Triple Trouble {KuroKen}

Chapter 2

Kenma's POV:

I stared up at the ceiling of my bedroom. It felt like I hadn't seen much else in a long while; not since I'd quit my job. My fists clenched as I sat up abruptly, now staring at the blank TV. As much as I missed my job, there was no way I could ever go back. Not while he was still there.

I ran a hand through my hair, the roots already starting to show again; had it really been that long? I really should get them redone. Maybe if I ever found the money. Squeezing my eyes shut I slipped out of my bed. There weren't many job openings for Kindergarten teachers around here.

I'd been looking for months – and this was Tokyo for crying out loud. Maybe I'd have to suck it up and work at McDonald's or something. I ruffled my hair again as I unplugged my phone, shuffling into the kitchen as I grabbed a box of cereal from off the counter, absentmindedly pouring some into a bowl.

I leaned against the counter, jolting when I realized I'd shovelled a mouthful of dry cereal in my mouth. I shook my head, slowly walking to the fridge, wrenching it open. I blinked tiredly; no milk? Damn. I scratched the top of my head. That sucked.

I'd have to go and buy some later – if I had any money left after the landlord knocked on my door. Any minute now. I sighed and leaned my head back as loud ramming echoed throughout the small flat. Maybe I should just... ignore her. Again.

The pounding got louder and I winced with another sigh; she'd break down the door if I didn't answer it soon. I cracked the door open slowly, and with an angry shout she shoved the door open fully, knocking me backwards a few steps. "Kozume Kenma!" she yelled and I winced slightly, lazily shielding one of my ears. "Your rent was due two weeks ago!" I averted my gaze, instead turning to stare at the ceiling. "Where is it?" The truth was, I didn't have enough to cover this month's rent with all the expenses needed.

Getting a job was a lot tougher in Tokyo than it was back home. "I, um, I don't have it," I mumbled, clasping my hands in front of me. Her face went redder than a tomato as she glared, hands balling into little fists. She shoved a piece of paper into my hands with a loud huff and left, slamming the door behind her.

I blinked slowly at the door before I hesitantly looked down at the paper. Eviction notice. Great. That's just what I needed right now. I let the paper fall to the ground as I gripped my hair. What could I do now? I took a deep breath and shook my head.

I could get a retail job, it didn't matter that adults were absolutely terrifying. I bit my lip as I stumbled back to my cereal. Just as I settled down again my phone pinged with an incoming notification. I glanced it once, then doubled back; it was the career app I'd been using to find job postings.

1 new notification from CareerSurf

With a trembling hand I clicked on it; was it a miracle? My excitement was short-lived; the moment my eyes settled on the job description I deflated.

Live-in nanny for seven-month-old triplets.

Why was I qualified for this again? Because I worked as a Kindergarten teacher? I wasn't a babysitter. Despite my urge to chuck my phone across the room, I continued to scroll through the job posting. My eyes settled on the salary; it was a daily salary? Interesting— my eyes blew open when I noticed the pay.

Two-hundred-and-fifty dollars a day? No living costs, no food costs... I stared at the posting, my mouth dry. There was no way. No way this was real. Was I really willing to babysit three tiny babies? I was much better with kids than adults, but... wasn't that a bit... much?

I stared at the crumpled paper lying on my floor. In a week I'd be evicted, and then I'd be homeless, living in a cheap motel full of bed bugs somewhere. I didn't exactly have many – or any – friends. "Oh, what the hell," I mumbled as I pressed the offer, sending my information to the creator. I was shaking; this was ridiculous.

I jumped as my phone rang again, an unfamiliar number popping up on my screen. My eyebrows furrowed as I answered, pressing it to my ear uncertainly. "Hello...?"

"Is this Kozume Kenma?" I startled slightly as I blinked, the unease in the pit of my stomach growing.

"... Yes, who's asking?" My voice shook slightly as I gripped my phone tighter, biting my lip; who the hell would be calling me right now? This reminded me of that one sketchy spy game I played last week, I think it was developed by Obsidian Games. It was good, so of course, it was. Those guys were legends.

"This is a member of the team responsible for the advertisement for the live-in nanny position earlier today. It is my understanding that you were interested in this offer?" I blinked; it hadn't even been two minutes since I'd pressed accept. Were they that desperate? I was suddenly very worried about why they'd need a nanny on such short notice.

"You do not have a criminal record, or have previously been involved in illegal activities such as drugs and theft?" My eyebrows furrowed; from the way they said it, it was almost as though they already knew, and were only asking as a formality.

"... No, I do not," I mumbled hesitantly, staring around my apartment; this was getting a bit weird. Muffled chatter came in through the receptor, and I sat there anxiously, biting on my thumbnail.

Finally, a relieved sigh came from the other end, and suddenly the toughness of the man's voice was gone and he just sounded exhausted. "I know this is very short notice – I apologize – but would you be able to start work this evening?" I blinked, my jaw dropping slightly

"T-This evening?" Was that even possible? I needed to talk to the landlord, fork up the rent, find my way there—and they wanted me to start tonight? I debated whether or not I should decline, but the horrible eviction notice caught my eye again.

This was an opportunity, not only to get a job which I hadn't been able to do in months, but also escaped this place that reminded me so much of... him. I bit my lip hard, before I sighed. If I get kidnapped, then I get kidnapped. "Alright, then."

"Thank you very, very much. We will send a chauffeur to collect you and any personal effects you wish to take with you. Everything else will be taken care of for you – whatever you leave in your apartment will be retrieved and stored by our team at a later date as compensation for the short notice." He paused for a moment. "Your discretion is absolutely necessary. Refrain from telling those who do not need to know about these arrangements."

I nodded slowly; it wasn't like I had anyone to tell, and how did they know I lived in an apartment? If I get kidnapped, then I get kidnapped. "If you will send us your location our chauffeur will be there to collect you shortly. He will greet you under the name of Obsidian Games. Thank you very much for your cooperation on such short notice." And he hung up.

Well, shit.