First Job/Wishing for the Stars 1

“Hm~You're more quiet than usual today, did today's event disappoint you that much?”

Kiyoko was observing me while lying on a nearby couch. Seriously, she needed to stop treating her merchandise as ordinary household furniture.

Today was another failed round. I've tried my best making myself as interesting as possible and even incorporated everything I've learned from my employers but the furthest I've reached was, again, the friend zone. Even a timid girl with a similar personality—weak to no presence—politely shot me down saying we'd most probably break up even if we tried going out. She also must've noticed our compatibility was too high there's no need for Kiyoko's intervention.

“Say,” I spoke, still shining the cups and glasses we used for the event. “What might be the reason why your perfect matches don't work out?”

“Honey, that's rude. Rephrase it or I won't answer.”

“…Sorry, I… forget I said anything.”

“Aw, not even a retort?”

“No, it's my fault. I'm getting too familiar with you guys and—”

“—Isn't a bad thing,” She cut me off. I heard footsteps and soon enough; she's leaning at the opposite side of the counter. “If you needed a day off you can always notify me. It's your right and my duty as employer. Also, you aren't obligated to talk to me about your personal life, but I'd be willing to offer advice.”

The case about the Fujiwara couple still had a lot of mysteries and I felt it'd continue to be that way for some time so I doubt she could help me. If only sharing my problems to someone would take it away, then maybe I wouldn't be here now.

“Kiyoko, can I expect a serious answer from you?”

“It seems you aren't one of the handful of individuals who take every bit of my word as true. I never lie.”

“Alright, then have you fell in love yourself?”

“I do.”

“Like in a romantic sense.”

“Hm, now that you mention romance, I think not.”

I looked at her in pure disbelief. “Wow, really?”

“Ironic, isn't it? But enough about me. Do think you finally found that person?”

Guess she never missed a hint. I was conflicted on how to confront the feeling since it's a first, but I'm pretty sure this was genuine.

After all that buildup, I heeded her advice and took the rest of the day off. She said she'd take my pay for the day as compensation for her (borderline inexistent) counseling. Still, I'm grateful she's concerned. Not many people were capable of such beautiful emotions.

First thing after arriving at my small apartment, I crashed at my bed and stared at the ceiling. Some music would've been better, but I'm too worn out to even reach to my phone.

‘I thought you liked the bad and the ugly more than the good?’

A voice said. I must've fallen asleep at some point.

Perhaps a product of my frustrations, I've had this persona who I often chatted with. This imaginary friend existed when I was still young and I often vented at it the things I couldn't share to anyone. Well, there's no harm in sharing to what's basically me anyway.

This time, I don't feel like facing it so I turned away from the window.

‘Yo.’

“Yo.”

‘You look awful.’

“As you can see, I'm in a bind.”

‘Why? You could've persuaded that girl though. The sparks were too strong.’

“That's the problem! She felt it too but she's reluctant! Well, I'd be too if I was in her shoes, but she could've given me a chance. Finding love is basically a gamble, right?”

‘Wearing a mask in order to take off the other, what a complicated feeling. Too bad she doesn't feel taking a chance on you though.’

“Did I screw up again?”

‘I'm not the judge for that.’

I'm sorry Mister Tsukishima but I don't think you should even be here in the first place; I could still hear what she said as if she's in front of me… as if I'm stuck in that moment.

After all…

‘You're being a pussy. Not that I'm any better anyway.’

“WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO THEN?!”

I was suddenly standing from rage. Since it's a dream, I could see my cat keychain sitting by the windowsill. Its unmoving sitting form blankly stared back at me that I could clearly see my agitated self being reflected in its huge eyes.

‘Oh, c'mon,’ it said. ‘Do I even need to tell you that? You're hopeless.’

As if a cord yanked out of the outlet, I shot my eyes open. Whenever I had those dreams with my keychain, it's always too vivid to the point I could remember how the air tasted. If only this was a manga, then it wouldn't be hard to believe.

Also, if only this wasn't real then perhaps trying to grow a little backbone wouldn't be this nerve-racking.

The next day, Kiyoko threw me out for a consultation service. Despite my protests she said a change of pace would be a good thing and going alone would definitely help the client.

She's being way too lenient with me. I've only been here for more or less a month and she's already giving me huge tasks. Senna being busy with the matchmaking thing wasn't enough excuse. What if I mess up and screw over the brand her lineage had built? Thoughts about Asako's words invaded my mind.

No. What the Hoshii's were up to was none of my business. All I'm here for was their ability; magical or not, I'll definitely get that fated partner of mine!

Turned out, it's a good thing Senna wasn't around. The venue was a nightclub. And a familiar one at that.

I waited for the bartender putting on a show to get some break time. I don't know when will that be, but—oh, he seemed to have noticed the time and have someone else take over.

“Hey,” I waved a hand to grab his attention.

At first, he second-guessed himself and squinted his eyes… as if that'd help when there's flickering lights all over. Then, a huge grin appeared on his rather handsome face.

“If it isn't Akito in the flesh!” He offered a handshake but I knew he's going for a hug. Well, we're long-time buddies whether we liked it or not.

“Hyuuga still good at dislocating my shoulders, I see.”

“It's just, you don't swing by no matter how many times I offered. What, finally snagged a good one?”

“Yeah, it's a good job. Pays the bills and some.”

“Classic Akito humor, but seriously, what's up?” He motioned to follow him to someplace where we could talk.

“You called about a love problem and it's my job to fix it.”

“Yo! You don't actually mean you got a job there?”

“Sigh, crazy, I know. Let's just get down to business my—” I forgot Senna wasn't with me this time.

We went to a quieter area and took either seat with a small table between us.

“Right,” He raised his hand. “But first, drink? Some fruit juice maybe?”

“Gimme the strong stuff. It's just a glass anyway.”

“Sure?”

“As hell.”

A waitress wearing a bunny costume approached us. There must be some employee privilege going on that we got some premium stuff. I think this one's what Kiyoko gave me that time.

We wordlessly clinked our glasses and took a sip of the golden-brown liquor. Whiskey sure is strong.

“Damn, I'm starting to regret this,” I grabbed and munched on a handful of salted peanuts.

“Easy dude, we're both on the clock.”

“Nah, I deserved it. Kihhhk… damn spicy… anyway, your problem?”

He finished his glass and poured another. “I know you don't like hearing the fluff so I'll get straight to the point. Make a girl confess to me.”

“Must've been that damned trap music. Care to repeat that for me?”

He chuckled and leaned closer indicating he'd whisper it to me. I lent my ear.

“I said, do something about some girl so she'd confess to me.”

“I must be getting deaf. Mind repeating that for me?”

The banter repeated for some more yet the message remained the same. Oh, boy. Looks like I'm in for a wild night.