After lunch, 1:30pm.

Goodness, yesterday and today is just full of spontaneity.

Surprisingly, it's not that hot whenever it is noon. I recalled that the temperature seems to have gone a bit lower. I was so used from the constant twenty degrees inside the Void that I still think twenty-six degrees is still hot.

I guess this is suitable for shopping today.

“I'll be going now. I might come home late tonight. I will probably also make my own dinner at the other house then I'll come home.”

My bike will be useless if I bring it in a crowded place. I decided just to walk but once I got out, I saw Rin. She's probably going out too.

“Hey~ Rin!”

“Hm? Gin? Going somewhere?”

“Ah, yeah. I'll be doing some shopping mainly food and some things.”

“What a coincidence… Mom asked me to do shopping for dinner.”

“Hmm…

Then why don't we go together, then?”

“Alright. I'll just- ah!”

As she was speaking, a strong wind blew that made the paper she was holding fly off.

I chased the paper, but I am really dumb. Instead of catching it, I tested out myself and only used my eye to look for its contents. Luckily, I had a paper and pen with me.

I used to have a poor memory but I'm even surprised how fast my brain processed the things written on the paper that is about to fly away.

And I'm still following the paper as I'm writing its contents midair.

“1/4 kilogram of potatoes;

Undefined amount of carrots;

Celery;

1 kilogram of beef;

A pack of flour;

Garlic and onions.

Here.”

She looked surprised but amazed at the same time. I gave a small piece of paper containing what I saw on the other paper that is now lost in sight.

“Amazing, Gin! You scanned all of what is on the paper?!”

“I'm surprised too, you know.

I would assume your dinner will be beef stew?”

“Huh? You even knew just by looking at the ingredients?! Seriously…”

“Anyways, we can probably go now. What do you think?”

“Mhm. Let's go.”

“Actually, before we go shopping, let's head to Giotto's first. I have something to do there quickly.”

“Hm?”

…

Even though it is past lunch already, there are still a lot of customers inside. When we reached the restaurant and went in, I called out a familiar waiter that works in Giotto's.

“Uhm, excuse me! Is the owner currently here?”

“Oh, you're Gin, right? The head chef is currently cooking and Sir Sean is not here. I don't think you can talk to him since we're shorthanded right now.”

“Oh. Since you're emptyhanded now, please lead me to the kitchen. This will just be quick, Rin. You can have a seat.

I'll order a Semifreddo too. Bring it to her table please. I'll pay it later.”

We started to rush and we made it to the kitchen. After the waiter opened the kitchen door, he quickly shouted, and another chef immediately responded.

“One Semifreddo!”

“Right!”

“Hiro!”

“Gin?!”

“Do you have an extra apron? Lend me one and a knife. I'll help with the preparations.”

“…

You better not disappoint me, Gin. This is the first time I will see you hold a knife. Get going!”

“Sì!”

“What the…?”

The other chefs and the waiter that led me was stunned and looked surprised.

“Alright, I finished the preparations for Table 08!”

“Finish the dish, Gin!”

“Got it!”

I almost forgot that Giotto's is a mixture of Italian, Japanese and native dishes here in Orio. Thankfully, I caught up to the pace and I fortunately picked Shigureni.

When I was inside the Room, I asked them a Japanese cookbook for me to learn various dishes from the North, but along those recipes are what looked like handwritten ones, and one of them is what I'm cooking at.

“I'll be plating it now. Hiro, once we got a breather, I have a favor to ask you, but check the dish I made first. There is a leftover right there. You can taste it!”

“How can they casually speak and cook at the same time while we are on a pinch?!”

“Approved!

Dish for Table 08, done!

Is the Semifreddo served already?”

“Sì!”

~ ~ ~

“Phew… thanks for the help, Gin! I didn't know you can catch up to us when we're on a rush.”

“Don't underestimate the two years I have experienced. I cooked my food everyday in that span of time, you know.”

“Now that it's all done, what do you need?”

“Someone in the base works for the statistics office, right?”

“Yes… But why ask?”

“You do know that I'm 17 now, right?”

“Then, does that mean…

I won't ask why but I will contact her about your concern. She'll sort it out as soon as possible.”

“Thanks, I'll be going then.”

“About the Semifreddo, you don't need to pay for it.”

“Seriously?”

“Why do you look surprised? You helped us after all.”

“If it's what the owner said, I won't refuse.”

“Hold on, you're with Ringo, right?

A date?”

“Shut up. That won't make me budge.”

“Though, I may just be glad if it was.”

~ ~ ~

I left the restaurant with Rin but she seems really confused and curious.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“Gin, you looked like you were in a rush earlier. Is something wrong?”

“Well, I just helped out quickly and finished one dish. I actually knew the boss…”

“By any chance… is the boss Hiroomi Katsuto? I heard the waiter saying his name.”

“Well, yes, and Sean Hickory too. They're partners.

Did you notice that the restaurant closed early for the whole last week? I'm actually working with him at that time—when he told all of you that I was in a leave.

You could say that I am affiliated with them.”

“Eh? Does that mean you knew the boss there all along? And they're really young to be running a restaurant.”

“Well, they already proved that any human can do something if they gave dedication to it.

Oh, there are the potatoes.”

“I don't really get it.

Oh, thanks. Can you get me three white onions?”

“Hai.”

~ ~ ~

It is already 4pm after we finished our shopping. Rin was quite curious as to why I bought some utensils and some kitchen appliances.

We finally got to our street and we are nearly at the range of our houses.

“I forgot that Mom and Sis left and will return before dinner.

I need to cook it quickly.”

“Hm? Something wrong?”

“I almost forgot that I am in charge for dinner that's why Mom asked me to do the shopping. No one is around the house since my mother and my sister went out and my father will be late tonight.”

“Want me to help?”

“Huh? Are you sure?”

“It's fine. I just cooked a few hours ago at Giotto's right?”

“Then, okay…”

“Just a second, I'll just drop my things in my place.”

Rin noticed that I was walking the opposite direction to our house. I forgot to tell her that I just moved next door. I'm so hopeless.

“Gin? You're walking to the opposite direction. Are you okay?”

“Huh?”

“And why are you going up to the house next to us…?”

“Ah, apples! I forgot to tell you…”

As I dropped the bags on the sidewalk, I pointed out the house that we, my family just bought earlier this morning.

“…I'm sorry I forgot to tell you I just moved out here earlier this morning!”

“…”

She tilted her head and blankly looked at me.

“We actually bought this house literally this morning and I already started moving today.”

Suddenly, there is an awkward silence then Rin exploded in a puff again and turned red just like when we were at the rooftop.

“Rin?! You okay there?”

“Ah… I-I-I-I'm fine! I'm fine!

I… I just got surprised when you said that you moved next… door…

Ehhhh?! So we are neighbors now?!”

“Ahaha… you could say that it's the case…

I will just put my things inside and then I'll be right back.”

“Ah, right… I'll just prepare the kitchen.”

After their conversation they both entered the houses that are just next to each other. But Rin seems to be a little anxious when she entered their house.

***

Is this serious? Our neighbor next to us is Gin?!

But why did he move so suddenly? I remembered telling him about that house but I didn't think he will seriously move out!

I should probably ask him later or tomorrow. But I can't seem to stop thinking about it.

…

And I just realized that I will be alone with him until Mom and Sis come back!

No, don't think too much. He's just helping me at preparing dinner. There is nothing more than that!

***

Now that I think about it, this is the first time I'll be visiting their house, huh…

…

From the door the voice of Gin echoed to the kitchen.

“Rin! Is it okay for me to come in?”

“Y-Y-Yes, you can…!”

~ ~ ~

After almost two hours we finished cooking the stew. It's just almost time before her mother comes back home.

“Ohhh~ This is good!”

“The meat is so tender! Gin, tell me how did you do that?”

“Well, first is experience! You wouldn't achieve a fine tenderness in just one go. It took me months just to know the right way.”

The front door suddenly opened and I heard someone's voice. It was a voice of a man.

“Ringo-chan! We're home!

I thought I will be coming late tonight but I clocked out earlier than expected. I met up with Mom and your sister so I'm with them now.

Is dinner ready-

Oh?”

The person who carries the voice walked to the kitchen. He is carrying a coat so that means that he was wearing corporate attire. He walked straight to the kitchen but then stopped after he saw us two wearing an apron in front of the beef stew.

It was Rin's father.

He was eventually followed by her mother and sister.

“Crap, I really am in trouble now.”

Rin's father started walking towards me and then he placed his left arm on my left shoulder.

“I'm seriously done for… He's going to strangle me!”

…

“Hey! So you're here, younger Sakato! Did you help our daughter on preparing dinner?”

“Nani?”

“Ah, y-yes… I did. I just moved at the house that was for sale today, so I thought I might as well help her as an act of a new neighbor.”

“Eh… Gin? Seriously?! You moved there?” the big sister astonishingly asked.

“Oh my, so you're our new neighbor now, huh? Oh well, why don't you join us for dinner then?”

“I-Is that okay…?”

“Of course it is! We should be thanking you for helping today.”

“Al… Alright. I'll just call Dad that I will be here…”

“You're calling Amano? Can you ask if he is available tomorrow for a drink?”

“O-Okay…

Hello? Dad?”

“Oh, Gin. Are you back already?”

“Ah, yeah. Though I'm not at the house right now.

I'm currently at Rin's house right now.”

“Ohhhh…?”

“They invited me to have dinner… Actually, they invited me as thanks because I helped out on making their dinner today.”

“I see…”

“Oh, also… Uncle is asking if you are free for a drink tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I'm free tomorrow so tell him to just call me.

Will you head to your house after that?”

“Yep. I'll just do a little cleaning then, I'm going back there to sleep.”

“Alright, see you.”

*beep*

“Uncle, Dad said that he's free tomorrow. He also said that you could just call him about that.”

“That's great, then!”

“Come on now sit down, all of you. Let's have dinner.”

All of us sat in the dining room with the plates suddenly prepared after I finished a short phone call.

I have a feeling that something surprising is about to happen.

“To welcome our new neighbor which is Amano's son whose house is three blocks away…”

Just by observing, I finally knew what is going to happen next. I didn't forget that this is still Orio and not Japan. But I kind of predicted that they will say it. Let's just go with the flow.

All of us in unison said—

“Itadakimasu~!”

I knew it.

It's that time where I realized that the Akanami household is full of KUs.

▪ ▪ ▪

10pm.

Finally, a rather eventful day is about to come to its end. After having a dinner in Rin's residence, I came back to my house…

It's weird when I say it like that. Oh, well.

I came back to my house and started cleaning a bit. After sorting out the items I bought, I went up to the second floor to check the room where I will turn to my office and bedroom.

There stood out the big window that I forgot to put the blinds down. It was made that the glass would slide up whenever I open it.

“The lights are still open in their house…”

After a few seconds, I saw someone's silhouette in front of the window of Rin's house. I figured it was Rin since I subtly saw her face. I thought she's about to open the window but hesitated. She's not leaving from the window, though.

With my window still closed I knocked on the glass. She seemed to notice that I saw her. Both at the same time, we opened our windows.

“Quite the cliché, don't you think?”

“Ahahaha…”

“Is that your room?”

“Ah, yes. But I could ask you the same thing.”

“It will be, soon enough. I need to paint it white first tomorrow and then I'll start sorting this out. Aside from a couch, shelf and a bedside table, it's quite bare. Of all the rooms, this is the least furnished.”

“It's Sunday tomorrow, so then you will be busy around here?”

“All day, I think. Although, I won't be staying the night here yet.”

“I see… Actually, can I help you tomorrow with moving?”

While she's holding on the sill of her window, she averted her gaze and her face started to become red.

“Seriously, Author... You're really doing this to me? I thought you wouldn't do something like this.”

“Well… Thanks for helping out earlier, so I thought it would just be fair if I also helped. You can think of it as if it's showing you my gratitude.”

I wouldn't want to think that, but I think it is what I'm thinking. She looked a bit bashful when I took a glance on her. I suddenly imagined her wearing a ponytail like I used to do when I was inside the Room.

I broke out an awkward silence to myself when I let my imagination run wild. After a moment, I gave her a reply.

“If you really want to, I won't decline. But make sure not to push yourself too hard tomorrow. Don't tire out yourself.

…

I'll be going back home now. Goodnight.”

“Ah, oh. Goodnight too, Gin.”

She gave me a smile that suddenly made me remember how I missed my family and friends. I realized that loneliness still lingers in my heart.

“I'll be counting on you tomorrow.

Sleep well.”

We both closed our windows but I immediately went out of the room getting ready to leave.

After I turned off all the lights, I locked the door and headed straight to our house to get some rest and sleep.

“Don't easily raise flags like that!”

▪ ▪ ▪

0910, Friday.

I suddenly want to say things like that again.

After a good sleep, I prepared the boxes I packed firstly to be placed on the new house. While I was putting boxes out, I saw Rin's head poking out from the wall of our lot, but she then showed up when she saw me.

“Good morning, Gin, Auntie.”

“Ah, good morning to you too, Ringo. What brings you here?”

“I told Gin that I will be helping him out today.”

…

I saw Mom smiling wryly at my back.

“Hehh~”

“Apples… I know already, Mom. But don't think too much because you're going over the page…”

Mom seems to be discontented about what I said. So I added.

“Well… You could try turning the page instead of going over it.”

“Oh~ You finally grew to a very fine young man.

…

Ah, I heard that he had dinner at your place last night and he also helped you. As thanks for helping him today, why don't you join us at lunch later?”

“That felt like a deja vu.

Um, Rin. Can you carry that box? Let's start putting them in my place.”

“Alright.”

Why did I let her carry a box, you ask?

If I don't, she'll probably be disappointed. She seems to be confident on what she can do and I ask her not to push herself. Still don't get it…?

Here's a proof—

A few days ago, when I was doing some repairs on my bike, I saw a very surprising thing that I didn't know Rin can do.

She can easily carry half a sack of rice with one hand…

A gap moe, I guess?

I would struggle if I had not gone in the Room. But the box I'm currently carrying is actually heavy, but very light, in my case. I can probably just use three fingers if I wanted to. No joke.

~ ~ ~

“Gin, this is the last box!”

“Oh, thanks. What's inside it?”

I was upstairs when Rin delivered that last box from the other house.

She opened the box and shouted its contents. I was about to go downstairs that time.

“It's clothes, Gin!”

“Can you remove them from the box and place them at the couch?”

“Sure.”

She did as what I said.

But while she was carrying them in stack, some of my clothes fell. Out of those that fell, she noticed an odd one.

“Hm?”

She saw a shirt that has a big, diagonal gaping hole with black stains on it.

Thankfully I was about a few steps to the first floor when I saw her and I immediately ran and grabbed all the clothes.

“Ah! Sorry Rin! I'll go grab them all and then I'll put them upstairs. I'll be right back~!”

…

“Huh?”

Thank goodness I went on time. But there's nothing I can do since she already saw it. What's worse is that aged bloodstains are still there.

Feeling defeated, I went back down.

“Is something wrong, Gin?”

“N-No… Let's unpack them now, shall we…”

I made up my mind that I will tell her and the others about everything, but I can't find a right time. I did say that I will tell them when the right time comes so there is no going back.

Putting that aside for now, I need to concentrate on housework since I just moved. If not for Rin, I may not finish all of it in a day.

Speaking of which, I'm starting to feel anxious because of Rin's behavior towards me. I have suspicions but I don't want to jump to the conclusions. I wouldn't know what to do if it comes to “that”.

But I will be extremely worried if it really came to that at some point.

No, actually, why should I even be worried about that?