Chapter 2

Shigeo was really appreciated in his high school, by the students, but also by those he did not even know. A good majority of people knew who he was or knew his name. He had especially done everything so that we know his name. Teachers hardly sanction him when he skips class or falls asleep in class. He already felt like he had the world at his feet. For him, having money was having friends, respect for anyone, power, and the world in his hands. He didn't like routine, so for him, going to class every day annoys him more than anything. He had to take advantage of his life and his youth by something other than going to high school! Even if it was just to fish and sit around for hours waiting for a fish to bite the hook, it excited him a lot more than going to class.

Ryuji thought the same as him, but unlike Shigeo, he was putting a little more effort into looking like a model student. He didn't always wake up on time and arrived late most of the time but was listening in class, as surprising as it might sound. Even though he did sometimes fall asleep ... He wasn't very good in class either and didn't always understand, but he tried to take as much interest as possible. It doesn't feel like that, but sometimes Ryuji can be smart. That's why sometimes he really resented Shigeo when he forcibly took him to skip class with him so as not to find himself alone. Ryuji mostly wanted to be a good student out of respect for his parents, not really for him. He found it unfair that his parents were paying so much money for his future if he himself didn't make an effort. The parents of the blond take very care of him and give him a lot of love. They only want the best for him, which is also why they had chosen this very famous high school.

It was a bit the opposite of Shigeo's father and mother in law. His father and mother in low didn't pay him as much attention as his best friend's. They were never asking him where he was when he was going out or were not particularly interested in his personal life or that sort of thing. Shigeo always said it was because his father had a big business, and he didn't have time for him then, but he knew deep down it was just because he never asked him any questions. He hardly ever spoke of his mother in law because he didn't really care. He always told himself that fortunately he still had his mother, even if it was hard not to see her every day and only a few days a month.

In high school.

Ryuji: Hide, I told ya we had a test last night! And ya decide to choose that evening to call me all night!

Shigeo: Sorry, I completely forgot. And, if that would have really bothered you, you should have hung up.

Ryuji *pissed off and blushed*: I ... argh you're pissing me off!

Shigeo: Hahaha! Don't worry, we'll catch up next time!

Ryuji: Ya always say that! It's always like that with ya!

Shigeo: Sorry, okay?

They were walking down the hall when a girl walked past and stopped to kiss Shigeo.

Ryuji *shocked*: Uh ...

Kimizu: I miss you during class! I'm so sick of it if you only knew!

Shigeo: I know, it's the same for me. At the end of class, you can come in my car if you want. You absolutely have to know how much I miss you.

Ryuji *disgust*: ...

Kimizu: Haha, I know very well what you mean. So, see you!

Shigeo: Hi.

Ryuji: You're serious man ... I feel like you go out with a new girl every week.

Shigeo: No! I know I'm an important person, but I won't go that far!

Ryuji: You're not an important person at all ... you're just a fucking rich 18-year-old high school student with a lot of money.

Shigeo: Whoa, are you mad or what?

Ryuji: Leave me alone. You're annoying me.

Shigeo: It was a joke, you know. In truth, it's just that she was there to comfort me when I was having my heartache love when the other girl ... she dumped me, and then it was done, that's all.

Ryuji: Heartache love? Ya never had heartache!

Shigeo: E-eh, everything needs a first!

Ryuji: Ya don't even look sad anyway ... And since when the day after a heartache love we go out with a new girl ...

Shigeo: What did you say ??? Uh ... you're pulling a spell on me or what... you're creepy.

Ryuji: Shut up, Hide. Don't make me laugh when I look so serious.

Shigeo: Haha, hey Ryuji!

Ryuji: What?

Shigeo: On another planet in the afterlife, I'm sure you are worshiped!

Ryuji: ... Uh, what do you mean by worship? Like, are they pissed off? They hate me your guys from the afterlife ?!

Shigeo: Dude ... aaah, never mind, my joke didn't even work anyway.

Ryuji: Hm ?? Let's hurry, the class will start!

After high school.

The best friends separated, and Shigeo had almost forgotten his date with his girlfriend when he saw her sitting on a bench, waiting for him. He sighed for a moment, as if he didn't want to see her, then motioned to her. They kissed, then walked towards the car. Shigeo was the type to date several girls, at the same time. Sometimes he was satisfied with one girlfriend, and sometimes with several. As soon as he was getting dumped, he immediately had a new girlfriend. That's why every time he was getting dumped, he was called a playboy. Despite all the girlfriends he dated, he had never fallen in love.

Shigeo: Hey, how about we go to the bar?

Kimizu: Uh ... yeah, okay ...?

Shigeo: Let's go, get in.

Kimizu: ... I thought you wanted to hug me?

Shigeo: Well, I changed my mind. Next time?

Kimizu: Mh ...

Shigeo: Are you sulking?

Kimizu: No, no. The bar isn't really my thing.

Shigeo: You agreed two seconds ago.

Kimizu: Yeah, but I don't drink alcohol.

Shigeo: There're also drinks other than alcohol there, you'll see.

Kimizu: What if there aren't others?

Shigeo: I know this bar by heart! Besides, bars don't just serve alcohol! How would those who don't like it do, huh?!

Kimizu: Ok, ok, alright! I trust you...

"Damn... are you stupid or what? Seriously..."

Once there, Shigeo and his girlfriend went directly to sit at a table. Kaito was a waiter who knew Shigeo and Ryuji well as their habits. He was also the boss. It didn't feel like that because he was young, but he really had experience. This bar, belonging to his father, had named him boss and wasn't disappointed. Kaito had also stopped his studies to devote himself entirely to the bar.

Kaito: Hi, Shi! Oh, you're with a lady today!

Shigeo: Uh ... y-yeah, she's with me.

Kimizu: Hello!

Kaito: H-Hi!

Shigeo: Uh, can you serve her a coke, please?

Kaito: Of course, and for you?

Shigeo: Uhm ... I'm not sure, the same thing?

Kaito: Okay!

Shigeo: We're going to the table over there.

Kaito: Don't worry, I will see your beautiful red hair light up!

Shigeo: Pffhaha.

Kimizu: You seem to get along well.

Shigeo: Yeah, he's super nice, I like him.

Kimizu: Do you come here often?

Shigeo: Yeah. We go there often with Ryuji.

Kimizu: You shouldn't be drinking so much alcohol, you know?

Shigeo: What? I don't always drink alcohol! Do you think when I come here it's just to drink? I'm not an alcoholic!

Kimizu: Ah, sorry, I thought you mainly came to drink! I imagined you spending your money on beer tours, haha.

Shigeo: I spend my money on things other than beer ...

Kimizu: Oh yeah? Like what? Tell me rich stuff, I don't know anything about it.

Shigeo *sigh*: In your opinion? Big cars, nice watches, nice clothes, shoes, besides, I have to buy myself a new pair of sneakers!

Kimizu: Why? This one is still new!

Shigeo: So what? New is not the question! I have to buy a new pair! And then, a new car too. I mean, a fast car.

Kimizu: Mmh, you're exaggerating. So it's like that when you're rich? Do we have so much money that we always spend lavishly? And above all, buy without ever stopping?

Shigeo: Forget it, you can't understand. If one day you become like me, maybe you will understand.

Kimizu: Hm ...

Kaito: Here are your cokes! Well, good coke!

Shigeo: Thanks, Kai.

Kimizu: Thank you very much!

Shigeo: So, you still don't like this bar?

Kimizu: It's not that I don't like it, it's just that bars are not my thing. I wish you took me somewhere more romantic.

Shigeo: Except that it's not a romantic date right now ... at first we just had to have sex in my car.

Kimizu: Yes, correct. But who changed their mind by bringing me here?

Shigeo *sigh*: Shit, it's me. So, are you having a bad time here?

Kimizu: No, it's okay anyway, don't worry.

Shigeo: If you want, I can buy you something after?

Kimizu: Oh, yeah that would be cool!

Shigeo: Oh wait, I got a call. It's Ryuji. Hello?

Kimizu *drinks her coke*

Shigeo: Seriously? You're at the bar? I'm there too! Where are you?

He turned and saw the blond at the entrance of the bar.

Ryuji: Oh, there you are! As if by chance, we are at the bar at the same time, without having made an appointment with each other! He said as he sat down at their table.

Shigeo: Yeah!

Ryuji: Oh! Were you on a date or something...?

Shigeo: Uhm-

Kimizu: No, it's okay, don't worry, I was just going home. Bye and see you, Shigeo.

Shigeo: B-bye ...

He watched the young girl go away, without turning around. Shigeo was surprised but didn't try to catch up with her. He told himself that he was better with his best friend, all alone than with her who didn't seem to be having a good time.

Ryuji: S-sorry...?

Shigeo: It's okay, it's not your fault. She didn't seem to like it, anyway. Are you ordering something?

Ryuji: Yeah, I'm very thirsty.

Shigeo: Me too, by the way, I have already finished my coke.

Ryuji: What are ya going to order?

Shigeo: Uh ... I'm thinking of lemonade, and you?

Ryuji: Oh yeah, a lemonade! Hm, an orange juice! Shall we sit down at the bar? It's classier!

Shigeo: What do you mean, classier? -_-

They got up at the same time, sat down at the bar, but no one was behind the counter. Which immediately pissed off Shigeo.

Shigeo: Where is Kaito?

Ryuji: I dunno. Isn't there the new bartender?

Shigeo: I hope not! I haven't seen him and it's super cool!

Ryuji: Oh, he's over there, he's chatting with a client, look!

Shigeo: What, he's here ?! He's serious? Does he think he works chatting with his clients or what? We're thirsty!

Ryuji: It's okay, calm down, Hide! Why are ya suddenly getting aggressive! We can wait, we're in no hurry. Besides, it's not a crime to put your customers at ease.

Shigeo: At ease? He only discusses and does nothing! It has nothing to do! It annoys me because it's his job! Kaito serve us straight away, him!

Ryuji: Hey, you're annoying. Kaito is busy on his side too! Me, I don't care about waiting. And, don't forget that he's new, he may be lacking in experience.

Shigeo: I don't give a ****. Hey! Hey! We're thirsty!

Ryuji: What are ya doing, moron! Are ya mega serious?! Who do ya think ya are to call him like that ?!

Shigeo: Still, it worked. Look, he's coming!

Ryuji: Huh?

Bartender: Sorry for the wait, gentlemen. Shall I serve you? Oh, I recognize you! Especially you, always so aggressive. ^^

Shigeo *pissed off*: D-do you take our orders, yes or no ?! Lemonade and orange juice!

Ryuji: Uh, p-please ...

Bartender: Very good!

Shigeo *annoyed*: Hey, serious! You are truly incompetent! Let your customers wait, while you chat! Seriously!

Ryuji: Damn it, but shut up, Hide! H-He's kidding! He's pissed off today ...

Bartender *smiles*: Don't worry, I'm used to teenagers like him. It was lemonade for whom, for you?

Shigeo: What? And why are you familiar with us now, huh? We're not your friends!

Ryuji: T-that's it, it's for him, thank you and by-

Shigeo: Where are you going? We stay at the bar, we don't take a table! Don't you mind his way of looking down on us ?! Why is he familiar with us all of a sudden?!

Barman *mockingly*: I don't look anyone down. At first, I'm always super polite with my clients, but once we get to know each other, I get familiar with them. Does it bother you?

Ryuji: Nah, not at all it's coo-

Shigeo: Of course it does! I mean, who gets to know who, first? We don't want to get to know you! We didn't ask for anything!

Bartender: You don't have to be formal with me too if you want. Okay, I have other clients, so I'll get back to you if you need anything else.

Shigeo: I want something else!

Ryuji: Huh?

Bartender: ... I'm listening. ^^

Shigeo: ... I-I want another lemonade! No, not just a second, a fifth, I'm extremely thirsty!

Ryuji: What the **** ...

Bartender *smiling*: Isn't that a bit too much for a small stomach?

Shigeo: I-I am thirsty! So, come on, I'm waiting!

Bartender *annoyed *: Okay, I think this has gone on long enough, right? I'll leave you, I have other more interesting clients.

Shigeo: I-Interesting? That's it, yeah! Seriously, what's he doing in this bar!

Ryuji: Ya fucking stupid. Why did ya talk to him so badly!

Shigeo: Because he disrespected us by ignoring us! Haven't you seen anything or what?

Ryuji: But damn, something's wrong with ya, sometimes, Hide!

Shigeo: And you bother me to be too nice.

He stood up, then silently left the bar. The blond was used to seeing him in this state, so, he did not try to catch up with him. He tells himself he'll text him later that night, and everything will be as before. The two friends were used to arguing over old stories like that, or even when they just didn't agree with each other. But, their relationship was so deep that they always reconciled on the very second. But this time, the redhead was really gone pissed off. Ryuji was drinking his orange juice alone while being on his phone, and meanwhile, Shigeo had gone for a walk to the beach a little further from the bar, before returning home.

The next day he wanted to go back to the bar after class, rather than go home, but at the last moment, he changed his mind. He thought back to what happened yesterday and told himself he didn't want to see this new bartender's face. So, instead of going to the bar, he started walking on the beach again. It was already a little dark, and the weather was not very nice that night. There was a cool, but pleasant wind. The redhead stopped walking to finally sit down for a bit on the sand, facing the sea. He thought for a moment, and after remembering Ryuji's sad face for having ignored him almost all day long in high school, he made up his mind and called him, but he did not answer. So, he left him a long message of apology. He had just sent the message to his best friend, that he felt a presence coming towards him. And he wasn't disappointed.

Bartender: Oh, the aggressive teenager from yesterday!

Shigeo: ... S-seriously ...? What are you doing here?

Bartender *Mocking*: What, it's a public beach, right? And why are you familiar with me now?

Shigeo: ... It's just less boring, so I'm familiar with you, what's the problem.

Bartender *sits next to him*: I don't mind it.

Shigeo: Why are you sitting next to me ?! The beach is big!

Bartender: What, are you still upset?

Shigeo: Obviously!

Bartender: Aaah, you look really funny, you know.

Shigeo: What does that mean ?!

Bartender: Hahaha, nothing!

Shigeo *sulks*

A silence had put between the two men. Shigeo was stroking the sand between his fingers and the bartender was looking out to sea when he turned his head to the teen and made up his mind to speak.

Bartender: So, are you a student? The man asked, his hair blowing in the wind and a few strands of hair that came to hide his sight.

Shigeo looked at him for a moment without saying anything, then turned his head and looked down to resume stroking the sand and drawing shapes.

Shigeo: ... Yeah.

Bartender: Where?

Shigeo: Why would you need to know that?

Bartender *sigh*: Are you always that talkative or do you choose who you want to talk to?

Shigeo: ... I choose, obviously. Who do you take me for?

Bartender: So, I'm the problem. Not very nice, huh?

Shigeo: ... Did you come to have an apology?

Bartender: No, not at all.

Shigeo: So why aren't you at the bar?

Bartender: I'm off today. And you saw the weather, as if by chance! I like this beach, it's nice, and it's right next to the bar. And there's rarely anyone. So no, I didn't come for an apology.

Shigeo: ... That's good, I wasn't going to apologize anyway.

Bartender *smiling*: ... I didn't expect to see you there though. Aren't you with your friend?

Shigeo: No.

Bartender: He looks cool as a friend.

Shigeo: ... He's my best friend and the first real mate I had.

Bartender: Oh, I see. You can tell he likes you a lot.

Shigeo: ...

Bartender: ...

Shigeo: ... ...What's your name?

Bartender *smiling*: I don't give my name to aggressive teens.

Shigeo *sulks*: ... I don't care. It's not like I'm interested in it!

Bartender: Haha. And yours?

Shigeo: Do ​​you think I'll give it to you if you don't want to tell me yours?

Bartender: Ah, oops.

Shigeo: ... What were you doing before becoming a bartender?

Bartender *smiling*: I don't know.

Shigeo: Why don't you want to say anything ?! Are you a wanted criminal or what ?!

Bartender: Haha, you got some good jokes! It's just that, I doubt you are interested in the life of an old man.

Shigeo: ... Yeah, that's true. But, you could respond when someone tries to get to know you.

Bartender *Mocking*: Oh, you want to make acquaintance now?

Shigeo *realizes*: N ... N-no ...!

Bartender: Haha. We'll make acquaintance later, I have to go.

Shigeo: But I don't want to make acquaintance, me.

Bartender: As you want, haha. Bye!

Shigeo: ...

He watched the brown go, then got up in his turn to go home. When he got home, his father was watching TV and his mother was cooking. He went up to his room without saying a word, then threw himself on his bed. He rolled onto his back, stared at the ceiling, then pulled out his phone to call Ryuji. And this time, the blond picked up.

"Hello?"

Shigeo: Uh ... it's Shi.

"Yes, I saw it was ya. What do ya want?"

Shigeo: Haven't you seen my message?

"I did, I did ... but I wanted to hear ya apologize on the phone too so I purposely didn't answer ya."

Shigeo: Are you serious! As if it wasn't embarrassing enough like that!

"Bahahaha! It must be said that it's so funny when ya apologize. Now, ya are less clever!"

Shigeo *sigh*: Seriously ...

"So, I'm waiting!"

Shigeo: Okay, okay! S...s-sorry!

"Haha, that's cute! I accept your apologies! But, ya were really boring!"

Shigeo: Yeah, shut up. Besides, I saw him today before returning home, as if by chance!

"Seriously ?! Did ya go to the bar the next day despite what had happened the day before?"

Shigeo: No, not at all! I was at the beach next to the bar thinking about yo- well, I was sitting calmly, and there he had come to sit next to me!

"Huuuuuuh ?! He saw you through the bar or what!"

Shigeo: Haha, nah, he was on leave today, that's what he told me.

"Whoaaaa, as if by chance! And, did ya apologize, at least?"

Shigeo: Well no, why would I do it ...

"Dude, you're a real asshole. He's an adult, you owe him respect!"

Shigeo: He's just a stranger! Just because he's an adult doesn't mean I have to lick his feet!

"Who's talking about licking- argh, never mind. What did ya talk about with him?"

Shigeo: Nothing special. He wasn't interesting.

"Ya say that, but I'm sure it's because you weren't trying to talk with- WHAT ??? AH, I'M COMING! Sorry, I have to go! See ya!"

Shigeo: Ok ... see you later.

"Shigeo, dinner!"

Shigeo: I'm coming ...

The redhead went downstairs and sat down at the table. His mother in law had cooked spaghetti bolognese and a salad. Shigeo wasn't a big fan of his mother in law's cooking compared to his biological mother, who cooked very well. Akega mostly bought frozen food that she tried to revisit in her own sauce, but the taste was always frozen food. Shigeo liked frozen food sometimes, except that it was at every meal. But there, almost as rare as it may seem, she had made a homemade sauce. Shigeo figured it wasn't difficult to make tomato sauce at the same time.

Akega: Do you like it, Shigeo?

Shigeo: Yeah, it's okay.

Father: It's perfect, my dear.

Akega: Good if you like it!

Shigeo: Since yesterday, there's been a new bartender at the bar.

Father: Really?

Shigeo: Yeah. But, he is rather incompetent.

Akega: Really?

Father: Today I was dealing with an asshole in the company.

Akega: Why are you saying that? What has happened?

Father: He was trying to be right about everything! While he was only being at fault!

Shigeo: ...

Akega: Haha, my poor love. You work so hard.

Shigeo: I'm going to bed.

Father: Oh, okay, good night.

Akega: Good night. And what happened to this guy in the end?

He cleared his plate and went to throw himself on his bed without bothering to put on his pajamas and fell asleep. But, he didn't care because it was the weekend, so he allowed himself to be lazy.

The next day, he woke up still a little in the vapes and went to the shower to wake up better. His dad and Akega were working, so he was home alone today. He thought about inviting Ryuji, but he remembered that he was going to the zoo with his family. Shigeo was thinking about what he could do today. Maybe go out with his girlfriend? Then he finally thought it was a bad idea because she was going to want to spend her time shopping. He decided to play some video games and then watched manga for a few hours. But the urge to go out and do something came back to him. He then decided to go to the bar, alone.

He took his prettiest car and drove to the bar. It was hot and very sunny today. Shigeo liked the sun, but there were limits to good weather, according to him. He didn't like it when it was sunny for too long or when the heat lasted without having a drop of rain. He loved bad weather and especially rain, that's why he didn't like when the good weather lasted. He still liked it when the weather was nice and had a great admiration for the ocean blue sky and snow-white clouds, but preferred the gray sky, the dark weather, the smell of rain just like the noises of raindrops. Ryuji was also a fan of bad weather and especially rain, like Shigeo. Ryuji's favorite season is winter. He always says he could watch the snow for hours without ever stopping. The snow ... all that brilliant white so pleasant but so cold to the touch, fascinated him.

Shigeo had finally arrived. He parked his car, got out, and walked straight inside.

He sat down at the counter, next to him there was already a drunk customer who was half asleep, his head between his arms on the counter. He looked at him for a moment with pity, then turned his eyes to Kaito who was talking to him.

Kaito *sigh*: See? Already a drunk.

Shigeo: Yeah, how they're doing in the middle of the afternoon ...

Kaito: It happened to you before, stop talking like an innocent!

Shigeo: I-It's not the same! Me, it's me!

Kaito *sigh*: Ah, you're a special case, Shigeo ... you want something to drink?

Shigeo: An ultraaaaa fresh orange juice, please!

Kaito: Okay! It's sooo hot today!

Shigeo: It's so boring a shitty weather like that.

Kaito: It's not shitty weather, don't abuse! But it's indeed boring this heat.

Shigeo: Aaaaaah, give us rain, please!

Kaito: Here, your fresh orange juice. For a while, you're at least going to feel cool inside with every sip.

Shigeo: Yeah, thank you! Ouwhoa! It feels so good!

Kaito: Right ?!

Shigeo: How is your father? It's been a long time since he's not coming to the bar.

Kaito: Hm, he's okay. He just feels tired, he's starting to get really old, you know. But, sometimes he comes into the bar. Even if it's not as much as he used to be. He comes mostly to see how it goes, but he trusts me completely.

Shigeo: Oooh, okay. Indeed, it doesn't look as easy as it used to be for him.

Kaito: Especially when it comes to walking, yeah.

Shigeo: Yeah, I understand. ... By the way ... he's not here your new bartender?

Kaito: Uh, he's at his break time, I think.

Shigeo: And ... where is he?

Kaito: I don't know, isn't he smoking at the entrance of the bar?

"At the entrance of the bar? But there was no one at the entrance when I arrived."

Shigeo: ... Okay, I have to go. Bye, Kaito.

Kaito: Huh, already?

Shigeo: Y-Yeah, I have to go.

Kaito: Okay ... well see you next time, Shi!

He put his change on the bar and got up to go out and look at the entrance of the bar. But, the moment he turned around he was being pushed around by the person he wanted to see.

Shigeo: Ouch! Hey, asshole! Pay att-

Bartender: Oops, sorry.

Shigeo: O-Oh ...

Shigeo watched him go and sit at the bar counter for a moment, rather hesitantly before deciding to go back and sit down.

Kaito: Oh, have you finished your break? Well, I'll take mine then. By the way, he was looking for you. Kaito said showing him Shigeo with his eyes.

Bartender: Hm? ... He was looking for me?

Kaito: Oh... weren't you supposed to leave, Shi?

Shigeo: Uh, I-I can stay a little longer.

Kaito: Oh, that's cool! I'm going to my break, bye-bye if I don't see you leaving.

Shigeo: Bye.

Bartender: So, apparently you were looking for me?

Shigeo: W-what?! Why would I want to see you, huh?!

Bartender*sigh*: Kaito told me that. What do you want from me?

Shigeo: ... ...Why are you talking so coldly to your clients? I mean, is it just with me? I know we're not friends ... but you could respect me anyway.

Bartender: Oh, but I respect you, unlike you. Sorry, if my voice scared you. And, aren't you in a bad position to tell me that?

Shigeo: N-not at all!

Bartender: Just kidding. Shall I serve something to sir?

Shigeo: ... Just give me a coke with lots of ice cubes.

Bartender: Ah, young people today are all rude, or what?

Shigeo: What do you mean?

Bartender: And the "please"?

Shigeo: Hey, I'm not a kid!

Bartender: Saying the magic word isn't just for kids.

Shigeo*angry and embarrassed*: ... P-please ...

Bartender *smiling*: There you go! I'll bring this to you right away, sir!

""Sir...?" What's his problem ... plus he talks to me like I'm a fucking kid! He's pissing me off!"

Shigeo was watching him brew his coke, silently, hesitating to start a conversation, but finally talked.

Shigeo: ... You still don't want to tell me your name?

Bartender: How about you?

Shigeo: Why me first?! I asked you before!

Bartender: Oh, yeah?

Shigeo: ... You kidding me, right?!

Bartender*mockingly*: You see, you're still aggressive, and so loud. So, I won't give you my name.

Shigeo*pissed off*: **** you. It was the last time! After all, I don't care!

Bartender: Haha. And here's your coke, dear sir!

Shigeo: Huh? There aren't enough ice cubes! I'm hot, I want more!

Bartender: Ah la la. If I put more ice cubes in, your coke will overflow. You're not going to lick the counter if it's overflowing, are you?

Shigeo: I-I don't care if it overflows! I don't want a hot coke!

Bartender: Hot? There are five large ice cubes.

Shigeo*sigh*: ... Damn ... I don't even have the strength to be even more pissed off. I'm too hot, you're lucky, I'm going to drink your coke of incompetent anyway.

Bartender*smiles*: Thank you, that's nice! ^^

Shigeo*drinks*: ...

Bartender*sigh*: There aren't many people today ...

Shigeo: ... ...aren't you hot with your shirt on?

Bartender: ... Hm? No, it's okay. It's a little cooler here. And I can always go and change in the back if I'm too hot.

Shigeo: ... ... Me, I don't really like summer.

Bartender: Really? Why?

Shigeo: It's too hot, and we burn as soon as the sun is on us! And then, we always sweat for nothing!

Bartender *laughs*: Me, I like summer. This is where you can hear the birds singing the most and the sound of the cool wind as soon as the shade settles. And then, this heat which is deposited on our body is really pleasant. This is the best time to walk around and breathe life.

Shigeo looked at him for a moment without saying a word to what the brown had just said. He found these words beautiful and even poetic and felt almost ashamed to find his way of speaking pleasant. He said to himself for a moment that he wanted to hear more but quickly changed his mind, telling himself that adults really liked to say big sentences for no reason, probably to feel intelligent.

Bartender: What? Do you want another coke?

Shigeo: ... N-no ...

Bartender: Oh, Kaito. Are you done?

Kaito: Yes, break time's over!

Bartender: So, I'll leave the bar to you. I'll take care of the reserve. We are missing a few bottles, by the way.

Kaito: O-kay!

Bartender: See you. Said the brown winking at Shigeo, before leaving.

Kaito: Are you okay, Shigeo? You look into vapes.

Shigeo: ... I-I'm ok ... I have to go.

Kaito: Oh ... this time it's the right one?

Shigeo: Y-yeah. See you...

Kaito*big smile*: See you~!

The teenager got up, took his car, and drove home. He greeted his father who was there, omitting his mother in law because the latter had not yet returned from her work, and went up to his room. He stretched out on his bed, hugged his pillow, his gaze lost on the window glass. The vivid blue of the sky was reflected in his irises, the color of which darkened at times from the clouds that floated peacefully there. A few minutes after clearing his mind, he began to think of the bartender.

"... A guy winking at me, isn't it weird when I think about it? I have the impression that he did it on purpose to make me uncomfortable! I've only known his existence for two days, but I can't stand him already."

"This bartender ... I think it's the first time I've seen such a boring guy!"

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