Chapter 1

"Okay, I have to go to class! Even if it's to do nothing, considering the price my parents pay, it's better to go." He looked out the window from the top of his room at the entrance to the house, where the cars were parked, and wondered, "Which car am I going with? Red or black? Red! I'll go get Ryuji on the way. I hope he hasn't already left."

He took a shower, then put on jeans, a gray hoodie, and over them, a black leather jacket. He looked at himself one last time in the mirror, a smirk, and went downstairs to lunch. His mother-in-law had already left, and his father was at the door, ready to go. Shigeo, surprised to be the only one at lunch, looked at him surprised.

Father: What's wrong?

Shigeo: Are you leaving already?

Father: Well, yes, it's time! Say, aren't you rather the one who's late?

Shigeo: Oh...maybe.

Father: So hurry up! Alright, I'm going, see you tonight!

"Why does he always slam the door so hard ... damn it, so I'm late? Ryuji too? It wouldn't cost me anything to drop by his house to see." He finished his bowl of cereal, and after choosing the shiny red car, Shigeo got behind the wheel and went to get his best friend. Arrived in front of his house, he honked twice, but the blond did not come out. The annoyed redhead then decided to go, but at the last moment, he heard someone scream.

Ryuji: S'OKAY, S'OKAY! I'M HERE!

Shigeo*reassured*: So, I'm not the only one late!

Ryuji: C'mon, go, quick! We're seriously late!

Shigeo: Calm down! It's not the first time we've been late!

Ryuji: Exactly! My parents are fed up, y'know! I'm not fed up ... but it's too much for them!

Shigeo: What are you afraid of? We don't care what they think. You can have a future without going to high school.

Ryuji: Dude, we're talking about a big high school here. Ya know better than I how expensive she is.

Shigeo*sigh*: If it's too expensive for you, I can pay for you, it's okay stop, we don't care.

Ryuji: That's not the question! I manage very well on my own! And then, I know ya well that ya have money to throw in the air.

Shigeo: I'm not throwing it in the air, I'm offering it to all my friends. And you, as I love you a lot, I give you a lot! Logical, right?

Ryuji: I-I'm not saying that for that... Forget it. And then first, where are ya going? It's not the way to high school!

Shigeo*sadistic smile*: I know, idiot. I changed my mind! We are going for a romantic walk today, you're okay with it?

Ryuji*shocked*: B-But, no! Nah, nah, nah! Hide, please!

Shigeo: It's okay, it's okay, they are used to not hearing an answer when our names are called! And then, have you seen the time already? It's too late to go to high school now.

Ryuji*sighs*: Ya are really annoying, man.

Shigeo: You too, that's why we found each other so good!

Ryuji: Where are we even going?

Shigeo: Hm ... I wanted to take you to my room and give you lots of hugs, but it's only ten o'clock, I wouldn't have wanted to.

Ryuji: Hey, you're not funny. Seriously, is that kidnapping or what? Tired of being my mate, is that it? Ya want to get rid of me or something, moron?

Shigeo: Whoahey, why are you panicking? It's not like we're doing this for the first time.

Ryuji: ... Sorry, I know but I'm afraid they'll call my parents.

Shigeo: I'll give them some money if you want, so it's settled, and they'll not call anymore.

Ryuji: You're stupid, Hide. It doesn't work like that.

Shigeo: I was serious.

Ryuji: I'll tell ya again, then. It doesn't work like that!

Shigeo: Ok, it's good. Listen, you just have to tell your parents that I was the one who took you to skip school. That way they won't know it was your fault too.

Ryuji: No, they wouldn't like me to see ya anymore afterward. And then, I point out to ya that this time, it's really not my fault! I was determined to go to class!

Shigeo: Yeah, yeah, this time you were. But your parents, they don't count by telling each other this time or this time. *Imitating parents,* Oh honey, this time our love didn't go to class! Oh! But that's okay, this time he went! Oh! But you are right! Oh, oh, oh!

Ryuji *annoyed*: Ya serious ... who thinks like that ya stupid or what ... and, don't take yourself for Santa Claus, ya insult him there.

Shigeo: You could have laughed a little. And what? I will never allow myself to insult your dad.

Ryuji: Huh? Why my dad?

Shigeo: Cause, Santa Claus is your father.

Ryuji: What are ya talking about, moron?

Shigeo: ... wait, don't tell me you still believe in Santa Claus, Yu?

Ryuji *blushes*: L-Leave me alone.

Shigeo: Hahaha, you're so cute! Wait, haven't you ever surprised your father as Santa Claus or something?

Ryuji: N-No! Besides, I don't care if it's my father! The real Santa Claus actually exists somewhere!

Shigeo: Well, yeah in your dreams, haha!

Ryuji *looks at him annoyed*

Shigeo: Hey, stop blushing, you're going to turn as red as my car! How I would do to differentiate you two afterward!

Ryuji: You're pissing me off. And I'm hungry. Ya still haven't told me where we're going.

Shigeo: Oh yeah, that's right. We're just going to the abandoned cabin. Do you remember? We've been there before, and then you freaked out about nonexistent ghosts that would inhabit the place. So we stopped going.

Ryuji: H-Hey, that's wrong! It was because of the construction! Someone was doing some work there, remember ?!

Shigeo: Oh yeah, that's right, there's that too.

Ryuji*sulks*: You're boring.

After driving for a while, they had arrived. It used to be a small abandoned cabin, but for several days someone had come there to do some work. Seeing this, the friends had never been there again, for fear that this person would decide to live there. But on returning, they found that the cabin was completely redone and refurbished. They wondered for a moment if it was inhabited, but after looking at the back windows, there was no one there. Maybe it was really uninhabited, or the owner had been away? Ryuji was rather in a panic at the thought of entering without permission, in this cabin maybe inhabited, but Shigeo reassured him by telling him that there was no one there.

Ryuji: But it looks like it's inhabited! Why would this person have revamped this cabin if it was to leave it like that available!

Shigeo: Stop freaking out! I tell you that there's no one! And first of all, we were the first to see this cabin! It was our cabin!

Ryuji: We don't care about that, Hide! Me, I don't want to be kidnapped or killed because of an old story of a stolen cabin! In addition, it was for nobody, so it's not stealing! *take Shigeo's hand* Come on, let's go home!

Shigeo: No, let go! I'm staying! Go away, if you're freaking out that much!

Shigeo decided to enter the cabin, under the suspicious gaze of Ryuji, who couldn't make up his mind. He wanted to stay with his best friend because he was afraid for him if he left him alone, but also because, on the other hand, he was curious to see the inside. Then there was this part in him that told him to go home! He didn't know what to do and given that Ryuji is a very cowardly person, this choice was more than difficult.

Shigeo: You decide or not! If it turns out time is running out, then I take advantage of it!

Ryuji: H-Hide, please, let's go home ...!

Shigeo: See? You start freaking out again, like the last time! Listen, you come, and after, I give you a comforting hug, alright?

Ryuji: That's ... that won't change anything! I-I-I don't freak out, a-alright?!

Shigeo: Okay, I close the door then, bye.

Ryuji: W-Wait! Don't leave me all alone! I-I come, I come, okay ?!

Shigeo: Seriously, man, you're really unique, I love you.

Ryuji: S-shut up, if we get kidnapped I'll save only myself, idiot.

Once both entered, they were a bit disappointed with the decor. They expected something much more modern. It bothered Ryuji less, who liked vintage a lot, but this was not a pleasant vintage. The carpet chosen, looked like an old carpet that had been eaten away by mice. The sofa was covered with an old stained fabric which gave the impression of not being washed, and the wallpaper was small yellowed flowers accompanied by a small touch of brown. The cabin looked dirty at first glance, but it was quite proper since there was no unpleasant odor. On the contrary, there was even a little smell of flowers that came to tickle your nostrils. Who, moreover, surprised the two friends.

Shigeo: Hey, look. The best moment! Said the redhead, opening the fridge.

Ryuji: Show me!

Shigeo: Whoa, look how full! The person has good tastes, at least for the food!

Ryuji: What is this? I would like to taste ...

Shigeo: I dunno, it looks like stuffed ham.

Ryuji: Hey, what are ya doing ?!

Shigeo: Well what, I open. You said you wanted to taste.

Ryuji: Yeah b-but not his! I meant, like, in a supermarket! Put it back, damn!

Shigeo: I opened it for you! Listen, if you don't want it, I don't care, I taste!

Ryuji: But, H-Hide! What if the person comes back now ?! I-I'm scared! I don't want to be in trouble!

Shigeo: We're always in trouble! It is not entering an abandoned cabin supposedly inhabited that will stop us! Wake up, Yu!

Ryuji: B-b-but ... it's really inhabited, otherwise the fridge wouldn't be full ...

Shigeo: Whoa! It's too good!

Ryuji: H-How does that taste ...? How does that taste?

Shigeo: You want to know, eh? Then, you just have to taste to see!

Ryuji: ... Nah! I-I won't taste it ...

Shigeo sat down on a chair, the bundle of stuffed ham in his hands. Ryuji looked at him longingly but resisted the temptation.

Shigeo: Hey, see if there's any orange juice or something, I don't remember.

Ryuji: Nah, but you're not at home, Hide! It's enough, come on, let's go!

Shigeo: Another five minutes! After we go, I promise.

Ryuji *pissed off *: Damn, what the hell is your problem? I'm going!

Shigeo: E-eh ?! Ryuji! Are you serious, man ?!

Ryuji: Yeah!

Shigeo: Whoa, wait for me at least! Ryu- huh?

The blond was about to open the door when they heard someone arrive. Ryuji's hand had started to shake on the doorknob, and Shigeo was trying to tell him that it was the owner of the cabin. Ryuji bent down to hide and began to fear his life. The redhead looked out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of a figure, but she had already advanced to the front of the cabin. Shigeo hurried over to his friend, quietly, and whispered to him that he had to open the door and run away, but Ryuji was way too scared and refused. Shigeo then told him that he could carry him and run, but Ryuji, embarrassed, refused again. It was then that Shigeo remembered that they had come by car and told Ryuji that they were going to run to it and be able to run away quietly. Ryuji had stars in his eyes at the idea, and the two of them started to prepare. Shigeo started counting in a low voice as he opened the door slowly, and once the door was fully opened, he took Ryuji's hand and started running with him.

Ryuji: WHOAAA !!! W-W-WAIT, I'M S-SCARED !!

Shigeo: WE DON'T CARE, RUN, DAMMIT!

Ryuji: WAIT, YOU HURT ME, H-HIDE!

They were running, then heard a furious voice behind them.

Owner: HEY! HEY! WHAT WERE YOU DOING AT MY HOME ?! HEY! COME BACK HERE! BAND OF LITTLE ASSHOLES!

Ryuji: HE'S FURAX, HIDE!

Shigeo: I HEAR IT, IDIOT! THERE! THE CAR, QUICKLY GET IN, GET IN !!!!

Ryuji: I-I-I'M READY !! I'M READY !!! START! START THE CAR, QUICKLY! I'M GONNA HAVE A HEART ATTACK !!!

Shigeo: STOP CRYING!

Once in the car, Shigeo accelerated as fast as possible, until he could no longer see the cabin in the distance. Ryuji was about to cry and Shigeo was super excited.

Shigeo: Damn, that was so cool!

Ryuji: ARE YA SERIOUS?! I HAD THE FEAR OF MY LIFE BECAUSE OF YA! WE ALMOST GOT KILLED!

Shigeo: Calm down, he wouldn't have done anything!

Ryuji: YA KNOW NOTHING!

Shigeo: Did you expect him to look like that, the owner ?!

Ryuji: N-Nah I didn't see very well. Only that it was a man ... I would have preferred him to be a pretty girl!

Shigeo: Dude ... that would have been impossible given the decor.

Ryuji: Anyway, if you're going to do something like that again, I'm not going out with ya anymore!

Shigeo: No worry. I understand that you're fragile. I love you so much, so it would be a shame if something happened to you, right, Ryuji?

Ryuji: Sh-Shut up!

Shigeo: Anyway, now we won't be able to go to this cabin anymore.

Ryuji: And so much the better !!! If it would have been a pretty girl at the limit ...

Shigeo: You're starting over ...

Ryuji: Speaking of girls, how are your girlfriends doing?

Shigeo: Oh, I got dumped.

Ryuji: By all three at the same time ?!

Shigeo: Yeah almost ...

Ryuji: Dude, who told ya to get involved with three of them at the same time, huh? It's your fault! Ya deserved it!

Shigeo: Hey! Talking like that won't help anyone!

Ryuji: But seriously, ya always do that and when it happens to ya, ya never learn the lesson! ... Y'know what they even call ya, the girls?

Shigeo: How? Wait, they even gave me a nickname?

Ryuji: Yeah, and your nickname is playboy! That's what they call ya!

Shigeo: Playboy? Why such a crappy nickname? I'm not against that they're giving me importance, but at least make an effort... Anyway, I don't care, they still go out with me, stupid nickname or not stupid nickname.

Ryuji: But ... Hide, I told ya that ya were too sure of yourself! Ya only rely on your money as if the rest is not important. Do ya think ya don't hurt them every time? I tell ya often, but ya start to change and take the big head. Even if it does not come from today.

Shigeo: Stop it, you're pissing me off with this. You don't know what's good or bad for me. Since when do guys get dumped when they have money? It's not bitches who will sully my reputation. Girls are everywhere, I can get them just by snapping my fingers!

Ryuji: You're doing it again! Damn, ya never want to listen to me ... seriously, don't become a hateful guy. Do ya never listen to yourself talk sometimes? Rich guys are everywhere too, you're not the richest man in the world, man.

Shigeo: Look, they all love me. When they go out with me, they stick to me everywhere, follow me day after day, and are ready to do whatever I want. I'm their idol and even their god, you understand?

Ryuji: Ya didn't even listen to me ...

Shigeo: Want to go to the usual bar?

Ryuji: Nah, go alone, I'm going home. I have to be home 10 minutes before my parents, to make them think I went to high school. I mean, if the school hasn't notified them of my absence. Ya should go home too!

Shigeo: Pfff, you talk. I'm free. My parents never ask me what I'm doing anyway.

Ryuji: ...

Shigeo: What? Go home already, I'm going, bye.

Ryuji: Bye ... and thanks for taking me home.

Shigeo: Well, normal, bye.

He turns around with the car and walked over to the bar.

At the bar.

Shigeo used to go to this bar. It was a nice little bar in the city where there were almost only regulars. He and Ryuji went there very often to spend their time. It was good to chat, hang out, drink alcohol or even coke, but also to come and do their homework. But that was pretty rare, as the two hardly ever did their homework. They knew pretty much everyone and had their little habits in this bar. The decor was very nice and there was a good atmosphere that made you want to stay there all evening. The walls were made of black bricks and on one of the walls, there was a line of bright lights that gave a little more light throughout the bar. The floor was a hardwood floor that creaked a bit with every step. Shigeo entered and went to sit at the bar, but was directly intrigued by the bartender standing at the counter behind the bar, as his face was unknown to him. It was the first time he had seen him, so it was not the one he was used to seeing.

Shigeo: Oh...You're new you... I've never seen you before.

Bartender: Yeah, I'm new. You are a regular, to what I see.

Shigeo: Yeah ... you can say that. You just arrived?

Bartender*smiles*: You mean in this bar?

Shigeo: Uh, yeah ...

Bartender: Yes, I started yesterday. It was a good friend of mine who offered me this job.

Offered this job? ...He has long hair. Besides, yesterday I wasn't there.

Bartender: And you-

Shigeo: Oh, my phone rings! Hello? Ryuji?

"I can come, finally! My parents called me, they finish later! And guess what? Apparently, the school hasn't called their work, they haven't even told me about it!"

Shigeo: Whoa, that's cool! So, are you coming right away?

"Yes, yes, I'm already on my way! Did ya order something?"

Shigeo: Nah, I haven't ordered anything yet. I'm going to wait for you.

"Okay, so I'm coming!"

Shigeo: Ok, hurry up!

Bartender: Should I serve you something?

Shigeo: ... Nah, I'm waiting for someone.

Bartender: Very good.

Shigeo: By the way, you heard my conversation, right? So, why are you pretending it's nothing if you've heard?

Bartender *smiling*: Yes, that's right.

Shigeo: It's always like that. Why do bartenders always listen to the lives of their customers?

Bartender: Well, most of the time people like to confide in us. Whether it's their heartache, their sadness, their anger, or whatever, they know they won't be judged. Sometimes, they tell us about their lives by themselves, without us asking them anything. Besides, it always feels good to confide in general, right?

Shigeo: Pff ... I don't know. All I know is that I won't confide in you! You don't seem reliable!

Bartender *mocking*: Really? Are you already prejudiced without even bothering to know the person?

Shigeo: Well, yeah! Why would I want to know you? I don't even know you!

Bartender: Getting acquainted allows-

Shigeo: Yoooo, Ryuji, I'm here!

Bartender: He's been cutting me twice ...

Ryuji: Oh, heyyy! Ya sure ya waited for me, huh? The blond asked, sitting down on a stool at the bar, next to Shigeo.

Shigeo: Yeah, look, I haven't taken anything yet.

Ryuji: Hi, an- oh, are you new?

Bartender: Yes, I-

Shigeo: Yeah, he's new, but who cares! A coke, for me!

Bartender *smiling*: ... And you?

Ryuji *sigh*: Uh, a coke too, please.

Bartender: I'll prepare this for you!

Shigeo: Why are you doing the polish?

Ryuji: And you, why are ya playing the arrogant all of a sudden?

Shigeo: Because-

Bartender: There you go, your cokes!

Ryuji: Whoa, A-already?

Shigeo: ...

Bartender *smiling*: Well, they're just cokes, nothing could be simpler.

Shigeo: Yeah, nothing complicated. You're in luck, we make your job easier!

Bartender *smiling*: Haha ... haha.

Ryuji: And ... are you enjoying it here? I mean, as a bartender and all that?

Bartender: Yeah, that's really good, especially in a beautiful bar like this.

Ryuji: How's it getting started with clients? Isn't it too difficult to make conversation?

"What's his problem? What do we have to care about him? He's just there to serve us..."

Bartender: Oh, you know, I've been a bartender before, it's not my first time. It's just my first time at this bar, and bars aren't all the same, so I'm trying to adjust, that's all.

Ryuji: Oooh, okay! So, you already have experience!

Shigeo: Yeah, well, what experience? Being a bartender is easy! You just serve cocktails, listen to people talk, and get paid to be behind the bar!

Bartender: To hear that from a young person like you is not at all surprising.

Shigeo: What do you mean ?!

Bartender: It's true that you learn to make great cocktails and that you get paid to be behind the bar. But do you think it's that easy?

Shigeo *annoyed*: Anyone can do that, as I said!

Ryuji: Do we think it's that easy? Damn, I don't see the trap in this question ...

Bartender *sigh*: Apparently that's what people see, and little teens like you think.

Shigeo: Stop looking down on us and explain!

Bartender *sigh*: Most of the time, we are dealing with drunks, fights that arise for nothing, the glasses are overturned, and you have to pick them up and clean up behind them. Not to mention how rude the clientele can be at times. Like today, by the way. Finished the brown looking at Shigeo straight in the eyes with a teasing little smile.

Shigeo: Hm? W-Why are you looking at me like that ?!

Bartender *mocking smile*: We often get called with snaps of fingers too. Didn't you have the idea to do it? He asked, still looking at Shigeo.

Ryuji: Whoa, that's right!

Shigeo: I-I'm not bad polite, idiot!

Ryuji: H-Hide! Ya prove the contrary, there ...

Bartender *laughs*: And ... you know that being a bartender doesn't mean being the bar manager?

Shigeo: I know it!

Ryuji: Uh ... m-me too!

Bartender: People very quickly forget that and think that you can therefore sell without a loss. Glad you guys know, then.

Ryuji: Have you ever had people hiding when paying?

Bartender: Of course. Except that it never makes me laugh.

Shigeo: I'd like to try and see.

Bartender *smile*: You can always try. I would do the same when it comes time to give you the change.

Shigeo: Pff, you can keep your change!

Bartender: Well, all this to tell you that it's not easy every day. And again, I haven't told you everything. Especially on the kind of clients we sometimes have. So, no, being a bartender is not as easy as you might think.

Ryuji: After all that, it's true that it doesn't sound easy and rather boring.

Shigeo: ... If you think about it, all jobs are like that. I mean, you're not the only one struggling! So there is no point in complaining!

Ryuji: Nah but shut up, Hide.

Bartender*smiles*: Yes, that's right. Sorry. You absolutely want to have the last word, so I'll leave it to you.

Ryuji: Whoa, so cool! Finally, someone who stands up to him, take this!

Shigeo: What's your problem? And stop smiling like that, it's fucking creepy!

Bartender *smiles*: I'm not doing it on purpose, you make me laugh, that's why. And- oh, good evening! What can I serve you?

He asked a customer who had just sat down at the counter.

Shigeo: Pfff, on top of that he takes me for a dumb.

Ryuji: Dude, he's an adult, don't talk to him like that.

Shigeo: So what? Because he's an adult, so I have to shut my mouth and let him treat me like an idiot ?! Are you crazy or what?!

Ryuji: He doesn't take ya for an idiot, moron. He sure finds it fun to tease an angry, arrogant teenager who attacks strangers for nothing! I would've done the same thing! It's ya who treats him badly, there ... not him. Again, he's an adult, don't forget! He's older than us, so respect him doubling.

Shigeo: And I will tell you again! Why do I have to shut my mouth because he's an adult ?! Look at his face, he only smiles strangely, it's hiding something!

Ryuji: Seriously, what did this new bartender do to ya...

Shigeo: I don't like his "I'm better than you bunch of kids" air!

Ryuji: It's just ya saying that... he looks cool and friendly.

Shigeo: Are you serious? Look at his face

Ryuji *sigh*: I don't care, lemme drink my coke.

Shigeo: Pffff.

The redhead watched the bartender pour cocktails. He could see he had technique and was secretly impressed with the speed with which he poured ingredients from one shaker to another. Ryuji was looking at him too and had stars in his eyes.

Ryuji: Whoa !! You are fast! What is this technique called? I never ask.

Bartender *smiles*: It's the throwing technique. It allows you to refresh and air the cocktail preparations without diluting them.

Ryuji: Whoa! So much class! Did ya see that, Hide!

Shigeo: ... Pfff, I hate adults !!! The redhead shouted loud enough to let the bartender hear him, then got up and walked towards the exit door.

Ryuji: H-Hey, where are ya going?

Shigeo: I'm breaking up. I'm going home!

Ryuji: Huh? But? Stay, Hide!

Shigeo: No, you stay if you want! You seem to be enjoying the show, right ?! Me, I'm going home, bye!

Ryuji: ... Huuuh ... is he jealous or what? -_-

Bartender: Is your buddy always like that?

Ryuji *sigh*: Yeah, always, nonstop, all the time!

Bartender*smiles*: He never takes a break, huh?

Ryuji: No, never. He's annoying at times. But, he has a sensitive side anyway! Shocking, right?

Bartender: Haha. it's indeed surprising. You don't think about that at all when you look at him.

Ryuji: Yeah, normal. It's always like that when people look at him at first sight. You have to dig that's all!

Bartender: Dig deeper, right?

Ryuji: Haha, that's it! That's it!

"Ryuji stays even though I'm gone. I wonder what the two of them are talking about. Besides, what's the fucking problem with this already boring bartender? He thought he looked cool with his old techniques for making his cocktails? Pff, for me, it's still easy to be a bartender! It's easy to impress people! How he makes Ryuji so easy to impress! I mean, we show him such a simple trick, and he already has stars in his eyes ?! Damn, he annoys me, stupid bartender! I'll go home and just sleep...it got me tired!"

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