Side Story 2: Their Shopping
Natalie and Sherry have mellowed out a lot this past year.
Fewer fights, less outrageous pranks, and no more drama that crosses the line.
Since coming back, they’ve gotten even better—smiling a ton.
Anyone who knew them at their worst would be floored by the change. That’s how much calmer Natalie and Sherry have become.
No one’s whispering Endpoint or Turning Point about them anymore.
No one’s cowering, calling them psychos or serial killers.
Just regular girls.
That’s the only way to describe them now.
The day after we decided Sherry would live with us, she and I are walking side by side down a rural road toward the station.
Sherry burned through all her savings and came to Japan with nothing. We’ve gotta get her some daily essentials—can’t just leave her without even spare underwear.
I can’t keep letting her wear Natalie’s oversized tops, sized for her bust. For Sherry’s dignity, we’ve gotta ditch those baggy clothes!
So today, I’m dragging this broke-ass girl to the department store.
“Takashi-kun! Takashi-kun! Look at this cloudless blue sky! It’s crazy nice out!”
Sherry, in a plain T-shirt and military pants, points at the sky, hopping with excitement.
She’s in a hell of a mood—higher energy than I’ve ever seen.
Seeing her grin like that makes me feel kinda pumped too.
Following her lead, I glance up.
“It’s rainy season, but damn, it’s clear. Perfect shopping weather, huh?”
“It’s ‘cause of my good deeds! As expected of the pure and righteous me! Even the heavens are smilin’ down!”
Ehem! Sherry puffs out her modest chest.
Pure and righteous, my ass. You’re drowning in greed.
A girl who acts on impulse doesn’t get to claim pure and righteous. That’s an insult to actual saints.
As I’m debating how to roast her, Sherry loops her arm through mine.
“By the way, isn’t this a first? Just the two of us, out like this?”
She peers up at me cutely, her big, sharp eyes narrowing with a giddy smirk.
“Well, Natalie’s usually glued to us, so yeah.”
“Nishishi! Thanks to Nee-san! Now it’s just you and me, Takashi-kun!”
Like Sherry said, Natalie’s out shopping with Nee-san today.
Apparently, they’re stocking up on makeup and cosmetics. Natalie’s been bare-faced this whole time, so she’s using this as a chance to learn.
Even Natalie’s a girl at heart, and the idea of makeup sent her running. Seeing her like that reminds me she’s just a normal teenage girl.
So yeah, it’s just me and Sherry today. She’s tugging my arm with a big grin.
“Takashi-kuuun. You happy to be alone with me~?”
“Thrilled, thrilled.”
“Is our first date fun~?”
“Fun, fun… Wait, date?”
I thought we were just grabbing essentials.
As I blink in confusion, Sherry doesn’t miss a beat.
“Of course it’s a date! A guy and a girl out alone together? Anyone’d call that a date!”
“Is that how it works…?”
“So today, I’m gonna cling to you so much! And I’m gonna be super selfish, so brace yourself!”
With that, Sherry throws up a salute.
Her audacity makes my face twist.
“Brace myself? Why the hell do I have to deal with your whims—”
“If you’re a true Japanese man, just nod and take it! I’m offering you my first date! So step up!!”
“Don’t try to steamroll me with enthusiasm!”
I land a few sharp chops on Sherry’s head as she yaps away.
Not that I’m that mad about it.
These past few weeks, Sherry’s been waiting for me in the military, all alone, dreaming of the day we could all live together happily. She blew through her entire savings, even bought a big-ass house, all by herself, believing the Commander’s lies while choking down those god-awful calorie blocks.
Thinking about that, I can’t help but wanna indulge her a little. She’s flat broke now, so I figure I should cut her some slack.
I stop the chops and ruffle her hair.
“Alright, fine.”
“Huh?”
“Do whatever you want today.”
“…What?”
Sherry’s big eyes go wide, like she can’t process what I just said.
She blinks rapidly, her face a mix of confusion and wonder.
“Uh… I was half-joking, but… you’re serious? I can really lean into this?”
“Go for it.”
“R-Really, truly? I’m gonna throw out some real selfish demands, you know! No take-backs later, got it?”
“A man doesn’t go back on his word. Bring it on.”
Sherry scurries ahead, peering up at me with those sharp, three-white eyes, trying to gauge if I’m for real.
She stares for a bit, then her face starts to light up.
She’s got a knack for reading people. Must’ve seen I’m not bullshitting. She starts poking my chest, grinning like crazy.
“Ohhh~! Takashi-kun, you really love me, don’t ya~?! You cute little thing, you~!”
“Damn right. I’m adorable.”
“Then I’m gonna lean in hard! Get ready for some serious pampering!”
Sherry points at me, her face all serious and determined.
“So! I want you to make my heart go pitter-patter like in a drama! Make me swoon like I’m in a damn TV show!”
“What the hell’s pitter-patter supposed to mean?”
“This is our first date, a big deal! I want you to crank my excitement to eleven!”
“You’re already hyped enough, aren’t you?”
“I wanna go way beyond hyped! I want you to whisper sweet nothings to me, Takashi-kun!”
“Sweet nothings, huh…”
Now what?
I said I’d spoil her, so half-assing it’s not an option. Once I commit, I’ve gotta meet her expectations.
I don’t make promises I can’t keep. If I say I’ll do it, I go all in—that’s my creed.
Guess I’ll have to step up and make her happy.
I stride up to Sherry, who’s standing there all smug, pull her into a tight hug, and channel my best heartthrob voice, whispering in her ear.
“I love you, Sher—”
“Achoo!*”
The second I start, Sherry lets out a sneeze like some old geezer.
At the same time, a torrent of snot blasts from her face.
We both freeze, completely thrown by this curveball.
The pitter-patter moment? Obliterated.
“N-No… I-I mean… that wasn’t… I didn’t…”
Sherry snaps out of it first, frantically digging for tissues in her pocket.
She’s clearly mortified, her voice trembling as she scrambles for excuses.
“I-I… I was surprised too, okay?! Sneezing’s just a… a bodily function, y’know?!”
She’s babbling, wiping her nose to hide her embarrassment.
“I-I’m a victim here too! I don’t even know why my nose got all tingly at that moment… It makes no sense!”
One tissue isn’t enough for the river of snot. She grabs four, five, desperately scrubbing her face.
“W-Well… l-long life, weird stuff happens! Teehee♡, right?!”
Having finally mopped up the manga-level snot, Sherry turns back to me like nothing happened.
“A-Anyway! Just a cute little mishap! Let’s try that again—”
She stops, probably noticing my face.
Seeing my expression, Sherry starts to tear up.
“W-Why are you looking at me like that?! Don’t stare at me like I’m some bug!*”
“Look, you told me to do it, and that’s what happens? Come on…”
“B-But it wasn’t my fault! My nose just got all tingly outta nowhere!!”
“Even so, there’s such a thing as timing… That was jarring…”
“Don’t be grossed out! It was just a little slip-up!!”
Sherry starts smacking my chest, her big three-white eyes brimming with tears, thwack-thwacking away.
Our first date kicks off in the most pathetic way possible.
◇◇◇
Ten o’clock hits, and a flood of customers pours into the local hotspot, a well-known shopping complex, right as it opens.
The staff at a select shop inside can’t take their eyes off a foreign beauty who strides in with the opening rush.
She’s petite, slender, with a modest bust but high hips that hint at long, graceful legs.
Her features are almost otherworldly—porcelain skin and large, sharp three-white eyes in a small face, giving her a mysterious allure.
Her silky silver hair, neatly trimmed at the shoulders, gleams in a way no Japanese person could ever replicate.
This absolute stunner, a girl anyone would call a world-class beauty, is strutting around in a plain T-shirt, military pants, and combat boots. The sheer contrast has the staff forgetting their jobs, completely mesmerized.
Then, a boy approaches her.
“Hey, since we’re here, why not grab something super cute? Like this frilly thing.”
He pulls a ridiculously adorable blouse off the rack.
He’s dressed just like her—plain T-shirt, military pants, combat boots.
His face is plain, just a touch taller than the average Japanese guy, with no standout features.
The kind of guy who’d blend into a crowd instantly, a total background character.
Yet this nondescript guy is chatting up a national-treasure-level beauty.
Who the hell is that guy? What’s his deal? The staff buzz with confusion.
“I-I don’t know if cute clothes would suit me… I hate to say it, but I was called a zombie or Turning Point to death, y’know? I think something simpler would fit me better.”
“Nah, you’ll be fine. Even Natalie looked crazy cute just by changing her outfit. You saw her in that dress, right?”
“Oh… yeah, that did shock me. Crazy Gorilla turned into a damn princess.”
“Exactly. So if you dress up, you’ll be cute too. I’m vouching for it.”
Casually, the boy pats her head.
The legendary head-pat, a move reserved for heartthrobs.
And this nobody pulls it off like it’s nothing.
The staff are shaken to their core.
A head-pat? With that face? That’s not allowed…
Amid their rude muttering, the girl just lets it happen.
“By the way, Takashi-kun, aren’t you buying any clothes? All I’ve seen you in since coming to Japan is T-shirts and military pants.”
“These are practically new—bought ‘em right before I came back. Got ‘em when prices were sky-high, so I can’t just toss ‘em.”
“High? How much?”
“Guess.”
“Right before coming back, huh? Hmm… eight hundred dollars?”
“Five grand.”
“That’s insane.”
“Right? Feels like a waste to ditch ‘em…”
“Why’d you buy them at that time…? You’re such a klutz…”
The girl shoots him an exasperated smirk.
Not a hint of annoyance at the head-pats.
She’s totally fine with this plain guy petting her head like it’s no big deal.
The staff start whispering, Is that guy her boyfriend?
“Forget about me—go try on whatever catches your eye. We’ve got a ton to buy.”
“Um… how many outfits should I pick? What’s the budget?”
“Just grab seven or eight tops and bottoms you can mix and match. Budget? Eh, don’t worry about it.”
“So vague…”
The boy stops patting her head and starts browsing the racks. The girl follows suit.
They rummage around for a bit, picking up a few blouses, bottoms, and skirts.
“W-Wait! You seriously picked out super cute clothes!? Are you actually making me wear these!? You’re not messing with me, are you!?”
“Look, these’ll look great on you. You’ve got long legs—high-waisted skirts are gonna be perfect.”
“It’s pink with this cutesy pattern! What’s with these over-the-top flowers!? This is too much!”
“The flashier, the cuter. Just try it on, trust me.”
The staff’s perspective shifts as they see the skirt he picked.
It’s a hot item, one they all push to boost sales. The color and pattern are perfect for highlighting a foreign beauty like her—almost like it was made for her. And this guy just casually picked it out.
That’s not a choice you make overnight. The staff, pros at fashion, are stunned by his keen sense.
“Fine… if you’re that sure, I’ll try it…”
“If the size is off, let me know. I’ll grab another.”
“Don’t laugh if it doesn’t suit me! I won’t forgive you if you do!”
“Quit yapping and try it on already.”
“If you laugh, I’m planting a deep kiss on you! Be ready!”
“Looking forward to another snot shower, then.”
“Grrr…!”
Muttering, “At least act a little flustered…,” she stomps into the fitting room.
It’s like they’re family—siblings, almost. More than just a guy and a girl; there’s a deeper bond there.
The staff can only watch as these two, shopping like no typical teens, go about their business.
◇◇◇
“T-Takashi-kun… how do I look…? D-Does it suit me…?”
“…”
I let out a sigh as Sherry steps out of the fitting room.
I had a hunch after seeing Natalie, but… damn, Sherry’s on another level. It’s almost dizzying.
The staff around us are staring too, so it’s not just my eyes playing tricks.
I’ve gotta admit it.
Sherry’s cute.
Back on the battlefield, they called her Turning Point to death, feared behind her back.
She seemed like a total mess, but when she snapped, she was crueler than anyone, making even the toughest soldiers quake.
They say Debris she cornered would choose death over facing her—stories so wild you couldn’t tell who the real monster was.
And yet, just by changing her clothes, that Sherry’s become cute.
It’s like some kind of trick… Damn her, pulling some bewitching spell on me…
“W-What’s with that face…? You’ve got this weird, unreadable look…”
“Just pissed that you got this cute.”
“Huh? Pissed…? Huh?”
“It’s just weird… Natalie, now you—how the hell are you guys cuter than me? It’s weird…”
“Why are you competing with me…? That’s so random it’s freaking me out…”
Sherry narrows her distinctive three-white eyes, pouting in exasperation.
Still, she must be thrilled to be called cute, because her face starts to glow.
“Nishishi! First time in forever wearing a skirt—my crotch feels all breezy and fresh~! This low-defense vibe is thrilling~!”
“Don’t yell about your crotch in public. You’re cute now, so watch what you say.”
“Nishishi! Calling me cute~! So embarrassing~!”
“Listen to me.”
I dish out a few more chops to Sherry’s head, then take another look at her.
Yeah, she’s cute as hell.
A solid tie-neck blouse paired with a high-waisted skirt adorned with a big ribbon. The soft pink pattern plays up her radiant charm.
No one could call her a zombie now. That’s how damn adorable Sherry’s become.
The contrast between her military days and now is wild… No wonder she’s getting all cocky.
Lifting her skirt’s hem, Sherry prances around, grinning like she’s on top of the world.
“Gotta say, Takashi-kun, your fashion sense is nuts~! When you handed me these clothes, I was sure you were messing with me, but I take it back! Your taste is no joke!”
“Right? I’m kinda proud of my fashion game.”
“Didn’t see that coming! Never would’ve pegged you for having this kinda flair!”
“Get that a lot.”
Honestly, if Rinko wasn’t a model, I probably wouldn’t know shit about this stuff.
Her charisma as a supermodel rubbed off on me. I was so stoked about her success that I bought every magazine she was in, and that’s what got me here.
Daily effort pays off. For real.
“Anyway, how’s the fit? Not too tight?”
“Hmm… all good. Skirt and blouse fit like a glove.”
“Cool, I’ll grab the next set. Hang on. Also, those military boots don’t vibe with that outfit… We’ll pick up some shoes later.”
“You’re even getting me shoes…? Takashi-kun, I super love you~…”
“Yeah, yeah, love you too, whatever…”
We flirt half-assedly while I hunt for more clothes that’ll suit her.
The staff keep staring, but we just enjoy our chill shopping spree.
After buying clothes, pajamas, and some toiletries, noon rolls around.
All that nonstop shopping’s got my stomach growling.
“Takashi-kun, Takashi-kun, you hungry?”
Sherry’s rubbing her belly, clearly thinking the same thing.
“Yep, stomach’s talkin’. Wanna hit the food court?”
“Works for me! Unlike Natalie-san, I’m a super cost-effective gal who gets hyped for food courts! I’ll do a little dance for a ramen set!”
“Cost-effective, my ass.”
You think your clothes and essentials didn’t cost me over a hundred grand? Which mouth’s spouting that nonsense?
I ruffle her dumb head while juggling paper bags stuffed with clothes.
Oh, and those bags also hold the military pants, T-shirt, and boots she was wearing. She loved the blouse and skirt so much she couldn’t wait to change into them.
So now, a stupidly cute Sherry’s walking beside me. She’s drawing way too many eyes.
“By the way, what’s the plan after this?”
“Grab some food, then buy you some underwear and basics. That’s it for today.”
“Underwear…”
Sherry puts a finger to her chin, humming thoughtfully.
After a bit of hmm-ing, she suddenly pipes up.
“Of course, you’re picking out my underwear too, right?”
“Hell no. Buy that shit yourself.”
My blunt shutdown makes Sherry’s face twist into a sly grin.
“Oh~? Didn’t you say this morning you’d indulge my whims~? So pick out some underwear with me~!”
“No way. I’m not picking out women’s underwear.”
“Why not~? It’s lonely shopping alone, so come with me~!”
“Give me a break… That’s too much…”
We head to the escalator, and I let Sherry step on first.
I take the step below to match her height, and she turns back with a devilish smirk.
“But, but, you said I could be selfish, didn’t you, Takashi-kun? Were those words just a big fat lie?”
“A lie? You little…”
“Such a weakling… sniff… A Takashi-kun who won’t pick out my panties is just a pathetic weakling who’s all talk…”
“You idiot…”
This jerk… She’s pulling out her nasty habit of messing with people to get attention.
I grit my teeth, and Sherry laughs like she’s mocking me.
“Nishishi! Alright, I’ll cut the teasing there~! You’re so pathetic it’s almost sad~!”
“You little shit…”
“Hm~? What’s wrong~? Your face is all red~! Poor little weakling-chan♡!”
She narrows those sharp three-white eyes and pokes my nose with her finger.
My buried pride flips a switch.
“Kyaha! Don’t glare at me like that~! Let Sherry-chan’s dynamite bust cheer you up~! Come on, come on~!”
“Fine. I’ll pick ‘em.”
“I’ll let you touch ‘em direct—huh?”
“Underwear, right? I’ll pick ‘em. Don’t underestimate me, dumbass.”
My words freeze Sherry’s expression.
“W-Wait… I-I was joking, cute little Sherry-chan was just kidding… Why’re you getting all serious…?”
“Serious? I ain’t serious. If I was, that’d be something.”
“You’re obviously serious… So cute…”
“Anyway, I’m gonna pick out the perfect underwear for you, so look forward to it.”
“Uh, um… W-Well…”
“Just so you know, if I’m picking, it’s gonna be hella sexy. Brace yourself.”
“…Huh?”
“I’m checking every day to make sure you’re wearing ‘em. You’ll regret picking a fight with me.”
“W-Wait!? Takashi-kun!?”
Sherry pales, finally grasping the situation.
The tug-of-war begins.
“Ohh~? What’s with that face~? You scared or something~? All talk, huh~?”
“I-I’m not scared! Not one bit!*”
“Your voice is shaking~! Be a good little weakling and apologize for getting cocky~! Come on, come on~!”
“Weakling…? Fine… I’ll wear your damn sexy underwear!”
“Whoa, whoa, don’t push yourself… Just say sorry, and I’ll let it slide… Back off…”
“Ohh~? Is Takashi-kun getting cold feet~? Hope you’re ready for the lingerie shop staff to give you icy stares~!”
“Hmph! Compared to storming a Debris stronghold, a lingerie shop’s… fucking brutal…”
“Brutal, huh…”
Our bickering doesn’t stop until we hit the top-floor food court.
“Here we are! Let’s eat quick and go buy your panties! Hell yeah, so pumped! (Half-assed)”
“Takashi-kun! I’m trying them on, so you better do a Vega stance outside the fitting room! The staff’ll probably yell, but stand tall and proud!*”
“Your face is red as a boiled octopus… Don’t push it… Just admit defeat…”
“You’re the one with an end-of-the-world look… Admit you lost…”
Lunch is supposed to be fun, but I’m not feeling it at all.
This tug-of-war with Sherry’s gone so far I can’t back down.
At this rate, I’m gonna end up storming the lingerie section. Technically, I can go in, but it’s a manners minefield.
I’m just a regular guy—I don’t wanna cause trouble… This is rough. Exhausting.
I’ve gotta make Sherry take it back, but this idiot’s stubborn as hell…
Sighing, I head toward the food court.
Then, I hear shouting from the back.
“Hm? Sounds like someone’s yelling. What’s up?”
“Dunno. Let’s check it out.”
We glance at the menu on the wall and head to the counter.
There, a burly guy is laying into a college-aged staffer.
He’s pounding the counter with his fist, waving a steak knife and fork around.
What the hell?
As I’m trying to process it, the guy points at a hamburger plate in front of him.
“What’s with this spill!? Don’t fuck with me, asshole!!”
“I-I’m so sorry, so sorry… Truly, I’m sorry…”
“How you gonna fix this!? It’s ruined! I’ll kill you, asshole!!”
“I-I’m so sorry… sniff… W-We’ll remake it right away…”
“How long you gonna make me wait, dipshit!? Don’t screw with me, you piece of shit!! Bring out the manager, now!!”
The guy keeps yelling, kicking the counter.
Looks like the part-time worker messed up his order somehow.
Spilled a drink on his food, maybe? The glass is half-empty, so probably something like that.
Sherry grimaces at his over-the-top rage.
“What’s with that guy? Isn’t he overreacting a bit?”
“I get being pissed, but that’s too much… Grown-ass man acting like that…”
“Ruining our fun date. Makes me sick.”
“Yeah…”
The other customers don’t want to get involved, just watching from a distance.
Shouldn’t they call the manager already? This guy’s way past what she can handle.
I step forward from the crowd, lining up behind the guy.
The college girl keeps apologizing in a shaky voice, bowing repeatedly.
“I-I’m so sorry… The manager’s off today… sniff… I’m the shift leader, so I’m in charge… I’m so sorry…”
Oh, crap.
The manager’s off today, of all days?
Who’s gonna stop this guy then? He’s completely unhinged.
“What!? You’re the manager!? The manager’s allowed to fuck up like this!?”
“I-I’m so sorry… sniff… Truly, I’m sorry…”
“How you gonna make this right!? How you gonna fix my pissed-off mood, huh!?”
“W-Well… I-I…”
Her voice fades to a whisper as she starts to cry.
Seeing her tremble, the guy flashes a sleazy grin.
He grabs her arm and says something unthinkable.
“Make it up with your body.”
“…Huh?”
“You’re kinda hot up close. Let me have a go, and I’ll let it slide.”
“W-What…? I-I…”
“What!? You don’t want to!? You fucked up, didn’t you!? Pay with your body!!”
“Eek… Hic…”
The staffer’s face pales with fear.
She glances around the shop for help, but the other employees scurry to the back, quick as lightning.
Real quick.
Realizing her coworkers have abandoned her, the college girl finally breaks down, sobbing aloud.
“P-Please forgive me… Waaah…”
“Shut up!! Get out here, now!!”
“Nooo… Waaah…”
The guy grabs her arm, yanking her roughly.
Witnessing this awful scene, Sherry and I mutter in unison:
“Gross.”
◇◇◇
The college shift leader curses this day from the bottom of her heart.
It’s a busy holiday, the manager’s off, dumping all the responsibility on her, and now she’s tangled up with a thug-like complainer.
She can’t find words beyond resentment. She hates her bad luck with a burning passion.
And this complaint? It’s not even entirely her fault.
The drink spilled because he grabbed the tray carelessly.
Yet this thug pins all the blame on her, even demanding she “make it up with her body.”
The sheer absurdity of it drives her to tears.
She looks around for help, but her coworkers turn away.
They bolt to the backroom, clearly wanting no part of this.
They’re probably scared too. This guy’s intimidating, dangerous, waving around a knife and fork. Any sane person would keep their distance.
Still, she wishes someone would step in.
This isn’t what you promised!
That frat-bro coworker bragged, “If anything happens, count on me. I’ll protect you.” The late-twenties slacker boasted, “Want me to walk you home? I do MMA, so you’re safe with me at night,” dripping with ulterior motives.
Yet here they are, avoiding her gaze, retreating to the back.
Don’t screw with me.
“P-Please forgive me… Waaah…”
“Shut up!! Get out here, now!!”
“Nooo… Waaah…”
He grabs her, pulling her close. Over the counter, he yanks her arm forcefully.
No one helps. The crowd just films with their phones, no sign of calling for help.
A cold, heartless audience.
Trapped in this hopeless situation, she can only despair.
Until she hears a disdainful “Gross” from two voices.
“What kind of life do you live to spew such brain-dead nonsense? Gives me chills.”
“Bet this guy’s daily life is hell. Probably never had a good day in his life.”
“Poor thing… Living in peaceful Japan with a life that hellish? Too pathetic…”
“My condolences.”
“Oh my, Takashi-kun, he’s looking this way. His face is beyond ugly.”
“Totally, Sherry-san. Terrifyingly ugly.”
A teenage boy and girl deliberately trash-talk the thug loud enough for him to hear.
High schoolers, mid-teens, provoking a yakuza-like guy.
Noticing their insults, the thug’s rage shifts toward them.
“What!? You talkin’ ‘bout me!? Huh!?”
“Who else could we mean? Are you that dumb?”
“The fact you even think it’s not about you is wild.”
“What!? You little shits!!”
The duo’s taunts enrage him further. His anger fully locks onto them.
The staffer panics.
Sure, she wanted help, but not from kids younger than her.
This guy’s still swinging a knife and fork. She doesn’t want kids facing someone this dangerous.
Before she can intervene, the guy storms toward the boy.
“You little shit!! Wanna get your eyes gouged out!? Huh!?”
“Eyes… really…?”
The boy looks at the fork thrust toward him with a pitying expression.
“Hey, how ‘bout you chill? I’ll cover that hamburger for her, alright?”
“Don’t get cocky, you little punk! Grah!*”
“You’re makin’ so much noise, you’re gonna flip the switch on my idiot here. We’re tryin’ to have a nice day, and you’re ruinin’ it.”
“You little shit! Who do you think you’re talkin’ to!?”
“I’m sayin’ I’m talkin’ to you. You deaf or what?”
The staffer starts to feel uneasy at the boy’s mismatched responses.
This thug’s going ballistic, waving a knife, yet the boy doesn’t flinch.
No teenager should have that kind of nerve. Is he reckless, or just numb to fear? He stares at the thug with a blank, unfazed look.
“Here. I’ll throw in dessert too. Pick what you want.”
“It ain’t about that!! Don’t mess with me, you brat!*”
“Eat some sweets and calm down. You’re stressin’ too hard, man.”
“What!?”
The thug’s fury spikes.
Losing himself to rage, he glares at the foreign girl next to the boy.
Bloodshot eyes locked on her, he raises the knife.
“You’ll regret this, you little shit! I’m gonna take your girl—”
His rant cuts off.
The boy, with terrifying speed, slams him to the ground, pinning him.
A fluid, precise movement, executed in an instant.
Like twisting a baby’s arm, the boy subdues the thug effortlessly.
“Uh… just to be clear…”
The boy’s voice wavers with confusion.
While restraining the thug, he swiftly disarms him of the knife and fork.
The staffer can’t help but stare, mesmerized by his inhuman agility.
“You weren’t actually gonna attack Sherry, were you? You okay? Sane?”
“Y-You… ugh… I-I can’t… move…”
“Ignorance is scary… If I hadn’t stopped you, you’d be dead. My idiot doesn’t hold back.”
“Damn… W-What strength… I can’t… move…”
“Phew… Almost turned this shopping mall into a shocking mall… Close call.”
“Takashi-kun, you think I’m some wounded tiger or something…?”
The two banter casually.
Watching them, the staffer suddenly realizes.
These kids aren’t normal.
“Damn you!! Let me go!!”
“Takashi-kun, Takashi-kun. We’re getting tons of attention. You cool with that?”
“Look… I didn’t have a choice… If I didn’t stop him, you’d have handled it…”
“Hey, you listenin’, punk!? Let me go!!”
“A weakling like this? I wouldn’t bother… So, what do we do with this idiot? Want me to take him outside for some education?”
“Your education means messing with his brain, doesn’t it? I’ll handle him, so just wait.”
The boy flashed the knife and fork he’d snatched from the ruffian, who was still ranting and raving. He held them up close to the thug’s face, making sure the gawking crowd couldn’t quite see. The shop clerk, watching with bated breath, wondered, What’s he gonna do next…?
Then, with a casual grip, the boy crushed the knife and fork in his hand.
“Eek…!” The thug’s voice squeaked out.
Right before his eyes, the boy was mangling the utensils like they were tinfoil. His hand worked like a damn press machine, squashing the knife and fork into a crumpled mess, shrinking them down to the size of his palm. It was grotesque—metal screaming under impossible force.
This wasn’t human strength. This was beyond human.
The thug, faced with this absurd level of violence, was struck speechless. The boy, noticing the man’s sudden silence, nodded with a satisfied grin. “Looks like you’ve calmed down. Good, good.”
“…”
“Guess you’re just hangry, huh? Hard to keep your cool when your stomach’s growling.”
“…”
“So, how ‘bout this? I’ll treat ya. Eat your fill, take a breather. Hell, order seconds if you want.” The boy flashed a carefree grin, all while his right hand kept grinding the knife and fork. Screech, screech—the tortured metal wailed, morphing into something like a golf ball made of steel.
The thug was losing it. If this kid wanted, he could crush him just as easily. His life was completely at the boy’s mercy. Trembling, the thug forced out an apology in a shaky voice. “S-sorry… I was wrong… I-I messed up, so just… let go, please…”
“Oh yeah? So, what’re we eating? Tell me so we can order together.”
“N-no… I’m… I’m good… Really, I’m fine…”
“Don’t be shy! You’re starving, right?”
“I-I’m good, really… Just… let go of my hand…”
“Nah, nah, nah. If I don’t treat you, it’ll look like I’m bullying you or somethin’. Got a crowd watching and all. Just take the free meal, man.”
“No, I… I’m fine, really… Just let go…”
“Ugh, you’re such a pain. Stop playing hard to get. I’m offering to treat you, so just nod and say thanks, or I’ll crush you, got it?”
“Eeeek…! Eeeeek…!” The thug’s voice cracked into a sob.
“Why’s this man crying?” a foreign girl piped up, tilting her head in confusion. “He’s getting a free meal, no?”
The boy and girl’s mismatched banter only made the thug cry harder, unable to do anything else.
In the end, the boy, the girl, and the thug sat down and ate like nothing had happened. They scarfed down a mountain of food, as if the whole fiasco had been a fever dream. The thug trembled and sniffled the entire time, but nothing else went down. Once the meal was over, he was let go without a scratch.
To the college-girl clerk, who’d been brought to tears by the thug’s harassment, this felt almost… lenient. But honestly, she didn’t care anymore. She couldn’t take her eyes off the boy.
He kept chanting “Panties, panties!” like some kind of weirdo, but she couldn’t stop staring. Ever since he’d stepped in to save her, her heart wouldn’t stop pounding. He didn’t lord his heroism over anyone, didn’t gloat. He even apologized for wrecking the knife and fork.
“Don’t worry about it,” he said with a laugh, brushing off her thanks. “You had a rough day, huh?” Then, with a grin, he handed her an extra drink he’d ordered. “Here, have this. Cheer up.”
His kindness, free of any ulterior motives, left her trembling. She couldn’t help it.
“Damn, that jerk got away, huh?” one voice grumbled. “Man, I was this close to taking him down myself…”
“Ugh, if my stomach hadn’t been acting up,” another guy groaned, “I would’ve knocked that creep out cold…”
Two guys—a flashy college student and a slacker in his late twenties—sidled up, trying to score points with the clerk now that the dust had settled. They were fishing for a chance, but it was already too late.
Kaede Ashihara, the reigning champion of Suirenshi University’s beauty pageant, had just fallen head over heels for the first time in her life.
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