Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 28 - Bills

While Mr and Mrs Kiryuu had displayed their worry for Jin going out on his own for long runs, as they only ever let Aika as far as the park alone, they couldn't stop Jin. What ever Jin decided on doing, that was what would happen. When he decided to continue with his routine, that's what was going to happen. He would wake up for his morning run, study with the books and material Ban previously brought him. The he would train in the dojo, though there were no lights on and it was hot because the AC didn't work, even in the winter it was hot.

Even in the winter, Jin would continue his chess matches with himself. Continuing to win and lose all to himself. Then he would go back to the dojo, training and studying again, all just to then go back to the Kiryuus house where he now lived.

They fed him and let him sleep in their home, but all Jin had was a desire to go back to him. Lying on bed with Aika hugging close to him as he looked at his phone. The one Ban brought him.

Jin: {I need a way to pay bills. On this sight it says there are many monthly expenses that need to be made for living. Rent and transportation insurance are redundant since the dojo is owned as I don't have a car, travel expenses redundant too. Pet care useless. Memberships useless. Entertainment, retirement, credit card, student loans all useless right now. Basic health, and homeowner insurance is a luxury I can't afford. Hmmmm.}

Jin kept scrolling through the list of what he would need to pay for if he was to live by himself. Looking at each one thinking whether he needed it or not. If he could do without it. Such as life insurance. If he died, he had no money he wanted to give to others. The closest person he could give money to was Aika but she didn't need it.

Aika: Jin, what are you looking at?

Jin: Just bills I would need to pay if I was to live alone. Average monthly food and grocery bills, average utility bills, mobile plans, average cost of clothing and personal upkeep, an emergency fund, that type of stuff.

Aika looked at Jin confused as she was only just one year younger than Jin, but Jin was not only more intelligent, Ban taught him life lessons he would need to learn for this very situation. How to cook, how to handle money, what taxes were, other things you shouldn't teach a child. Everything that would be spread out through many years was condensed into a few for Jin and he understood them all. He was taught the school curriculum yet also the most useful knowledge needed for basic living.

Yet one thing was not taught.

How to make money.

But while Aika necessarily didn't understand all the things Jin said regarding the bills. She did understand what he meant by it.

Aika: Wait. You... you want to leave?

Jin: I want to go home.

Aika: But... But I want you to stay here! Here's home!

Aika said as she liked Jin staying with her. Over the two days he had been here so far, she had got to see him much more than any regular weekday. She didn't want him to leave.

Jin: Aika, I'm leaving.

Aika: Then... then I'm coming with you!

Jin looked at Aika. Wiggling his trapped arm in her hug. Moving it in front of her face, and flicking her in the head.

Aika: Ow! What was that for?!

Jin: No one invited you into my home. Besides, aren't you being too greedy trying to cling to me 24/7.

Aika: B-But... I... I like you.

Aika said holding her forehead as the flick was surprisingly hard and really hurt. But when she looked at Jin he gently patted her head.

Jin: I like you too. But I want to sleep in my own bed. Eat in my own house. I... I want to go home Aika. I don't want to run away from another one.

Aika didn't know what Jin meant by running away from another home. But she could tell, behind that expressionless face, Jin just really wanted to go home. Just like any other child would.

Aika: O-Ok. But you have to always see me like you usually do!

Jin: As long as my routine remains the same or similar, you should still see me often.

Aika gave a wide smile as she hugged Jin tightly. Jin gently hugged Aika as he had a small soft smile.

Jin had always found it difficult to sleep alone. He always slept with his previous guardian. When he was in Bans home, sleeping was difficult until he got a giant stuffed Snorlax to sleep with. Now he was sleeping with Aika, and just like all the other times. Sleeping was nicer.

Aika was nice to hold and made sleeping easier.

But Jin slept only thinking of how he should make enough money to live alone. He now understood all the bills he would have to pay, he just didn't know how to pay them.

He didn't know how to make money.