My sincere love, hidden behind those silly jokes

"Bonjour, newcomer~"

    The brunette woke up from her dream and found herself fallen on the floor. Ena didn't really want to start the new day. She was already 25 years old, and still hasn't found a job. Even if she draws every day, she hardly makes any money for her art pieces. It was boring and repetitive, every day. She would dress up, go to the living room, her brother would annoy her, again. She'd argue with him, her father would tell them to stop, again. Ena would go upstairs to draw to help her family without success...again. Artists weren't paid well in the village, really.
     She stood from the floor, and dressed herself up with some nearby clothes, stained by paints and coloured water. Ena brushed her hair and made sure she was ready for the day.
-Ah, guess who's here, the jobless. - her brother, Akito, greeted her for the morning.
- Shut the fuck up. - Ena growled at him.
-Calm down, you two. - their father tiredly remarked.  - Anyways, I have some good news for you, Ena.
-Really? What happened? - Ena said surprised. She sat on the nearby chair and her fingers started tapping her knees with excitement.
-The Akiyamas, you know them. Their youngest daughter, Mizuki, opened a shop around a year ago. She's looking for an artist.
    Ena's excited smile turned slowly into a small frown.
-The Akiyamas...I know they have a pretty bad reputation, though I'm not sure why. Isn't the shop one of those "trickster" shops.
-Yes, it is. But the Akiyama's are doing very well financially. I mean, Mizuki managed to learn witchcraft (author's note - the setting is fantastical again. Only richer people can learn witchcraft, which used to be known by everybody, but its knowledge was lost and became limited and non-universal during the centuries) and uses it as a way to scare people. She does have some workers and also has a lawyer. You don't need to have many qualifications, just to be an artist. I think she'll be more than glad to help. Her phone number is on the table.
-I'll call her after breakfast then...- Ena made such a long sigh as if she will be going to fight demons.
     The brunette quickly ate for breakfast, stood up and went to her room. She dialled the girl's phone number and gulped.
-Hello, Akiyama's Thrilling Ride of Fear on the phone. - A monotone voice answered the girl. It sounded so tired that Ena was wondering if the person on the other side even enjoys working by Mizuki.
-Uhh...hello? It's Ena Shinonome here. I heard about your add. Can I be the artist for your shop? Do I have to take a job interview?
-No. Just come here today, at 6 pm.
-Oh...okay...bye!
   The phone hung up.
-What a weird conversation...-the young girl asked herself with confusion. She had plenty of time, so Ena decided to draw something quick.
   -Mwahahahahaha, hear that, Ma-fu-yu~ Meanwhile, Mizuki was jumping with excitement in her shop. - We'll be having an artist!!
-I just hope another person doesn't sue us again.
-Mafuyu, don't be so negative! I'm sure she won't, I'll pay her very well.
- You also said that the last time. Miss Yoisaki could barely defend you in court.
-I didn't know she'll faint...I apologised so much to the point of drought. What was I expected to do~ Mizuki frowned. She was genuinely sorry about this, but they didn't know it would've gone this way.
-Mafuyu, come take a break! - Mizuki took Mafuyu's cold hands and pulled her away from the phone. Mafuyu smiled warmly. Though she seemed as if she didn't enjoy Mizuki's company, she was deeply grateful for her childhood friend and how much she has been helping her. Mizuki let her live in her home, after she ran away from her family and was deeply grateful for that.
   Mafuyu went to the kitten she and Mizuki were taking care of, and fed it. She couldn't help but giggle when the cat fell down in the cup of milk.
    A few hours passed by, and the clock hit 6 pm. A few knocks were heard on the door and Mafuyu opened it to find the artist standing there, terrified, yet some-what interested and what is yet to come.
-Welcome to Akiyama's thrilling ride of fear. - Mafuyu looked at the girl with her monotone eyes and purplish hair.
   Mizuki's ears heard that and she wondered who the artist is. She came to the door.
-Auu, Bonjour, newcomer~ her mischievous voice greeted Ena.
   Ena saw a tall silhouette, wearing a purple dress with many frills and pink hair. Her smile was just as cheeky as the look in her eyes, as if she was ready to pull Ena's legs. Still, Ena couldn't help but blush slightly at the shop owner. She was...cute. Adorable and beautiful. And Mizuki thought so too. But she managed not to let herself blush to the bones.
-Uhh...hello. - Ena smiled nervously.