The Hidden Past || Wind Breaker

Chapter 4: Today's Mission

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Previous Chapter:

"Hiragi Toma." He stretched out his hand.

"Hirokawa Mari." I said and shook his hand.

"Then, Hirokawa-san, thank you for helping out and protecting the town, especially Kotoha-chan."

"It was a pleasure knowing being able to help." I responded while smiling.

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Mari's POV:

Yesterday's incident made me tired. I overslept and now, it's already 1 in the afternoon. I had already ate lunch at auntie's restaurant. Though I can't really say if a monja is enough to be considered as a meal.

Today's mission is to find a new place. I feel bad for staying at auntie's place without even paying her since she won't even accept the money, let alone let me work at her restaurant as well. I still have a left-over money from my previous job that I took in the previous town, but it wont suffice. At this rate, I'll use up all of my savings.

Which comes up for Mission #2: Find a job.

Seems enough right? Right?

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~A few hours later~

"I give up."

I sat down in a bench while looking up in the now orange hue sky. If others would have seen me, they would think that my pet dog have died due to me looking so down and depressed.

A few moments passed by as I stared at the sky. Watching as the sun goes down, marveling up how beautiful something can exist in this cruel word. The now orange sky is replaced by the hues of purple, the stars now slowly showing their presence, signaling that night time is near. I breathed out a sigh while I stood up and stretched my limbs.

"Well, there's nothing I could do. I'll just try again tomorrow."

The walk back to the restaurant was quiet. Peaceful even. The bustling main street was now a bit quiet since it was now night. The streets are still light up as many of the shops are still open. I took a detour and went to Saboten to buy some Anpan and Curry Pan. As I got my bread, I now then head towards to the restaurant.

~Le Timeskip~

"I'm back." I announced as I open the door of the restaurant.

"Oya~ Mari-chan, how was your 'mission' dear?" Auntie asked from the counter. Her tone, laced with amusement. "Have you 'produced fruitful results' in your 'journey'." She added, clearly enjoying my obvious failed attempt.

"Nghh.. I-it's just the first day auntie! I swear I'll be able to find something tomorrow." I said, the tips of my ear turning red from embarrassment.

"Mhm. You sure will." Clearly she doesn't believe me. "Mari-chan, come here dear and help me prepare the ingredients for tomorrow morning." Not only did she made fun of me, she started ordering me around.

"Even though I don't work here." I just sighed and took of my shoes and slipped on an apron. Washed my hands and helped auntie and uncle prepare for the new batches tomorrow morning.

Time passed by and it's now 9 pm. I helped clean up the place and offered to close up the shop since it was getting too dark now. It was fine since my room was just behind the restaurant. Yup, you heard it right. The nice auntie that gave me a place to sleep in a month ago when I first arrived here was her. Honestly, it actually saved me a lot of trouble as well. I don't pay rent since she won't let me, but I help around the restaurant and do errands for them in exchange for the room and food.

I went to my room and did my routine. Once I was done, I let my hair down and laid in my futon. As I laid down, the tiredness now only being felt, made me sink further into my futon, the warmth engulfing me. As I felt my eyes starting to close, my mind suddenly drifted back the day I left Shizuoka and the events that happened before it.

"It's already been a year. I wonder where the others are right now." The faces of my friends suddenly appeared in my mind. 

"Ahh.. I miss them." My eyes open as I stared at the ceiling. I tucked further into my futon, my mind wanders off to my former friends. Minutes passed by, I felt the drowsiness taking over my body and so, I closed my eyes once again and let myself succumb into the darkness.

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"Oi Kazu! Hurry up will 'ya? We're gonna be late."

"Mah~ mah~ Hi-kun, relax~ It's still a bit early. There's still time before it starts no?"

"Ha?! Mind I remind you what happened last time we were late?"

*Chuckles* "Mou~ Loosen up a little bit~"

"Come on now Hi-kun, before he gets mad~" 'Kazu' looked behind and called out.

"You!! *Sigh* You're gonna be the death of me, I swear..."

*Chuckles*

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Today's chapter kinda feels short ~_~ Enjoy!!!