Everyday Life with a Murderer

Chapter 46: Doubts

[ The next day ]

The next day, Seiji was scrolling through job listings on his phone when he sensed Hideaki peering over his shoulder.

"Are you... looking for a new job?" Hideaki asked, sounding intrigued.

Seiji didn't look up. "No. I'm looking for a job for you."

Hideaki's eyes widened in shock. "HUUH!?!?!? For me!? B-But why!? You said it yourself that it's good, even if you're the only one earning money!"

"True, but you're missing a key point here," Seiji replied calmly. "If you end up killing me, the income stops. Bills and rent don't pay themselves. And let's not forget you owe me for all the clothes, food, sweets, and those little 'medical emergencies' you seem to run into. That adds up." He added a hint of sarcasm.

Hideaki stammered. "B-But..."

Seiji cut him off. "No 'buts.' Right now, job hunting is non-negotiable. Unless you'd rather take up residence on the streets."

"But I don't want to! I'd have to deal with people - and I hate people! They could all drop dead for all I care."

Seiji sighed, keeping his voice even. "And what about me? Every day, my co-workers take their frustrations out on me, and I have to put up with it somehow. And it's... exhausting. But I cope with it. At least... until you decide to finally go through with your plan."

Hideaki crossed his arms, glancing away. "Have you thought about... I don't know... changing your job?"

"It's not that simple."

"Tch! Stupid contracts..."

Seiji raised an eyebrow. "Why the sudden interest? Do you... want me to change jobs?"

Hideaki's eyes darted away as he mumbled, "H-huh?? N-no! I mean... Uh... well... if... these idiots are bothering you so much then... well... ugh..." He trailed off, muttering, "Tch! Nevermind!"

Seiji chuckled quietly. "Could it be our resident killer is starting to care about his supposed victim?"

Hideaki's face reddened. "N-No! Don't start with that! It's nothing! Just... stop talking nonsense! Shut up!!!"

"Alright, alright," Seiji said, his smile lingering. "But, as I said, quitting isn't easy. I considered it before we crossed paths, but it didn't work out."

The following week, Seiji's stress levels only escalated. Finding a job for a wanted criminal posed its own unique challenges. Hideaki needed something low-profile, with minimal interactions that could lead to exposure, but opportunities like that were scarce - even in Tokyo.

And at work, Seiji continued to endure the constant harassment from his colleagues. Though the mobbing had lessened slightly, the daily torment was relentless. His personal items were tampered with, important files went missing, and impossible deadlines became a regular occurrence, thanks to their deliberate sabotage. Whispers and snide laughter echoed around him, a reminder of how unwelcome he was.

But despite it all, Seiji kept going. He needed the job, not only for himself but now for Hideaki as well. As much as he despised his circumstances, quitting was simply not an option - at least, not yet.

[ Another Day ] 

After enduring yet another humiliating encounter with his co-workers, Seiji slumped at his desk, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over him. His phone buzzed, and he saw a message from Hideaki.

"Any luck with the job hunt..? I-idiot..."  Hideaki's message read.

Seiji sighed, typing back, "Still looking. It's not easy."