Chapter 0,1: The Ninety-first Morning

Prologue

In a room, the sound of the rumble of the bass trumpet, followed by the piano’s mellow sound and the violin’s bright tone is resonated as if in an empty room.

“Ah, that’s my alarm. I had better wake up.” Hajite disabled the alarm and stretched while he lied on the single bed, then he sat up straight.

“Fuaaaaahhh… day, what is it? Eighty-one- no, ninety-one,” recounted Hajite.

Hajite squinted his eyes toward the clock that read that it is four o’clock in the morning. He rose from his bed and went for the door.

Ninety-one days ago, I dropped out of my high school and my former home. My parents were mad at me that day for dropping out calling me an ultimate failure. Previously, they always will sermon me for the grades that dropped into mediocrity and warned me of the upcoming failures. I was an excellent student if I can say so myself, and all I ever did was study because my parents would always want me to perfect my studies. Because of this I never had any freedom to do anything and I rarely interacted with anyone except when it is needed. You could call me a loner, but I call myself an island, that is what I always thought. I struggled every day to motivate myself. Soon enough, I rebelled then started to be frequently on my PC streaming my video games locking myself in my room. Because of this, I earned in return barely enough money that I can be proud of, but not enough to alleviate the situation. My parents constantly told me I could not work like that, I contradicted. With the declining academic condition, my parents increased the sermons and the chores as a replacement for the time lost from school. Then one day, I decided to be free.

I left home with nothing except my clothes. They won’t accept my leave with anything that could help me. I melancholy wandered the streets having no idea how to live my newly-found freedom. Soon enough, I lost my resolve and doubted my unwritten plans within hours but stubbornly wouldn’t return home because of my pride and the point I wanted to prove, that I can live the way I wanted. I had anger and anxiety churning together in my breaking heart. Then, something ahead of my path interrupted me. One man had a gun raised, while the other was at a total disadvantage. At that moment I decided to be my main character. I didn’t want to be on the sidelines, the background, the supporting character. I want to be the center. That was all I thought at that moment. I used my rage to inflict heavy blows to the armed robber enough to knock him unconscious. At that time, I was not fit nor strong enough to do that, but my raw emotion made me. This was totally out of my nature, influenced by my idle thoughts. Then, the person I rescued came up to me and thanked me. After the police invited us for their report on the attacker, he introduced himself as a business manager named Jose. He claims he has a handful of franchises of a variety of stores. Because of this, they call him the ‘Manager.’ He was then grateful for the action I have done, and seeing my current condition by just looking at me, he invited me to dinner.

“Haha, thank you for the dinner. I’m grateful to you as you are to me.” Hajite slightly bowed his head.

Jose waved his hand dismissively. “This is nothing compared to the rescue you did to me, but your gratefulness is an interesting one young man.”

“Oh, and yes,” Hajite outstretched his hand towards Jose, “I’m sorry for my lack of manners. My name is Hajite Kalitashi.”

“Nice to know your name,” chortled Jose as he shook Hajite’s hand, “No need to be formal. You have saved me from death after all.”

“I previously told you, it was nothing.” Hajite shook his head humbly.

Jose shook his head in disapproval and clicked his tongue. “I tell you, Kalitashi, there is no nothing,” Jose looked onto Hajite concernedly, “So, will you be kind to tell me what situation you are in as I cannot fully deduce what is troubling you?”

Hajite dryly laughed, “My story might be too heavy and stupid for you to hear.”

“I understand, but it is easier to tell one’s problems to a stranger.” Jose gave his full attention.

“W-well then, uh, let’s see,” Hajite looked up then at Jose, “I recently left my parent’s home and school,” Hajite looked down, “It is a long story though… if you won’t mind.”

“I do not mind at all,” Jose relaxed in his seat, “I know this is a valuable story.”

Hajite started with the story of his life at the grade he left.

Hajite placed both his arms to support his head on the table. “That was only my life, only a blurry, black-and-white photo,” Hajite weakly laughed, “who would want that kind of photo? It would be an extremely useless photo.”

Jose made a disapproving look and looked at Hajite with hopeful eyes. “You are not at all useless. What you did for me was one of a kind. No one will ever bother saving me, no one will, except for you,” Jose smiled at his realization, “This is because you have untapped potential- no- untapped talent, maybe talents capped because of the perfectionist environment.”

“Is that so? Is that truly so? Never have I ever received such words.” Hajite looked up with his teary eyes.

Jose sipped a glass of wine. “I want you to receive them again, not just from me. So I have a proposal you would not wish to refuse.” Jose placed his right palm toward Hajite.

“Don’t tell me it will be something illegal!” Hajite sarcastically laughed as he wiped his eyes.

Jose quickly retracted his hand to his chest. “I am a legal man.”

Hajite waved his hand in the air, embarrassed at his failed joke. “Sorry, that was a joke, I cannot take things too seriously.”

“The proposal is simple, I will help you stand on your own feet, that is all.” Jose places his hand toward Hajite.

“What’s the catch?” Hajite asked curiously.

“Change, as a person.” Jose nodded his head.

Jose took a deep breath and stayed silent for a moment. “Since I had only hopeless choices before, I will take this one.”

That was our conversation with my dear friend, Jose. He gave me everything I needed and wanted. He managed the work I have finished. Talk about being lucky. And of course, I would be guilty if I just leeched on him. I genuinely wanted to change, for that was my intention.”

I am in a better place and able to earn money myself. I work self-employed as a MIDI music artist, which Jose managed, and I do freelance as a video editor, and streaming video games.

“Hajite Kalitashi, this is only the beginning.” Jose declares.

\*\*END\*\*

Chapter 1

Hajite broke off from his reminiscence and went for the door to start his usual daily after-workout jog early in the morning.

“Beautiful skies today,” Hajite took a deep breath of fresh city air. “Hopefully I get a new song out of this.” He looked at his watch which read the time is 4:33 AM. “Three minutes of delay. I better start now.” Hajite proceeded for his jog along the sidewalk.

Thirty minutes later, Hajite decided to rest on a bench.

“I don’t seem tired now compared to the last time, definitely an improvement,” Hajite muttered, “I still get as hungry though.” Hajite looked both ways of the sidewalk deciding which way to go. “Guess I will go the other way,” Hajite decided, “I want to eat something that will give inspiration. That can’t be weird right?”

Hajite walked down the sidewalk and looked up at the orange sky. “I want to get rid of this creative block I’m having,” Hajite sighed, “Things are getting boring after three months.”

While Hajite is lost in thought, something concerned his sight. Two suspicious men corner a girl in a space flanked by two buildings. The girl screamed which causes Hajite to pay attention.

“You better shut your mouth. You don' wanna mess with us.” threatened one man.

“It’s much better to not resist us.” followed the other.

“Hell no! I don’t to be with any of you!” the girl shouted.

“Why wouldn’t your first time be with us instead?” the man replied

Hajite proceeded to approach the two men silently and casually. Neither of the men noticed him, then Hajite proceeded to elbow one of the men’s spines and swiftly kicked the other man’s legs causing them to fall. The two men fall yelling in pain. The girl stared at Hajite in pleasant surprise.

“You okay?” Hajite asked as he pulled out his phone.

“Y-yes, thank you, I feel safe now.” the girl replied.

“I am calling the police just in case,” assured Hajite.

“W—wait,” the girl hurriedly shook both of her hands at him, “there’s no need for that.”

“Why? Hajite’s brows furrowed

“They didn’t do anything wrong.” The girl looked down at the men.

Hajite glared at the downed men. “They tried to do something wrong.”

“Please, there is no need for that,” she clasped both of her hands.

“Well I guess I won’t,” Hajite sighed disappointedly, “Next time, you should be more careful on what business you get into.”

The girl looked up in shock. “Huh? Wha—what are you talking about?”

“Huh? I am not talking about anything,” Hajite turned to leave, “anyway, I shall leave you then.”

“Wait,” she rushed to catch up to Hajite, “do you know what I do?”

“No?” Hajite quickly left.

The conversation ended, but the girl trails Hajite. Hajite pretended to not notice. Soon, they arrived at a fast-food restaurant Hajite had picked and he ordered food for two persons. He sat at his chosen table while the girl stared at him from a distance. Hajite motioned at her to sit with him. The girl gets shocked that he noticed her, but soon sat down in front of him.

“Are you hungry?” Hajite pushed the other meal he had ordered.

“Y—yes, I am, but you don’t have to order for me.” The girl stammered shyly.

“I have already ordered anyway,” Hajite gulps his side drink, “it would be a waste if no one ate it.”

“Oh? O—ok.” The girl succumbed to Hajite’s request.

Hajite then scanned the girl and took mental notes of her features. She had long, brown hair, light brown eyes, a well-shaped chest, and a similar height to himself.

“She is a looker.” Hajite thought as he shamelessly gazed.

The girl notices his gaze“I-is there something wrong?”

Hajite looked straight into her eyes and asked sharply. “What’s your name?”

The girl gasped at his sudden tone. “M-my name is Nishira Miyaki,” the girl paused for a moment, “A—and what’s yours?” She nervously asked.

“The name’s Kalitashi.” Hajite continued to finish his meal.

“Kalitashi…?” Nishira asked for a continuation.

“Just call me that.” Hajite waved his hand dismissively.

“Ah, sure, no problem, Kalitashi…san.” Nishira nodded as she repeated his name weakly.

Hajite looked up at Nishira and interrogated her. “So, why are you following me?”

“Well,” Nishira looked down toward the table, “I wanted to thank you for earlier, but I don’t know how.”

“I see,” Hajite sighed, “there is no need for such.”

Nishira delightfully gave thanks for the food while Hajite eats in silence. After they both ate their meals, Hajite got up and left the restaurant quickly before Nishira noticed.

“Wait— Kalitashi-san!” Nishira quickly got up to follow Hajite but lost sight of him. “What a rude guy. I wasn’t able to get to know him better.” Nishira returned to the table and stared at the plate Hajite left behind. “He was the only one.” Nishira sighed.

Hajite returned to his apartment and saw Jose waiting at the door.

“Good morning Hajite!” Jose greeted.

“Oh, hello. I have the loops you wanted.” Hajite replied

“That’s good,” Jose walked up to Hajite, “but I have something to talk to you about.”

“Don’t tell me it’s the same thing as last week,” Hajite’s eyes drooped, “I won’t lend an ear.”

“It is, but this will be the last of it,” Jose assured

“Sure, sure it is,” Hajite replied in disbelief.

Hajite opened the door and lead Jose to the dining table.

“Have a seat,” Hajite motioned, “do you want anything to drink or eat?” asked Hajite.

“3-in-1 coffee, black, if you please,” requested Jose.

“Right away.” Hajite headed to his kitchen and prepared the coffee. Hajite returned with two cups of coffee, one black coffee, and one cappuccino.

“This will be the last time, I promise,” Jose sighed, “but Hajite, you shouldn’t waste such opportunity,” Jose looked pleadingly into Hajite’s face, “and right now the conditions would be more than

perfect for you to enroll. I guarantee it. The school I chose is good.” Jose ended as he drank his coffee.

Hajite glanced at Jose but remained aloof.

“Hajite,” Jose leaned toward Hajite, “I am here if you are still scared of enrolling, and you need to graduate so that you would even have a higher chance to have any job you ever wanted. I will support you all the way through, I promise. If that still doesn’t get you, I will eve—”

Hajite looked at Jose. “That’s enough,” he sighed, “I am thinking— considering it.”

Jose looked in shock. “What!? You finally are convinced?”

“No.” Hajite shook his head.

“Do you want me to sell it to you?” Jose leaned further toward Hajite.

Hajite pushed Hajite away from him. “No need for that,” Hajite held his temples, “but how will I able to enroll in the middle of school?”

Jose waved his hand in confidence and grinned. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. But I only need your documents.”

“I don’t have those,” Jose’s face turned grim, “I’ll have them from my parents.”

“Eh? You plan to enroll now?” Jose’s eyes widen.

“Yes,” Hajite answered enthusiastically.

“Wait,” Jose waved his hands frantically, “what caused you such a quick decision? You said you are considering?”

“I considered it.” Hajite sipped his coffee.

“Considered what?” Jose asked as his confusion increased

“Considered my reasons for enrolling.” Hajite took another sip.

Jose was starting to get irked. “Would you stop being so vague?”

“Well, the important thing is now I’m attending school and I will enroll right away, was it not?” Hajite placed down his cup.

Jose sighed and gave up. “Fine, I won’t press the vagueness,” Jose then placed both of his hands on Hajite, “I’m proud of you friend.”

Hajite flinched backward. “I’m proud of me too.”

Moments later…

“I’ll be going now!” Jose waved his hand.

“Take care!” Hajite waved a peace sign.

Hajite closed the door and went to his computer.

“This school seems good,” said he as he navigated the mouse to press send on the computer screen, “Now onto the hard part.” Hajite pulled out his phone and tapped an entry in a contact list named, “Hajite, Tojo,” and the call button. The ringing lasted for a few seconds and someone answered.

“Hello?”

“Hello, it’s Hajite speaking.”

“Hajite! How are you?” the voice on the other end of the line answered with surprise and excitement, “It’s been a long time since we talked!”

“I’m fine. I called to ask a favor of you.”

“What is it, Hajite?”

“I would like to have you send me the necessary documents that I would need for the job application,” Hajite asked rather in a disrespectful tone.

“Oh! When will we meet?” the voice asked seemingly without notice to the Hajite’s tone.

“Right now.” Hajite impatiently answered.

“And where will it be?” inquired the voice.

“I’ll come over,” Hajite answered without hesitation.

The voice gasped. “Really? That would be nice to have you here! Do you want any lunch prepared? We will—”

“Thank you, but I don’t need any lunch. I need this as soon as possible.” Hajite quickly interrupted.

The other end of the line fell silent.

The voice audibly sighed in defeat. “But be sure to talk to us sometime… I and your mom missed you since you have left.” The voice cracked.

“I’ll be sure to find time for you.” Hajite lip serviced.

“Really? really? We will be looking forward to it!” the voice took Hajite’s statement to heart.

“Alright, I will be coming over now.” Hajite impatiently reminded.

“Okay! See you later!” the voice ended with happiness.

Hajite promptly ended the call and left his apartment to hail a taxi. Moments later, he arrived at a manor’s gate with the taxi parked outside of it.

Hajite spoke through an intercom. “Hello, this is Hajite.”

“Please wait a moment sir.” a woman’s voice answered.

The gate opened by itself and Hajite casually walked toward the manor’s door. The door opened, and a maid greeted Hajite

“Welcome back sir,” the maid gracefully bowed.

“Where is he?” Hajite blurted out.

“He will be here in just a moment,” the maid motioned Hajite to a sofa, “please have a seat over here.”

Hajite sat on a cozy sofa, and leg tapped the moments spent. Finally, a figure came down from the stairs.

“Hajite!” A respectable old man with his hands raised in elation swiftly walked toward Hajite, “have you been waiting for a while?” Hajite’s dad spoke enthusiastically.

“Yes. Now if you would kindly please.” Hajite impatiently reminded.

“Ah. Yes, of course,” Hajite’s dad slowly handed a brown envelope to Hajite, “Here it is.”

“Thank you very much,” Hajite made his way for the door, “I shall be taking my leave now.”

Hajite’s dad stood up to catch Hajite. “Wait, would you care for a drink?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I need to go now.” The maid promptly opened the door as Hajite stepped outside.

Hajite’s dad raised his hand toward and bowed toward Hajite. “Please do come to visit us sometime!”

“Sure, some time.” Hajite left the manor and took a deep breath as if he were suffocated. “Now the hard part is over,” Hajite took out his phone and proceeded to call Jose, “It’s all downhill from here!” Hajite sighed and looks at his watch which read “9:08 AM.” Then he made his way to the waiting taxi.

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