Chapitre 23: Failed Mission

Crowded.

Hajime felt like throwing up at the sight of the overcrowded coffee shop. This was one of the reasons why he hated going downtown— people. A lot can empathize with that sentiment. The downtown part of the city was just too overpopulated with people, it was packed to the gills, or so the metaphor goes.

Suppressing his inner urge to turn around and cancel the meet-up, Hajime half-heartedly walked towards the coffee shop, went inside, and met up with the woman in the nurse uniform. Her name is Yamashiro Kirisu, a blond-haired beauty in her twenties who flaunted her profession more than her prepossessing appearance.

"Geh, what are you wearing? Don't you feel embarrassed wearing that kind of outfit?" Hajime wore a disgusted expression before seating himself on the opposite chair.

"And why do you look like a walking corpse. Seriously, have you been eating well?" Kirisu crossed her arms. "Good thing I ordered a few pastries... and you're taking them, otherwise I'm not updating you on anything."

"It's not like I can't go there and update myself on her condition, no?" This time, it was Hajime who crossed his arms. He relaxed after a few seconds, then silently chuckled. "How was she doing?"

"It's a deal then?" Kirisu clasped her hands, getting a plastic bag behind her and handing it to Hajime. "Make sure you eat all of that. I'm not responsible for your life whatsoever if you die of hunger. And... yes, it wouldn't sit well with me if that were to happen. Please take good care of yourself more, Hajime. She's depending on you, you're the only one she can count on."

"And you too. Thank you so much for your service." Hajime bowed, slightly mocking her admonition. "Here, take this."

With a sigh, Hajime removed his hoodie and handed it to Kirisu.

"What's this?" She asked. "Is this a gi— are you making a move on me? How brazen! You do know I'm ten years older than you, right? If you're fine with it... then... "

"Not happening, just don't wear your nurse uniform from now on. Countless rumors are already circulating around my school— about how I'm into that kind of thing. I don't want any more misunderstandings so please wear that." Hajime heaved a sigh. "Also, you can keep it. It's my thank-you for the pastries."

"Yay!" Kirisu cheerily said. "... To answer your question... she's, she's all right. There aren't any changes to her condition. But there's no definite time when she'll get better."

"I see, well no news is good news. Once again, I should thank you for looking out for her. SHE's... you know she's the only one I have."

"No worries, it's the least I can do. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me, all right. Money-wise I can't help you, but in everything else, I'm sure I'd be able to."

"You're doing so much already. You know I'm balancing my life as a part-timer and a student. I can't possibly look after her every day. I can rest easy knowing that you're looking after her."

"Of course, that's my job as a nurse," Kirisu gently smiled. Her eyes then drifted towards the watch she wore. "Oh, I'm running LATE. I'd better get going, my shift at the HOSPITAL is starting soon."

Hajime pulled out an envelope from his pocket, just when a waiter came up to him and gave him a cup of coffee. "Um, sorry, I didn't o— "

"I did. Enjoy it on your way home." Kirisu interrupted him as he handed her the money. In response, Kirisu patted him on the head. "And you, you better take care of yourself. I can't believe you're already this tall... and you should get a haircut. Should I give you a haircut?"

"You're running late, right?" Hajime reminded her. Somehow, being pampered didn't feel all that bad. A smile spread across Hajime's face as he waved goodbye.

As soon as Kirisu blended into the crowd, Hajime also stood up and proceeded to head back home. No sooner had he faced the door that his expression turned a dark one-eighty. His eyes glanced to the side before he clicked his tongue. "Why is she following me? Is she really stalking me right now? If she really wants to follow me properly, she should've done a better job. I've been running from debt collectors for the past year, of course, I'd know if I'm being followed." Hajime said to himself. It was clear that Megumi already misunderstood the situation. At first, he was going to leave her be, but then she remembered how she pointed his camera at him and took a picture. If she were to send that picture to their homeroom teacher, questions will be asked and he'd be summoned to her office once again.

That's right, ever since the child screamed "Look, mom, a stalker" at Megumi, Hajime was already aware of her presence. He just didn't react since it might ruin his meeting with Kirisu. There were a few times when he wanted to turn around and give Megumi a condescending gaze but he dismissed the idea. He didn't want Megumi stirring a commotion inside the coffee shop. That would be disastrous— and calling it disastrous is already downplaying it. Quite frankly, he'd never seen Megumi lose composure. He was aware of her rich background, however, and he wouldn't want to see that part of Megumi. It's more than enough that she looked down on him from time to time.

Ting! The bell by the glass doors of the coffee shop resounded as Hajime headed outside.

"Thank you so much for visiting, please come again soon, dear customer." One of the waitresses automatically greeted, to which Hajime responded by waving his hand which carried the coffee that Kirisu treated him to. Another brief glance towards Megumi, then Hajime headed in the opposite direction.

For a brief moment, a playful smile spread across his face. He cooked up a perfect plan to get back at Megumi.