Chapter 1: When I Met You
The school was as noisy as always.
Just me and my mindset against the whole world.
My friends were always talking to me about anything.
But at that moment, I already had other problems.
—Hey, Kaji —my friend said.
—What? —I replied.
—You've been really quiet since yesterday.
Until now, I hadn't told my friends anything.
—Don't worry, guys. It's nothing.
I didn't want them to worry about me.
I put on a nervous and disappointed expression, with a fake smile.
—You know that when you make that face, I don't believe you at all.
—You can tell us anything —my other friend said.
—Well…
—…actually, my family is going through financial problems.
—If I told you, you'd do anything to help me.
—Of course we wo—
—No. You've already done a lot for me, and it's time for me to do something for myself.
—We'll help you, whether you like it or not —they replied.
—For now, I don't want your help… please.
—Alright. But if you need anything, we're here.
—Thanks, guys.
When I got home, I found my parents going through old things—items they had kept for a long time.
—Mom, what are you doing? You've had those jewels since I was a baby —I said.
—Don't worry, son. It's for a good cause.
—Besides, they'd look better on another girl —she replied.
—You know what? Here… your father gave me this ring a month after we met.
—But… why are you giving it to me?
—Someday, you'll meet a very lovely girl. I want you to give it to her —she said.
—Whaaat?!
She let out a small laugh and then went inside.
That night, I started thinking about how to help my parents.
I began gathering some of my things. I still used them, but I wanted to help them.
At that moment, my father walked into my room.
—Son, are you still awake?
—Yeah, Dad. What's wrong?
—What are you doing?
—I want to help you, so I'm going to sell some of my things too.
I'm not going to leave you alone.
My dad came closer to me.
—Son, you don't need to help us. You should focus on your studies. Let us handle this.
—But… but…
—No, son. Don't say anything. Everything will be okay, don't worry.
My father hugged me as both of us let out a few tears.
The next day, on my way to school,
I noticed a man sitting in the park, head down.
It seemed like he was going through a hard time.
Should I go talk to him?
Before I realized it, I had already approached him.
—Sir, is something wrong? —I asked.
He turned to look at me with tired eyes. Something was definitely wrong.
—Don't worry, kid. It's nothing —he replied.
Something isn't right.
—Please, tell me what's going on.
—I know I might sound a bit pushy,
—but maybe I can help… or maybe not.
The man sighed.
—It's my daughter. She's very sick, and I have no one to take care of her. But if I don't work, we can't survive.
—I'll take care of her! —I said without thinking.
I said it… there's no going back now!
—But… I don't even know you —the man said.
—I know.
—You could be dangerous.
—I know that too.
That sounded bad.
—But still… you're someone who came out of nowhere to help me. It's okay.
—Really? —I replied.
—Here, take my address. Come to my house tomorrow.
—Can I go after school?
—Of course, no problem.
At that moment, I felt a sense of peace.
I finally have a job.
I arrived at school,
and everything was the same as always—
Noisy.
I got to my classroom, and my friends came up to me.
—Kaji, how are you today? —they asked.
—Yeah, don't worry.
—You look happy.
—It's because I got a job.
—What?! —one of them said, surprised. —Where are you going to work?
—A man asked me to take care of his daughter —I told them.
—I'll start tomorrow.
—Don't you think that's kind of suspicious? —another one said.
—I mean… I saw him looking pretty down at the park.
—And his eyes looked really tired.
—And so what? Maybe it's because of drugs.
—And also…
—…when I asked him what was wrong…
—…he told me the same thing I told you guys.
—He said nothing was wrong.
—But his eyes said the complete opposite.
—We'll just tell you one thing: if you need anything, we're here.
—Yeah… that's the second time you've told me that.
—Good luck with that job.
—If you see anything suspicious, let us know.
That night, during dinner,
I told my parents about that job.
—Son, I already told you—we don't want you to help us —my dad said.
—I'm sorry…
—…but I'm going to have to disobey you.
—Alright —my mom replied.
—But after you finish that job, don't continue.
—Focus on your studies. We'll handle this.
—Yes, Mom. I promise.
The next day.
After classes,
I headed to the address the man had given me.
His name was Kiro.
It was a house that wasn't very big,
but it was well taken care of.
I knocked on the door.
Mr. Kiro opened it almost immediately.
—You came.
—Thank you very much —Mr. Kiro looked more cheerful.
—Come, follow me.
I walked down a hallway filled with photos until we reached a room.
And then… I saw her.
A girl holding a blanket.
—Look, sweetheart.
—He'll take care of you while I'm at work.
His daughter nodded slightly.
—Sorry, I didn't ask your name.
—I'm Kaji Nakamura.
—Alright —he said with a sigh.
—Well, I'm heading out. I work from 3 to 7.
—I'll be back as soon as I can.
Mr. Kiro turned to look at me.
—Kaji, please take care of her.
—Yes.
—Take care.
Before we realized it…
We were left alone.
The silence became awkward.
Say something.
—Do you like bread? —I asked, completely nervous.
Bread?! Seriously?!
She let out a small laugh.
—You're weird —she said.
—I know.
And that's how I began the new job that would change my life forever.
Chapter1:End