was all alone," she said, her voice heavy with emotion. "I remember being bullied in school. The other kids would make fun of me for being the only orphan in class, and I didn't know how to fit in. I was so alone, Koji. No one approached me, anyone I approached... they just used me."

 Koji looked at her with concern, "I am so sorry to hear that, Ayumi. It must have been difficult for you. How did you manage to get through all of that?"

 Ayumi let out a deep sigh and continued, "It was a struggle, but I did what I had to do to survive. I got used to being alone, no more fake friends who just use me for their convenience. I tried to focus on my studies, but I failed because of constant bullying. Missed a lot of classes over the years, which made things only worse. But the hardest part was not having anyone to turn to when I needed help or support. And talking to teachers only made the bullying worse. It was like fuel for them. I felt like I had no one."

 Koji placed a hand on the glass, trying to offer some comfort. "I am here for you, Ayumi. You are not alone anymore. You have me, and you can always come to me if you need anything." 

Ayumi smiled weakly, appreciating Koji's words. "Thank you, Koji. You are a good friend. The best friend that I ever had." But deep down, Ayumi still felt a sense of emptiness, knowing that the scars of her past would never truly heal.

Koji listened intently to Ayumi's story. He could see the pain in her eyes and feel the weight of her words. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Ayumi. No one deserves to be bullied or feel alone," Koji said sympathetically.

 Ayumi looked down at the ground, "It was only the beginning of a difficult time in my life," she said softly. "I didn't know how to cope with the constant ridicule and loneliness. I felt like no one cared about me. Not at school, not at the orphanage, not at work, not even in a relationship."

He could see the pain and sadness in her eyes and he wanted to comfort her. "Ayumi, I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that. No one deserves to be treated that way, especially when they are just trying to get an education and make a better life for themselves."

"It is hard, Koji. And now, even though I have a job, it's so stressful and I'm barely making enough to get by. The manager knows I'm vulnerable and he can exploit me in all the ways he wants. He knows I am in dire need of money to pay the rent or I sleep on the street. It feels like I'm just stuck in this never-ending cycle of suffering."

"I know it's tough, Ayumi. But you're not alone anymore. You have me and you have Boss Cat. We'll always be here for you, no matter what. And I promise that I'll do everything I can to make things better for you."

 Ayumi sniffled and wiped away her tears. "Thank you, Koji. That means a lot to me. I don't know what I would do without you and Boss Cat. You two are my only friends."

 Koji smiled reassuringly. "We'll always be your friends, Ayumi. And I might help you. But I will need a payment like last time, I'm afraid." he said gently.

 Ayumi looked up at Koji, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Do you really mean that Koji?" she asked, her voice wavering. 

"Of course I do," Koji replied with a reassuring smile. "You're not alone anymore, Ayumi. I'm here for you."