Shinyoung enters her apartment, as it is almost midnight.
The apartment is just a rundown unit, which she is sharing with a fellow Togata Tech student in the same course as her, Hayazawa Shun. It also consists of two floors, with the room on the first floor occupied by her dorm-mate, while Shinyoung is on the upper floor. The walls already show their age, but it is better than nothing. Shinyoung does not mind the oldness of the apartment, as affordability comes first, and the location is just near Togata Tech School.
Shinyoung opens the lights and closes the door with utmost care to not make a noise. She removes her shoes and places them on the nearby rack and then heads straight to the kitchen. A small cabinet is situated above the sink, where she takes a glass from it and then crouches down to the small fridge to get a pitcher of water.
She pours water into the glass and then drinks. Right after, she lets out a sigh while staring blankly at nowhere.
Because there is no wall clock in this unit, Shinyoung checks the time on her phone.
11:57 PM.
Then there is a creak, and Shinyoung turns her sight into the nearby room.
“Oh, Shinyoung-chan,” Shun, her co-tenant, greets. “Okairi.”
Shinyoung greets back by raising a hand and Shun walks out from his room.
“You’re late,” Shun asks, “I mean, as usual.”
“I was actually going to ask why you’re still awake,” Shinyoung says. “I thought you were already asleep.”
Shun chuckles and walks near her, only to open the fridge and take out a Tupperware.
“I went to Nee-san earlier, and she said to share this with you,” Shun says and places the Tupperware on the countertop. Shinyoung stares at it and sees several pieces of harumaki in it.
“Oh,” Shinyoung just says. “Thank you…”
“She doesn’t want you to get sick with just noodles,” Shun says. “It’s kind of funny she’s more worried about you than me.”
Shinyoung chuckles. “Sorry for that…”
“Nah, just jesting,” Shun chuckles. “Nee-chan is just always worried about you, really.”
Right, Shun is Akitagawa Yuka’s younger brother. Her employer.
“She said the same thing this morning because of the missing cases lately,” Shinyoung says.
“You could ask me to your workplace so I can accompany you.”
“That’s way too embarrassing already. I got a good part-time job because of you. I don’t want to abuse you and your sister’s kindness,” Shinyoung says.
“You don’t have to feel that way, yet call me if you feel it’s dangerous, alright?”
“Yeah.”
“Make sure to drink the milk I bought as well.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen it. Thank you again, Shun,” Shinyoung says. “Good night.”
“Good night, Shin.”
Shun returns to his room. Shinyoung stares at the door for a while before she stares back ahead of her. She washes the glass first and puts it back in the kitchen cupboard. She stares at the harumaki next, pondering if she will eat it tonight or save it for tomorrow. Nevertheless, she opens the stove and puts a small casserole above it. Shinyoung places a few spring rolls on the casserole, heating it for a few minutes.
She sighs again.
Tomorrow is another day.
Mugiwara Shop is usually busy, and Shinyoung is not entirely new to the hustle. The speed and pressure seemingly have been printed in her veins as a way of her survival.
Shinyoung is waiting beside the kitchen countertop while playing Tetris on her phone. The next delivery request is yet to arrive, and then Yuka enters the kitchen.
“Lee Shinyoung-chan,” Yuka calls, and Shinyoung sets her phone aside, giving her attention to the manager. “Here’s the address, and I’ll lend you the scooter on your way to Togata Tech. Just take care of it, all right?”
Shinyoung receives a small piece of paper and reads it.
[Sunigawa Kakeru, Apartment Building, 8***-2, Jonanmachiikari, Minami Ward]
“Yes. Thank you very much, Akitagawa-san,” Shinyoung responds. Yuka pats her shoulder a bit before returning to her post. She has been working under her for more than a year, and her salary helps her get by each day. While Akitagawa Yuka is strict and nonsensical, she is also kind and understanding towards her. In return, Shinyoung has sworn that she will never break Yuka’s trust and continually will show her gratitude by working hard.
Shinyoung hides the paper beneath her jacket, and the cook, Hamada Daichiro, goes towards her with a food box.
“Here’s the ramen,” Daichiro informs as Shinyoung takes the food box. “Handle it with care, Lee-san.”
Shinyoung nods. “Thank you, Hamada-san.”
Another delivery, another opportunity.
Minami Ward is the second-largest area in Kumamoto City, home to the Aqua Dome and several sports centers. It is also the place where Togata Tech School stands, yet Shinyoung’s destination lies almost in the bottom-most part of the ward.
And Shinyoung has wished that she had used a motorbike instead of a scooter.
Shinyoung reaches a non-commercial area while still in close range of a national road. She stops the scooter in front of an apartment that has a black-and-white color scheme. The gate is obviously closed, so she decides to press the doorbell.
No response.
Shinyoung pushes the button again and steps back to see the movements beyond the gate. Finally, the main door opens, and she sees a woman coming towards the gate.
“What is it?” The middle-aged-looking lady asks.
“I have a delivery for Sunigawa Kakeru-san. Is he there?” Shinyoung asks.
“Ahh,” the lady responds with a nod, “I’ll just call him.”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” Shinyoung says. She watches the woman going back inside as Shinyoung waits in patience. A bit later, the door opens once again and reveals a different face, which she assumes to be the customer. He is a young man wearing a white shirt and khaki shorts.
“Sunigawa Kakeru-san?” Shinyoung repeats when the young man arrives at the gate.
“It’s me,” Kakeru responds with a smile and hands Shinyoung the payment.
Shinyoung gives the food box and counts the bill, “Exactly 1100 yen, Sunigawa-san.” Shinyoung bows. “Please order again.”
“Sure, sure,” Kakeru says, but he suddenly stops—eyes straight towards the ID lace that Shinyoung wears.
Shinyoung notices him. “Something wrong, Sunigawa-san?”
“Do you study at Togata Tech?” he asks.
Shinyoung nods. “I am. Is there…something you want to say, sir?”
Kakeru shakes his head. “Ah, nothing.”
“Ahh, I’ll be going. Please enjoy your meal,” Shinyoung says and bows for the last time before returning to her scooter.
As she starts the engine, Shinyoung realizes something.
I remembered Togata Tech as a place for non-university passers.
A saying sometimes goes that educational attainment cannot dictate someone’s future. Not everyone has been blessed with luck and money, nor prodigal intelligence, to get into known universities, especially the University of Tokyo. However, it is also the reality that Japan still treats the alumni of universities to gain an advantage in the society, as if the diploma is the key for a better life. There is some truth to it, but Shinyoung wants to stay positive.
A degree is not worth everything. Effort is. Togata Tech School also wants to close that huge gap. A vision that has been going on for decades. Practicality over image. Action is a way to keep up a good reputation.
Within the four corners of the small classroom, few students are in. Shinyoung is in her seat, reviewing her notes as usual, as she flips the page. The lesson for today is how to make advertising less pretentious while still trying to catch a customer’s attention.
It seems contradictory. Advertising and authenticity. Perhaps honesty makes all the difference.
She is about to flip another page when someone sits beside her.
“Shinyoung-chan~”
Shinyoung turns around and sees Lily, already beaming a smile at her—a constant trespasser in their classroom. Unfortunately, Shinyoung is used to it.
“Oh, senpai,” Shinyoung greets in a nonchalant tone.
Lily suddenly grabs her shoulders. “This is not an ‘oh’ moment, Shin-chan. I’m mad.”
“Ha?” Shinyoung raises a brow. “Don’t tell me you’ll pour your anger to me?”
Lily removes her arms and then crosses her arms, puffing some hot air from her mouth.
“I cannot get any information,” Lily says. “Baek Dohyun’s classmates suddenly don't want to talk.”
Shinyoung frowns.
Then nods.
“Ahh… Well, I guess you already uploaded the missing person notice?” Shinyoung asks.
“Yeah, it was approved immediately,” Lily says, “but it’s kinda maddening they suddenly don’t want to talk. It’s annoying.”
Shinyoung suddenly chuckles, due to irony.
“For one thing, we never know who Dohyun really is, or what kind of person he is,” Shinyoung says. “Runaways do happen all the time.”
Lily glares at her. “It doesn’t change the fact that his family is worried and looking for him. When did you become so callous?”
Shinyoung stares straight at her. “I’m not callous, but I’m just talking about a possibility.”
“Shinyoung, it’s been a month. It’s not a simple missing person case,” Lily argues.
“Even high school kids can disappear for over 6 months from their home,” Shinyoung adds.
Lily frowns and narrows her eyes. Her lips also form into a thin line.
“I thought we already understood each other yesterday, Lee Shinyoung,” Lily says. “Thank you for breaking my heart.”
“Once you become a newscaster, instances like this will be common,” Shinyoung says. “You cannot save everyone. You cannot make the same effort for all. I know your intentions are noble, but let’s be real, we’re all struggling every day…”
Lily leans back on her chair and sighs. “I suppose you're right. Sorry…I just disturbed you.”
“Look, I’m not judging you, but I guess I wasn’t clear…” Shinyoung pauses and gives another thought. “I’m sorry if I come off like a jerk, but I understand your intentions. I just want to say that you shouldn't bother yourself too much about it. Let the police do their thing. We already did ours…”
“Aren’t you feeling scared, Shinyoung?” Lily blurts out.
Shinyoung grimaces.
“Okay, I think you have something more to say…” Shinyoung says.
Lily leans closer and puts her elbows atop Shinyoung’s desk.
“Well, I’m just still speculating…” Lily begins as her expression becomes more serious. “I kinda heard some rumor about recent kidnappings in Nishi Ward. There’s like some…illegal stuff going on.”
“Well…like?” Shinyoung asks.
“That’s what I don’t know,” Lily says. “I did research last night about the missing people in Kumamoto recently, and most of the recent disappearances are with people in our age group. There’s a certain pattern of targets, which is why I asked you to be with me last night.”
“I’m aware of the cases, but…not with the age group,” Shinyoung comments. “That’s concerning. I guess that’s more reason to stay away.”
“I know,” Lily affirms. “Bad thing, I noticed that…when I asked Dohyun’s classmates, they were actively avoiding me. I don’t know, but it’s fishy.”
“Well, if they react like that, maybe it’s time to really stop. Besides, I think you’re reading too much. That is just harmless,” Shinyoung says.
“I know you’ll say that, and I know I should…” Lily sounds a bit angry. “Butit’s just…speaking so much injustice, you know?”
Shinyoung sighs for another time.
“Just don’t put yourself in harm,” Shinyoung says.
“Yeah…” Lily breathes in deeply. “It still presses me, but I still want to try. At least we can save one. I’m…going to be happy enough for that.”
Shinyoung stares at her.
And then sighs again.
“Just don’t go alone. That’s why I’m here…” Shinyoung says.
Lily stares at her and then smiles.
“Thanks for not calling me weird, Shinyoung,” Lily says, “I love you for that.”
Shinyoung shrugs. “I just think it’s unfair to say that. Let alone to think it.”
Lily watches Shinyoung when Lily suddenly hugs the latter.
“What a tsun-tsun,” Lily teases.
“Please leave me alone.”
It is the second job for the day.
Shinyoung is putting the paper stacks in order before feeding them into the machine. Her movements seem to all speak of familiarity with the task at hand and show how much she is with this already. Making sure that no paper is standing out from the edges and all is clear on the sides, Shinyoung puts another stack again to the machine.
This is her usual day. Nothing remarkable. Just trying to make money.
Seeing the printing will take a bit more time, Shinyoung walks to another room. A fellow part-timer, Matsunaga Mai, is tending to the same task as her but looks to be having problems. Shinyoung walks near her.
“Matsunaga-san,” Shinyoung calls and finds some of the stack looking uneven on the sides. “Make sure nothing sticks out at the ends. It will get crumpled. Also, it will be easier for you.”
Mai nods in a frantic way.
“Uhm, sorry senpai…” Mai says. “I’ll do better.”
Shinyoung stares at her and back at the stack. “Just ask me if you need something. Being new really gets us nervous.”
Mai bows a bit. “Thank you again, senpai.”
Shinyoung smiles.
“No worries.”
Shinyoung returns to her designated room when she spots that the machine emits a red light.
“Oh, ink!”
The busy nights can quickly turn into quiet ones.
It is past 9 PM once again. She is out in the streets on her way home. Shinyoung has been all too familiar with the road and paths, stations and benches, and even the lamps that are already blinking. She wonders when they plan to fix the one on Third Street, but there is only so much she can notice and do, and she is also just part of the days and nights of Kumamoto City.
Wishing sometimes that things will be a bit easier.
Shinyoung, as she remembers, has been counting a decade already living here in Kumamoto. She knows that she was not born here, but to know the place of her birth is a huge puzzle. All she knows is that there is an orphanage, and then she leaves it, becoming a drifter in the streets. To ask whether her decision to leave the orphanage is a sound one, but Shinyoung believes it is the best choice she can make at that time.
However, even then, that part is now just a vague memory.
Except for one thing.
She stops in her tracks, and then, a sigh.
Only to get bumped from behind.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” A quick apology, but before Shinyoung can reply, the person who bumped into her is already far from her.
Shinyoung can just frown.
“Not really looking at their surroundings…” Shinyoung mumbles, but before she can advance a step, she feels something on her right foot. She looks down and sees a small black bag. She takes it and stares at it.
“Oh, it must be from that person…” Shinyoung says and shrugs. “I’ll just surrender it to the police station tomorrow.”
And from there, Shinyoung goes to the bus station, and a bus arrives.
Shinyoung stares at the small black duffle bag.
She is sitting on the bed inside her room, while the said bag is placed on her side table. A frown is etched on her face as she grabs the bag and lets the curiosity get the best of her.
Shinyoung zips it open, only to add more creases to her forehead.
“What’s this?” Shinyoung cannot help but say, and takes out a belt, seemingly made of silver metal. There is also something weird about it as Shinyoung lifts it up to the level of her eyes.
A large buckle—huge to be called a buckle even—with a white circle and another small circle at its core. The larger circle is halved diagonally, and the rest of the buckle is colored black, with some weird circuitry embedded in its design.
Shinyoung ends up thinking that it is a toy instead.
She flips to observe the back and sees a box with intricate details.
“What’s this…?” Shinyoung says it again and then sighs. Before she returns the unusual belt to the duffle bag, she sees a watermark on the back of the buckle. She narrows her eyes for clearer vision. “Sun Cloud…INC... Ah, Incorporated,” she deciphers.
Another pondering ensues.
“Isn't Sun Cloud a tech company?” Shinyoung tries to recall. “…Oh, maybe it’s their new tech. Looks like Batman’s belt… Nice.”
Shinyoung returns the belt inside the bag and arranges it neatly on the table. She stands up and closes the lights off.
I’ll just return that to the police tomorrow.
“And so, you let his younger sister go run away with the belt?”
A man's voice reverberates in a dark and secluded place. Another young man stands before him, and an expression of disappointment and frustration is on him. The angry one turns to him and glares at him.
“The task is simple. Retrieve the belt from her,” the angry man says. “How hard is that for you?”
“Well, Leo, Mahiru is feistier than we expect. Besides, our problem lies with where her brother is.” The other defends himself. “They made it so we’ll have a hard time tracking them.”
“Yu, you know that I dislike when there are traitors in our group, let alone letting them get away,” Leo says. “The client won’t like this slip. It will be bad for our image.”
Yu gnashes his teeth. “I’m doing my best, Leo, dammit.”
“Probably you guys need my help already.”
Someone steps out from the shadow. He wears a hoodie and barely shows his face, only the lower part. He has a phone in his hands, horizontally, and seems to be playing a game.
“You’re busy, I know, Taesun,” Yu says. “What about taking care of your own mess?”
“Mess?” Taesun asks and then chuckles, “I don’t remember…”
“Yu is right; how’s the one with Galvanite holding up?” Leo asks.
Taesun leans on the wall and continues playing.
“Oh, he’s holding up, but he’ll push his limit soon enough,” Taesun says. “He needs more force to do so.”
“Galvanite is not just a suit used by JSDF,” Leo says. “We have to see it working, and it’s money from the other client.”
“Well, it’s just a stolen unit—” Taesun stops and sees Leo staring at him. “Haha, my bad.”
Leo returns to Yu.
“We have to secure Voltaic, and it will sell a lot in Denkitoshi,” Leo says. “Make sure to find it. If you need to use that Cyphex, do it.”
Taesun’s thumbs are moving fast, and he hunts his enemies in-game.
“If it comes to that, isn’t it going to cause a scene?” Taesun comments. “Yu-hyung, I believe, isn’t like that.”
Yu walks to Taesun.
“We’re all saving each of our backs,” Yu says. “Of course I can retrieve it without using Cyphex.”
Silence.
Taesun manages to win the game.
A smile creeps on his face.
“That’s the Yu-hyung I know.”
Leo stares at them, and his phone suddenly rings. He fishes it out from his pocket and sees a message.
From: HORSEMAN
There’s a ring on Friday. Put in your best fighter. We have a good sponsor. Big dime
Leo smirks and turns to them.
“Let’s grab some sideline. And put your recruit to the test, Taesun.”
Taesun looks at him, “Good time then.”
It is just another day for Lee Shinyoung.
She starts her day at 4 AM. Merely grabbing a bite, showering, and preparing her clothes and bag for the whole day. Her first job begins at 7 AM at Mugiwara Shop. She goes to stop by at a laundry shop first for her dirty clothes, but since there is still enough time before her clock-in, she decides to go to a police station first.
To surrender a belonging that is not hers.
The neighborhood has few stations here and there, and she was supposed to surrender it last night, but her exhaustion will not allow her. Entering the station after listing her name in the guard’s logbook, she goes straight to the lost and found counter.
Only to be waiting a bit, as there is a line of people that needs to be respected.
Shinyoung is staring at the duffle bag and is still curious about what she saw last night. There is only one person left before her turn when someone suddenly pulls her away from the line. She does not have a second to react and realizes that she is already outside the station.
“Wait a minute.” Shinyoung pulls her arm away and sees a girl her age staring at her. The girl is grabbing her wrist and has a serious face towards her.
“So, you’re the one who picked it up?” The girl says. Shinyoung frowns.
Shinyoung deepens her frown even more and steps away from her.
“What are you saying?”
“That bag,” the girl points out, “you picked out that one yesterday, right?”
“Just tell me if you own this or not,” Shinyoung says. “Get straight to the point.”
The girl inhales deeply and nods.
“Yeah, it’s mine,” she answers. “Now, can you return it to me.”
“Hold on,” Shinyoung says, keeping the duffle bag closer to her, “if this is yours, why didn't you pick this up yesterday? Why is that?”
“It’s just…”
The girl seemingly hesitates, and Shinyoung turns around to return to the station. The girl grabs her arm immediately and now looks desperate.
“Please don’t surrender it to the station,” she pleads. “I just did what I did last night to stall time.”
“Stall time for what?” Shinyoung begins to grow impatient towards her. “Look, I don’t have time for pleasantries, and I still have work at 7. If you want this back, then get it in the station.”
“Listen to me, please!” The girl almost screams and tightens her grip on Shinyoung’s arm. “Just not here…”
Shinyoung sighs in defeat.
“Fine, but I don’t like liars and people who waste my time,” Shinyoung says.
The girl nods and grabs something from her pocket. Shinyoung can tell it seems like an ID card with a familiar lace, which causes her to be a bit surprised.
“I’m Miwabe Riku,” she introduces herself. “I’m also…from Togata Tech.”
Shinyoung feels frozen at her spot.
“Don’t you mean…”
Riku nods hastily. “Yeah, I-I know you. That’s why I want to apologize even more. I know you are also from Togata Tech, and I had no choice last night…”
“Don’t tell me you stalked me?” Shinyoung gapes in disbelief.
“Please! I have reasons—”
A grumble.
From Riku’s stomach.
“Did you eat already…?” Shinyoung asks in a deadpan way. Riku blushes and shakes her head.
“No…”
Shinyoung sighs.
Shinyoung is just staring while the spring rolls in the Tupperware are being wolfed down. The girl, Riku, who claims to be the owner of the duffle bag, seems not to have eaten for days with her attitude towards the cold and leftover spring rolls from last night.
At least the nearby park from the police station seems spacious and private enough to shoot her questions.
Taking the last spring roll, Shinyoung suddenly grabs Riku’s arm.
“Slow down, you’re going to choke yourself out,” Shinyoung says. She grabs a bottle of water with her other hand and offers it to Riku. “Drink first before getting the other.”
Riku stares at her and nods. She puts the last spring roll and grabs the bottled water.
Drinking first, Riku lets out a satisfied sound.
“I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. I’m starving,” Riku says.
Shinyoung just nods in confusion.
“I guess I understand that…”
“Uhm, Lee Shinyoung-san…” Riku begins, and Shinyoung is just staring at her.
“Just call me Shinyoung, or Shin. You told me that we're in the same age anyway, no need to be formal…” Shinyoung says.
“Uhm…yes!” Riku suddenly looks down and contemplates before facing Shinyoung again. “Did…you open the bag?”
Shinyoung casually nods.
“Yeah,” Shinyoung says, “I just found a toy inside, and it still makes me wonder why you look that exasperated when trying to get it to me. You could have asked nicely.”
“I’m sorry about that…” Riku says. “The thing is, you called that a toy, but it’s not really.”
Shinyoung suddenly becomes curious.
“Well, I thought it was, but it wasn’t. It’s from a reputable company. I’m thinking if this is a stolen good or what,” Shinyoung says. Riku’s eyes widen while trying to keep herself composed.
“It’s not stolen!” Riku defends. “It’s my brother’s…”
Shinyoung hugs the duffle bag close to her.
“Really?” Shinyoung voices out. “Then why did you drop it on me last night? What if I’m not a good person and didn’t bother to surrender it in the police station today?”
“Some people want it, and I have to find a way to keep it away from them,” Riku says. “It’s the only lead I have to find him.”
Shinyoung begins to stitch an image in her mind with every word being blurted out.
“Find what? Let me guess, it’s something illegal you cannot hand over to the police?” Shinyoung says. “Now that you drop it on me, you willingly just put me in a mess I didn’t know you had.”
Riku tightens her lips while Shinyoung is pressing her with questions and conjectures.
“That’s one thing I should apologize for the most. That’s why I must retrieve it sooner from you,” Riku says. “I swear I’m not lying. It’s mine.”
“Then, what is inside this bag, then?” Shinyoung asks.
A hard-pressing question indeed.
The wind blows, and the girl seemingly just gives up.
“I was chased last night. It all started when my brother had gone missing.”
Missing. Shinyoung suddenly remembers Lily’s words.
“I know what that is anyway. It’s called an accessor belt, if you are curious about that,” Riku says. “I know I should not be saying these things to you, but it seems you don’t have a plan to give it to me unless I prove to you that I wasn’t lying.”
“That’s only fair,” Shinyoung says.
“It’s part of a whole tech called a Backpack Armor, and that belt is needed to activate it,” Riku continues. “It’s the same thing that is currently being worked on for JSDF to fight crimes.”
“Is your brother a JSDF?” Shinyoung asks.
“No, never. It won’t happen in a million years,” Riku says, “but he owns that thing. I can’t tell you why he had that, and I believe it’s better if you don’t know anything about that part. I’m investigating where I can find my brother. I just need to lessen my baggage and objective. That’s why…I purposely follow you to drop the bag to you. I’m sorry. It was careless of me to…involve a civilian in this matter. I just really need time and…a way to do other things, even for a short time.”
Shinyoung cannot tell if the girl is sincere or not, but to stitch such a kind of story in so much detail is a talent if it is not real.
Yet Shinyoung also knows that she cannot pry on this thing any longer.
“Do you want the bag back?” Shinyoung asks.
“You believed me?” Riku asks.
Shinyoung sighs. “I can’t tell, but my instincts told me I cannot be an idiot right now. If ever you have something bad against me, I’ll report you to the police. I don’t want to be involved in your mess, and please don’t do that again to me or to others. I don’t like people who prey on innocent ones.”
Riku seems taken aback.
“…Yeah, and…I apologize,” Riku says.
“Just finish all that. I still have time before my job,” Shinyoung says. “Also, don’t stalk me again, seriously, I’ll report you.”
Shinyoung hands her the duffle bag and waits for Riku to finish her food.
Riku abides by her words, and that is what Shinyoung hopes to happen. She can tell the Togata Tech ID is real, and Shinyoung wishes that they will never cross paths in the school. Shinyoung admits that she does not know everyone in school. Everyone has different schedules and departments, but the chance to see Riku on campus is high.
The only thing that Shinyoung leans on right now is that they have never seen each other yet in school. However, it fears her since the girl knows her.
“Hello, Shinyoung-chan~”
Shinyoung snaps back to reality, seeing Lily trespassing in their classroom again. Lily is sitting on a chair in front of her, and Shinyoung is just blankly staring at her.
“…Oh, senpai,” Shinyoung mumbles.
“I know you’re kinda quiet, but you’re spacing out this time. Why is that?” Lily asks.
Shinyoung rests her chin with her palm and breathes deeply first.
“I didn’t know I had a stalker,” Shinyoung says. “I begin to be hyperaware of my surroundings.”
Lily’s eyes widen. “What?! Who?! Should we report it to the police?”
Shinyoung frowns, “Well, for now, no. Even naturally, I should. It’s a student here on the campus, so maybe could you look at that person?”
Lily frowns, “Oh sure. I don’t mind.”
“Her name is Miwabe Riku. She is in the tapestry department. Also, first year like me,” Shinyoung says.
“A girl…stalker,” Lily voices out, “Is this one of…err…”
“I hope damn not,” Shinyoung cuts her off, “I know I’ve been accused to be different since I was young, but I’m getting sick of it if she likes me in a crooked way. But I kinda think she doesn’t. Well, I hope my assumption is not wrong.”
“Okay, I’ll look into her,” Lily reassures, “I will ask my friend who writes articles about the tapestry department.”
“Thanks,” Shinyoung says.
“But how did you know?” Lily asks.
“Well, I’ll tell later,” Shinyoung asks, “For now, I’m hungry. Let’s go to the canteen.”
“Okie.”
Shinyoung’s classes are usually done at 4:30 PM, which leaves her ample time before her part-time job today. Her other part-time job at a net café is from Thursday to Saturday, with two hours per day from 8 to 10 PM. The hourly rate is not much, but this still helps her to get extra money for food and other expenses.
There is no time to just slack off.
Shinyoung is mopping the floor in the shop, as there are still few customers in. The sliding door opens which gets her attention and a group of guys in black leather jackets come in. Her co-worker greets them as she continues cleaning.
“Four computers please,” One of the newly arrived customers says. Riruka, another co-worker in-charge at the counter, entertains them.
“PC 41 to 44,” Riruka replies. “How many hours each?”
“Four hours,” The customer answers.
Riruka presses something on the counter computer.
“The cubicles are on the second floor,” Riruka says. “Enjoy your time.”
Shinyoung moves away a bit to give the customers a way to the second floor. As the customers walk to the stairs, Shinyoung looks at them, and notices a uniformed print on the back of their jackets.
Scorpion. And the word ‘Sasori’ is in Latin alphabet.
“Shinyoung-chan,” Riruka calls her and Shinyoung turns to her. “Please look after here a bit. I just need to go to rest room.”
Shinyoung nods. “Ah sure, senpai.”
Riruka gets off her chair as Shinyoung places the bucket to the side. Shinyoung sits on the chair and her co-worker walks to the counter from the front door.
“You’re now on the counter, senpai?” Her younger co-worker teases her while Shinyoung is checking the schedules of the rented PC’s. Her younger co-worker is named Abe Natsuki.
“For two minutes,” Shinyoung says. “Anyways, can you get the bucket back in the staff room?”
“Eh,” Natsuki seems to whine, “but there might be new customers to come in~”
Shinyoung grimaces and finally looks at her kouhai. “Oh really, Natsuki-chan. Or you’re just lazy. I’ll tell the boss you’re slacking off.”
“You know I’m the most valuable employee here, because I’m hardworking,” Natsuki says and goes where the bucket and mop are. Shinyoung cannot help but snicker internally.
“Thank you, Natsuki-chan~” Shinyoung takes the turn to tease her back.
Some days are hard, but it does not mean it cannot be happy.
Shinyoung yawns.
Meanwhile…
A room with a long and huge table, with several chairs surrounding it, has been filled with few people in it, approximately at least 17 people. Most of them wear masks to hide their identity when someone enters the conference room with a white mask and red chin brace. He walks straight to the head chair, and the room is illuminated with a huge screen behind him.
“It came to our knowledge that Kanto Jonin failed to make their deliverable this week. The suit was destroyed by one of the government dogs,” One of the people in the room says. The one with the red brace looks at the speaker and leans on the table with his hands on it.
“If we don’t do anything, they’ll get us sooner than expected,” The chairperson says, “but we cannot stop the operation, or we will disappoint our clients.”
“The territory leaders begin to question our movements, Akamanto,” another one cuts in, contempt and disappointment in his voice. “Those dogs needed to be chained back as they should be.”
“Well, we cannot do something stupid now, but we must be cautious. Ruga, when we can expect the arrival of the Rivet Series suits?” The chairperson, or Akamanto, asks another person in the room.
“Two of them are already being tested, Akamanto-san, while we must check Voltaic first. At least by the end of the month, we will be able to hand it to you,” Ruga says.
There is subtle disapproval in the air. Except for the chairperson.
“Very well,” Akamanto says, “even the dogs would be wary once we got hands of it.”
Ruga bows a bit. “Hai, we won’t fail you, Akamanto-san.”
The next day. Friday is a heyday.
Also, the busiest day of the week.
Shinyoung is running back and forth in the narrow halls of the net café, hustling over each customer to hand over their orders. There are plenty of customers on this day of the week, some who spend all night in front of a computer. Shinyoung knows that some tournaments of competitive online games are held every Friday, which also means more customers, and more profit as well.
And speaking of profit, Shinyoung goes back to the kitchen with some dishes on her tray. She hands it over to the night’s dishwasher, Natsuki.
“Oh hey, senpai. You’re called to the office,” Natsuki says.
Shinyoung nods, “Okay.”
Shinyoung immediately makes her way to the office, which is located on a floor above the computer area. She knocks twice, twists the knob open, and peeks her head in, spotting their boss, Nomura Takayuki.
In return, Nomura also sees her.
“Come in,” Nomura says.
Shinyoung goes inside but do not forget to close the door. She goes close to his desk, as Nomura slides a small envelope.
“Here’s your salary,” Nomura says, “hours and lates are also there, for transparency.”
Shinyoung bows her head and takes the envelope. “Thank you very much, Nomura-shachou.”
Nomura just nods. “Just call Riruka-chan to get her salary.”
Shinyoung nods. “Hai.”
She bows one last time before leaving the office. She goes down to the lower floor again, proceeding towards the counter where Riruka is.
“You’re called, senpai,” Shinyoung says.
Riruka goes down in her seat. “Take care here for a bit.”
“Okay,” Shinyoung responds. Riruka leaves the counter and Shinyoung enters to take care of the system. She sees that almost all the computers are rented for long hours. She clicks some of the rooms and reads some customer names.
When a message pops up on the side of the screen.
PC-Room 25:
shin ramyun and coke
“Huh order,” Shinyoung says. She clicks the message window and replies.
Taros NetCafé:
In 10 minutes
Shinyoung stays for a bit, waiting for Riruka’s return. When she sees her coming down the stairs, she goes out the counter.
“There’s food order,” Shinyoung immediately says.
Riruka nods. “Okay. Thanks.”
Shinyoung goes straight to the kitchen and finds Natsuki still washing some dishes. She grabs a casserole, takes a pack of noodles in the cabinet, and turns the stove on. She checks the fridge if there is still coke, and nods when there is still some stock.
She further continues the preparation, taking water from the faucet with the same casserole before putting it on the stove. As the water boils, Shinyoung puts the noodles, mixes it next with the seasonings, and cooks them for two and a half minutes. She takes an egg and cracks it on the edge and drops the yolk to the casserole. After another 30 seconds, she takes out the casserole from the fire and pours it into a bowl. Quickly, she takes a coke in the fridge and places it on the tray.
Going out of the kitchen, Shinyoung proceeds to Room 25. She balances the tray with her one hand and uses the other to knock.
“Shinyoung ramyun and coke,” Shinyoung says. The door opens. Shinyoung sees a guy who looks younger than her. He has a bowl cut and wears a black jacket.
Shinyoung recognizes the jacket. I believe they were here yesterday, too. That’s a repeat customer then.
“Here’s your shin ramyun,” Shinyoung says. The customer takes the bowl and the coke.
“I’ll just put it in the tab later,” The customer says.
Shinyoung nods. “Enjoy your meal.”
He closes the door and Shinyoung proceeds back to the kitchen again.
Shinyoung sees that Natsuki is still not done with the dishes.
She sighs.
“Come on, I’ll take care of that,” Shinyoung says. Natsuki shakes her head profusely.
“I cannot leave a task undone,” Natsuki reasons out. “Besides, I’m the most valuable employee…”
“Just tell you hate mopping,” Shinyoung says, “but I can’t let you take years washing that. There’s a lot of customers today. Chop, chop!”
Natsuki cannot argue anymore as Shinyoung takes her space. Natsuki just grimaces, but then, she cannot do anything already and attends to her another task.
Shinyoung has extended 30 minutes in tonight’s shift, just to finish cleaning the floors. Natsuki is also spending years to mop that she must take over as well.
She walks out of the building, breathing some air. Since it is already autumn, the breeze is becoming colder. She fixes her scarf a bit, breathes out some air again, and begins walking.
Deep in thought, she purses her lips.
So, 21 thousand and 200 yen. I have to make a down payment again and also have to pay some debt. And also, to save up some for the rent…
She stops walking.
“Wow, of course, nothing’s gonna be left again. Just much,” Shinyoung says to herself. “What do I expect.”
With feelings of disappointment, she continues walking again. She aims to reach the bus terminal quickly when she spots something happening in an alley. She ignores it at first but as she goes closer—as it is on the same side of the path she will go on—she finds three guys ganging up towards a…girl with a guitar.
Shinyoung wonders why she ends up noticing the guitar more than the situation.
“You have to let me through,” The girl with the guitar says, but the guy in the midst advances a step.
“No, you need to go with us.”
Shinyoung slowly frowns, also takes out her phone, and dials up 1-1-0. But before she can press the call button—the guy in the midst grabs the girl’s arm.
In a reflex, the guy suddenly is pushed forward to the ground. In confusion, the three mobsters turn behind.
Shinyoung is glaring at them, already in her fighting stance.
“Who the heck are you?!” The guy on the left side says, as Shinyoung glares at him.
“I just don’t like what you guys doin’,” Shinyoung says. The punched guy stands up and Shinyoung already realizes the situation.
She has invited trouble on this supposed innocent night.
Shinyoung clenches her fists and advances her right foot.
“Looks like someone’s gonna cry tonight,” The punched guy surges forward as Shinyoung gives a roundhouse kick to his face. The other two also join the fight, and Shinyoung dodges their attacks. One almost grabs her arm when she punches his face. The other, however, manages to take her left arm and the punched guy is aiming for her stomach.
When she pulls her left arm, along with the other guy, the punched guy punches his companion instead.
Suddenly, a whistle is heard.
“Benjiro, let’s go!” One of the mobsters says.
“Take the girl with us!” Benjiro—the punched guy, commands.
Shinyoung takes this as an opportunity to escape from them and runs towards the girl. The girl seems surprised when Shinyoung grabs her wrist.
“Let’s go!” Shinyoung says and pulls her up.
Feeling all the rush, the girl just nods and complies.
Reaching a safe place, Shinyoung stops running but still catches her breath. She turns to the girl, who looks confused.
“Ehe, I guess we’re now safe,” Shinyoung says. “Are you alright?”
The girl nods. “Yeah… But I guess we don’t have to run. I called the police.”
Shinyoung widens her eyes.
And realizes her tomfoolery.
“Ah,” Shinyoung becomes beet red, “you did?”
The girl nods. “Yeah. But thanks for distracting them…”
“I guess I just have the reflex to run coz…” Shinyoung trails off. I’m not totally sure what I’m doing. “But yeah, what happened?” Shinyoung asks.
“Ah,” The girl scratches her cheek, “They…just suddenly blocked my way and they want to take me with them. I just got out of my gig.”
“Oh.” Shinyoung thinks a bit. “Where do you live though? I’m also on my way home, let me just accompany you to the terminal, just to be safe.”
The girl does not give any response. The air turns awkward because of the silence.
“You seem nice,” The girl says, finally giving a smile. “I live in Nishi Ward.”
Shinyoung cracks a smile. “Oh I see. The terminal is nearby anyway. Let me accompany you. If…that’s fine for you.”
“Okay.”
They start to walk again toward the terminal. Shinyoung remains alert in the surroundings, thinking that maybe someone is following them. It must be paranoia at work, but considering the number of missing people cases already is alarming. She suddenly remembers that Lily mentioned that most of them happen in the Nishi Ward, and this girl also lives in the same ward.
There is no use getting so distrustful, but Shinyoung cannot shake the worry away.
Shinyoung is also a girl herself. Her strength is limited even knowing taekwondo.
“What’s your name?” The girl suddenly asks.
Shinyoung looks at her. “Me? Ah yeah, my name is Lee Shinyoung. Yoroshiku.”
“Lee Shinyoung?” The girl repeats. “There have been a lot of Koreans here indeed… Are you a tourist here?”
Shinyoung suddenly feels an untimely panic.
“Uhm… I’m really a resident here,” Shinyoung says.
The girl widens her eyes. “Ohh, I see. Not surprising. I’m Lee Wooseung, by the way.”
Shinyoung is the one that got her eyes widened this time.
“What bongwan are you?” Shinyoung asks.
Wooseung giggles. “Well, I just know my lineage is from Jeonju. How about you?”
“Deoksu,” Shinyoung says in such enthusiasm. “I almost expect too much that I will find someone with same lineage, but I’m happy enough to meet a fellow Lee.”
“Aren’t they many here?” Wooseung says.
Shinyoung scratches her cheek. “Well, a lot…but not really that interested to help…each other.”
“I was surprised that someone just kicked their butt,” Wooseung says. “Thank you… Oh I have to ask what year you were born. I might offend you.”
“1999,” Shinyoung answers.
Wooseung looks surprised, “Oh! We’re chingu then. I was born in 1999, too.”
“Chingu…” Shinyoung feels happy to hear it. “Then we can address each other without problems.”
Wooseung smiles with her eyes, which Shinyoung finds somewhat adorable.
“Kansahamnida, chingu-yah,” Wooseung thanks her in their mother tongue. Shinyoung cannot help but smile as well, even Korean is not her first language to learn.
“I’m…just really happy to help,” Shinyoung says. “I just can’t let that slide…”
“Just be careful, they might remember your face,” Wooseung reminds all the sudden.
Shinyoung ponders a bit. “Yeah, you’re right about that… So hey, you, too. Be careful, too.”
“Thanks,” Wooseung breathes in heavily, “You don’t have to do that actually…”
Shinyoung has not heard the last sentence.
Finally, they reach the bus terminal. There is a bus that is waiting, as they waste no time to seize the opportunity.
Wooseung faces Shinyoung one last time.
“Thank you again, Shinyoung,” Wooseung says.
Shinyoung smiles, “Be safe.”
Wooseung enters the bus. Shinyoung watches her a bit when she decides to leave as well. Wooseung glances out the window, stares at Shinyoung leaving, and then lets out a small sigh.
“What a weird chingu…” Wooseung smirks, “…but interesting.”
Shinyoung can feel the spasm all over her body. As soon as she gets home from the apartment, she crashes into her bed, feeling exhausted from overextending today. Her face is buried in the pillow as she rolls around and lies on her back.
The ceiling is boring as ever, but Shinyoung feels a bit light. Someone is safe today. As reality hits again—if she is not there, probably something bad will happen, which reminds her of what is the current trend right now.
She closes her eyes.
Shinyoung begins to wonder about Riku and her story.
Meanwhile…
In one of the computer rooms, a customer has his phone open. A chatroom is open, while the computer shows a browser window.
[Your Best Bet! Pick The Best Fighter!]
On one side of the page, there is a moving model of a cyborg with a blue color scheme. Certain specs of the cyborg are written. Attributes of speed, different types of strength, stresses, and more specifications, all under the label of ‘Galvanite’. Below is the number of bets for it, which now sums up to 30,145,550 yen.
The customer grabs his phone and types.
From: LEO
Make sure this guy wins
Or else the benefactor will take the suit from us
A reply.
FROM: YU-Q
Don’t worry
He has too
He has nothing to lose anyway ha-ha
The customer narrows his eyes and closes the chatroom. He opens another contact and sends a message.
To: TAESUN
Go outside, we’re gonna talk about something
And his eyes return to the screen.
The bet is now 35,890,190 yen.
The customer walks on the pavement, spotting a late teen guy who is playing on his phone. He has a bowl cut and has a lollipop in his mouth.
“Taesun, come here,” Leo calls.
“What Leo?” The teen, who is called Taesun, looks at him.
“We’ll be meeting with the sponsor after tonight’s bet,” Leo answers and puts his hands in his pocket. “We’ll need another one if this guy you recruited this time failed.”
Taesun tilts his head. “I think you’re being hasty to judge, Leo. Yu is stupid last time to recruit such a frail guy.”
“Well, if something went wrong, we could still get a commission.”
“I am better than Yu. You know I only get people who will be efficient enough,” Taesun argues, albeit in a calm tone.
“I just want to make sure this time, Taesun. After that blunder with Voltaic, we need to have backup if Yu can’t find it.”
Taesun just nods. “Okay.” He rotates his phone in a portrait and dials up a number. “Moshi, moshi.”
The other line picks it up and replies.
“Oh, senpai…”
“Dohyun-ah,” Taesun says. “It’s your time to shine.”