Ken waited in front of the cafe, already spotting Seiji and Hideaki approaching in the distance. He waved, trying to catch their attention.
Seiji noticed Ken and gave a brief wave back. He turned toward Hideaki, who was clearly displeased about the meeting. "You've got to drop that expression, Hideaki. Ken's going to know you didn't want to come if you keep that look."
Hideaki scowled. "Because I didn't want to! You set me up for this. And why the hell a coffee bar? I hate coffee!"
Seiji shrugged, unfazed. "I did, because you need this. Whether you like it or not, this will help."
Hideaki just hissed in annoyance, showing no interest in improving his mood.
Once they reached Ken, he greeted them with his usual enthusiasm. "Hey! How are you guys?"
Seiji nodded, maintaining his composed demeanor. "We're good." He gave Hideaki a subtle nudge, his eyes signaling for him to participate, though he didn't push the matter beyond that.
Hideaki, grumbling under his breath, forced a faint smile. It was clearly insincere, but it was enough to satisfy Seiji, who responded with a small, knowing smirk.
Ken, apparently oblivious to Hideaki's mood, continued, "Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention - someone else is joining us."
"Oh? Who is it?" Seiji asked curiously.
"You know her. She's our college friend."
"A college friend...? A she..? Are you talking about Rika?"
"Yes, exactly. Makino Rika."
Seiji's expression shifted slightly, recalling the name. "Makino Rika? I haven't heard that name in a while."
"She's back from the States. I ran into her recently, so I invited her."
"She must have had some interesting experiences there."
"Mhm!"
"She was one of the more capable ones during our group projects." Seiji's tone was neutral, but there was a faint hint of interest in his voice.
Their conversation briefly shifted into reminiscing about old college memories, with Seiji offering small inputs, his words measured and concise.
In the midst of it, Hideaki, feeling sidelined, interjected sharply, "Hey! Someone's been calling you idiots."
Seiji raised an eyebrow, calm as ever. "Us?"
"Yeah.. I don't see anyone else here with those names."
Just then, a girl with a tan complexion, purple eyes and short black hair with turquoise streaks approached, her face lighting up with excitement. "Hi Seiji! Ken! Long time to see! Well, hehe maybe apart from Ken!" She blushed slightly.
Seiji offered a small nod of acknowledgment as she approached. "Hey Rika. It's been a while."
After exchanging quick greetings and catching up, Seiji noticed Hideaki had drifted off, sitting on a bench nearby. He sighed, realizing this was his responsibility to handle. "Hideaki," he called out, his tone firm but not confrontational.
Hideaki responded with an irritated grunt, but Seiji ignored the attitude, gesturing toward Rika. "This is my roommate I've mentioned. Hideaki, this is Makino Rika."
Rika smiled brightly, offering a friendly wave. "Nice to meet you, Miyahara-san!"
Hideaki, slightly caught off guard by her cheerful introduction, hesitated for a moment before mumbling, "N-nice to meet you..."
YOU ARE READING
Everyday Life with a Murderer
AcciónA adult Japanese man, Seiji Sekiguchi was devastated by his life. During one rainy evening, he went to the rooftop of a building to commit suicide. Unexpectedly, on his way he meets a man, who apparently wants to kill him. Prepared for certain death...
