Thread 0: Blank Slate

[bunnyandcomet]

Notes:

This was translated from the advance trial version of Thread 0. I've checked it for discrepancies, but if I've made an error then feel free to comment or message me on Twitter.

I personally consider the visuals, sound, and voices to be essential part of the game experience, and this translation is intended to supplement them, not replace them. The game can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store using an account with the location set to Japan.

The protagonist of this translation is a woman with the default name Ito Yashiro.
In accordance with the official romanisation, full names are in FirstName LastName format.
Some words are highlighted in either blue or purple throughout the story, which I have retained.

Chapter 1

They are intertwined.
Intricately, cruelly, like threads.

Roka: Well then, I'll get started.
Department heads and core members.
Thank you for gathering here today despite such short notice.
Many of you are busy, so I'll cut to the chase.
This is very......very hard for me to say, but I have something important to tell you all.

Ai: ......

Roka: I, owner Roka Suoh......will be leaving the store for the time being.

All: ......

Roka: I suppose you've been shocked into silence. I understand. Truly, I apolo......

Kiho: Geez, seriously. And here I was thinking something had actually happened.

Roka: Eh?

Riku: "Either way it won't be anything significant", it's just as you said.

Roka: Huh? Hey, wait a sec, this isn't what I expected!

Takeru: That's our line. You were being so unusually formal, calling us in for an "emergency meeting", that I thought it was something serious.

Roka: The owner going away is a serious thing though?!

Shizuka: That'd normally be the case, but you go away every few months. Isn't it a bit late for this?

Kou: Well, I do feel a bit sympathetic when I look at His Majesty over there, who's still working and totally ignoring us.

Sei: So today's meeting was just for Roka-san's announcement of his "trip"?
Isn't that a relief, Taiga? You've been looking worried ever since he contacted us this morning.

Taiga: Eh? Wait no, you're right, but does it really show on my face that much......?

Tomose: Are we done here?

Roka: Rest assured, Tomo, we've only just started. This announcement is nothing but the beginning of a magnificent story!
Let me explain how my trip this time is gonna be totally different!

Riku: Rather than resting assured, I'm starting to worry about how long this is going to take.

Kiho: As long as it doesn't majorly inconvenience the staff or customers, I don't really mind if you take time off.
But when you say "for the time being", exactly how long do you plan on being away for?

Roka: Maybe a month, or several months, or several years...... Well, I guess you could say my plan's unplanned?
Anyway, I've got something I wanna do!

Sei: Something you want to do...... I see. I suppose that "something" is a secret, correct?

Roka: That's right! I guess you all will just have to be patient until I've done it!

Riku, Kiho: ......

Roka: I know everyone must be anxious about my absence, but do not worry. Wipe your tears.

Takeru: Unfortunately, it seems like we're all dry-eyed.

Shizuka: I mean, as long as we have Kosaka and Kise, the shop will function just fine.

Riku: At any rate, I get that you want to take an extended vacation because there's something you want to do.
Like Kiho, I won't try and stop you. Even if I said not to go, you would anyway like you always do, right?

Roka: Yup! As expected of the Super Counselor, seeing straight into all my secret thoughts!

Riku: Those are the words of someone who's hiding something.
Anyway, now for Ai's judgement. What do you think?

Ai: ......
No matter how many years Roka's gone for, it won't have any real impact on the business.
However......if we're talking about how the "Tail" we have for a worst-case scenario is going to disappear for an indefinite amount of time, that's a different story.

Riku: !

Roka: Hahaa...... I see, for sure.
You're right. What a brilliant observation!

Ai: If this isn't going to be one of those short trips you've taken where you just fluff around, then go and find a replacement Tail.

Taiga: ......A replacement, for the role of the Tail?

Ai: Needless to say, you'll need to receive the consent of said "replacement" beforehand.
I will not hire them unless they agree while being fully aware of the nature of our work and their own role.

Tomose: I don't think any decent person would accept that role on those terms.

Ai: It's Roka's replacement. As far as decency goes, he's already at rock bottom.

Tomose: I see. That is true.

Takeru: I love that unreservedness of yours, Tomose-chan.

Roka: ......THIS IS THE BEST!!!

Kou: Ah, that scared me! So loud.

Kiho: Roka. They're open for business next door.

Roka: How rude of me. But seriously, what a great suggestion! Just what I'd expect from Ai-Ai.
Actually, now that I think about it, Kamiyan's been with us for a while already. It's the perfect time to gain a new friend!

Riku: "A new friend"......geez, you. This isn't a conversation you can be so carefree abou—

Roka: If they're my replacement, then they'll be the deputy owner, right? I'm getting excited!
OK! First thing tomorrow, I'm gonna go out and search for them!

Riku: ......Haah...... Forget it, I get it. That's just the kind of guy you are.

Kou: I understand how you feel, Riku-san.
But any chance of a serious discussion was knocked out the moment Tomose-san's "straight punch" question landed.

Kiho: It's easy to say that you'll go searching, but do you even know what you're looking for?

Roka: Nope!

Kiho: Thought so.

Sei: That declaration had a good feeling to it.

Shizuka: I really don't get how he can live like that all time.

Takeru: Even a fool who comes this far is a genius.

Roka: It's fine. No need to worry.
I'll definitely find the bestest, most suitable deputy owner......
I have a feeling they're gonna be just that good!

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Yuzuru: Welcome. My name is Kise, and I will be your guide.
Firstly, allow me to explain what our shop is exactly.
We operate as an ordinary café during the daytime, but at night we become a members-only bar.
To limited patrons only, we offer a relaxing time and a "temporary staffing agency" service.
In place of yourself, another, or "something other than that"...
As long as it involves taking the place of a living human, we will flexibly take on any commission.
Well then. What kind of "substitution" are you seeking today?

Chapter 2

Bonds. Relationships.
They are akin to threads.

As they connect people, we are tied down, bit by bit.

Moving by your own will.
Such a simple thing becomes difficult.

However, even so......
Humans cannot live alone, no matter what.

We are connected.

We always have been, and we always will be.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Yukimura: Ooh. Isn't it a lovely colour? It turned out quite nice again this time.

Ito: ......It is......

Yukimura: Oh, you seem a bit apprehensive......? Sorry, is it not what you expected?

Ito: Ah, no, it's fine! It looks great. Thank you very much.

Friday evening, at my usual salon.
While my carefully washed hair was being dried by gentle hands, I casually looked around.

Staff Member: Thank you for today~.

Yukimura: Thank you for today! Take care on your way home.

The lady who had been sitting in the nearby chair until just then paid her bill and left, leaving me the only customer being serviced.
The staff member who had been sweeping hair also ducked into the back room, and I started to hear the faint melody of background music.
There was a single man sitting on the sofa near the entrance who seemed to be waiting for a consultation, but at this distance, there probably wouldn't be any awkwardness between us.

Ito: (......Okay, it's now or never. Let's do this.)
Yuki-san. Actually, I have something I'd like to ask for advice about......

Yukimura: Oh! You won 10 million yen in the lottery?!

Ito: If that were the case, I wouldn't be getting a haircut...... I'd have to be at home, protecting myself.

Yukimura: Ahaha, what's up with that? You should go flaunting it around town!

Ito: No way...... Even if I think back many years, I can't remember any good deed or suffering that could possibly earn me 10 million.
If I suddenly received such a large amount, I'd be more stressed out than happy. Like, am I going to die or something?

Yukimura: What a heavy price to pay.
You'd be fine. If one were to die just from receiving 10 million, then all the rich people in this world should have been wiped out by now.

Ito: That's true! Then maybe my life would be spared.

Yukimura: It'd spare more than just your life. Anyway, what was the important thing you wanted advice on?

Ito: Ah. So you are going to hear me out, after all......

Yukimura: It sort of feels like you don't want to talk about it. Should we not after all?

Ito: No, it's fine. I've made up my mind.

Yukimura: Ehh, all this buildup is making me kind of nervous too.
Hasn't it been a while since you've made such a cool face just talking to me?

Ito: ......Really?

Yukimura: Really. Anyway, drying done. Next......
For the cut, it's just a tidy up today, right? I'll get started now~.

I chat with him like this for a couple hours about once a month, and after a few years of this, we've reached a certain degree of mutual understanding.
While feeling grateful to Yuki-san who, as usual, caught on to my true feelings despite the serious face I make when I'm nervous...
I steadied my breathing and finally broached that topic.

Ito: Yuki-san......
I want to work!

???: ......? That girl......?

Yukimura: Ohh. What, have you begun an adult's summer vacation in the short time since I last saw you?

Ito: Ahh, sorry, but no. I'm still working now. Just barely.

Yukimura: "Just barely"?
Now that I think about it, you've never told me anything in-depth about your job, Ito-chan. I only know it's an office job...

Ito: I work in the Human Resources department of a totally ordinary, not-big-or-small company, and in the department we have a team that specialises in resolving interpersonal issues.
The people assigned to the team have been quitting one after another due to personal reasons, so the number of members isn't consistent at all, but......

Yukimura: I'm already getting a bad feeling from this, but could it be that you're part of that team?

Ito: I was assigned to it two months after entering the company and now, in my fifth year there, I've obtained a mystery position with no benefits.

Yukimura: So it's even worse than just being part of it. You're the toughest of the tough.

Ito: Trust me, I'm not staying because I want to. I just kept missing my chance to leave.
When I talk to people I don't know well, I get nervous and my face freezes up.
Because of that, I've been praised with "No matter who it is, you're able to deal with it unfazed"......ahaha, they're just misunderstood......

???: ......

Yukimura: That dry laugh is so sad that I can't even laugh along with you......
But, well, I get it. So you want to quit and work at a different company, is that it?

Ito: No, I mean, that's how I feel, but it's not that simple.

Yukimura: ......?

Ito: I'll skip over the details, but......
At the moment, my situation is basically "Two coworkers had an affair and it ended up a complicated mess, and now I, who was in charge of that case, am about to be fired or transferred to the middle of nowhere."

Yukimura: Say what?

Ito: I'll say this just in case, but I swear to God, I'm innocent. Or rather, I had nothing to do with it.
But each of the people involved blew up however they liked and it just became bigger and bigger, and it's reaching a point where our large business partners and such are getting involved.
I was handling it while thinking, "Give me a break", but the scary thing is, it's heading in the direction of me having to take responsibility for this whole fiasco!

Yukimura: Ito-chan, I've never once worked in an office setting before, but even I know this.
Your company is crazy.

Ito: Unfortunately, it seems like it really is.
I thought I'd better find a new job, so I tried registering on job sites and all that.
But in the first place, it's not like I'm quitting because I have something else I want to do, so my hopes are vague.
And when it comes to the reason for my job change, I don't have the skill to explain why while keeping it ambiguous, nor the strength to insist that I'm not at fault.
Honestly, I can't see myself succeeding at this.

Yukimura: But isn't that exactly the time to insist with all your might?

Ito: Ahaha, I guess so...... But, well......
Now that I've gradually tumbled down and ended up like this, if someone were to ask me "It's not your fault, even a little?",
I really can't say that it isn't, so......

Yukimura: ......

???: ......!

Ito: I wanted to ask you what you'd do if you were in my position, Yuki-san.
Sorry for springing such a wild story on you all of a sudde—

Roka: It's not your fault!!

Yukimura: !

Ito: !?

Chapter 3

I reflexively jumped at the loud voice that echoed through the shop.
By the time I realised that it had come from the man who had been sitting on the sofa, he was already rapidly approaching me......
And my breath caught in my throat for more reasons than one.

Ito: (Uh......an, an unbelievably good-looking person that I don't know is walking towards me with an unbelievably serious look on his face......)

Yukimura: Roka, stop! This isn't your territory, you know!?

Ito: (......Roka......Roka-san, I suppose. He must be an acquaintance of Yuki-san.)

Roka: But Yukimu! I can't stay silent listening to something like that!

Yukimura: Okay, calm down. There, there.
To be honest, while I was listening to that, I was on edge almost expecting you to cut in at some point.
But don't scare my customers. Hell, you even gave me a fright.

Roka: I apologise for that. But, but......

Yukimura: I know you intervened because you have something you need to say.

Roka: !

Ito: ......Something you need to say?

Yukimura: First, you need to calm down. Going in guns-blazing makes for a bad first impression. You could be reported.

Roka: ......How rude of me! You're right, I skipped over a few necessary things.
To start with, may I greet you properly?

Ito: ......Sure......?

Yukimura: Sorry, Ito-chan. He's my friend, but if you don't want him around, don't hesitate to say so.
I'll take responsibility and drag him out of the store myself.

Ito: (Drag him out......)

Roka: I am definitely not anyone suspicious, so do not worry ☆

Yukimura: That might be a bit much to ask.

Roka: I'm Roka Suoh. I am, as they say, the best bud of Yukimu, a.k.a. Yukimura Date!
You can just call me Roka. Glad to make your acquaintance.

Ito: (This is where I introduce myself......right?)
......My name is Yashiro.

Roka: Yashiro-san! Well hello, the pleasure's all mine!

Ito: (Ahh, what do I do, he's the lively type who can talk to someone as soon as he lays eyes on them. So bright......he's brighter than a car headlight.)

Roka: Yashiro-san, are you the type who can give someone a handshake when you've only just met them?

Ito: (A handshake!?)
......Um. Like, a normal one?

Having been shaken by his unexpected question, I had used my own two hands to demonstrate a "normal" handshake.
But rather than being weirded out or commenting on it, Roka-san smiled gently.

Ito: (......Huh?)

Roka: A normal one it is, then! Okay, nice to meet you~ ♪

He cheerfully grabbed my hand and vigorously shook it up and down......or so I thought he would. Instead, he simply offered his hand to me in the most gentlemanly way.
Even after I took it, he didn't move, but waited for me to grip it before returning it softly with the same amount of force.

Ito: (That smile from before, and this handshake too. I can't really explain it, but he's......not what I expected.)
(Even though I thought he was simply outrageous. What a mysterious person.)

Yukimura: ......

Roka: I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.
I just couldn't contain myself. My apologies.

Ito: Ah......please don't worry about it. I was also speaking too loudly. I'm sorry.

Roka: Don't apologise.
Not for this, and not for what happened in your story from before. There's nothing you need to apologise for.

Ito: Eh......

Roka: It's fine for you to say it. That you're "not at fault".

Ito: (......Why......)

Roka: Taking the fall for someone else and then giving up......
You don't have to do such a sad thing.

Ito: ......

Roka-san's words, gaze, and probably his feelings too, were all directed straight at me.
Perplexed by the fact that this person who I had just met today would go so far for me, I could only nod my head vaguely.
But it didn't feel unwelcome. Not even a little.
So when those words just naturally fell from my mouth, I didn't think it strange.

Ito: ......Thank you.

Roka: ......!
There's no need to thank me. But......you're welcome!

Ito: (Wow, he looks so happy.)

As if caught up in it, I unexpectedly felt my own tense face relaxing.

Ito: (Eh? Am I smiling, just a little?)

Roka: ......
......Yeah. I've made my decision.

Ito: ?

Yukimura: About what?

Roka: I had a hunch when I was listening to your story, but after seeing that smile, I'm sure of it.
The person I've been looking for is none other than you!

Ito: Huh?

Yukimura: Wait wait wait. I didn't think it was going to head in this direction, so I was just observing.
But hitting on her is totally out. What's up with you all of a sudden?

Roka: While Yashiro-san is certainly a very charming woman, I would never mistake this for that!
What I mean is that I, as the owner of Aporia, am scouting her!

Ito: Scouting?

Roka: Maybe "headhunting" would be a better way to put it?

Yukimura: As the owner of Aporia, Roka......wait. Do you mean, headhunting for Aporia?

Roka: As expected, you're quick on the uptake, Yukimu!

Ito: ......Aporia?

Roka: It's a store well-known only to those in the know on the top floor of this building.
To tell the truth, I am the owner!

Ito: !?

I had never even considered it.
That with one small spark, the unchanging routine of my life would unexpectedly and carelessly come apart.
That for me, it would happen here, today.

Roka: And as that owner, I have an important discussion......wish......no, both of those are not quite right.
A most excellent idea for you, Yashiro-san!

Mysteriously connected, entangled bonds.
Whether they are tears in the fabric, or the beginnings of a thread leading to the truth......

Roka: Yashiro-san, you should work for us from now on!

Ito: Excuse me?

Roka: As my deputy, in other words......as the deputy owner!

Ito: ............
......Excuse me?

And with that suggestion that would carelessly change my life, everything began.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Yuzuru: (......All right. That's all for today.)
Mmm......Guess I'll tidy up.

Rare: ! Rare! Rare-kun, mealtimeeee! Okaaay!!

Yuzuru: You just ate a little while ago.

Rare: Ohh......

Yuzuru: ? It's Roka-san......
Good work today, this is Kise. Yes, I'm still at the office.
Ai-san has already left. Can you not reach him?
If it's something urgent, I can also try calling him. Has something happened?
......Yes......
......Eh?

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ai: He found a replacement?

Yuzuru: "Yes. I haven't heard all the details yet, but......it seems she's a client at Yuki-san's CAFNÉ."

Ai: Did Yuki-san introduce her?

Yuzuru: "No, that doesn't appear to be the case. Rather, Roka-san scouted her then and there......?"
"Her name is Ito Yashiro."

Ai: ......Ito, Yashiro......

Yuzuru: "At any rate, she's at CAFNÉ right now, so I'll be having a little chat with her after this."
"Ai-san, what about you?"

Ai: ......

Yuzuru: "......Ai-san?"

Ai: ......I can hear you.
I'll set aside some time for another day. Call me only if something big happens.
Have Roka call Kiho-san and Riku-san within the day.

Yuzuru: "Understood. Good work today."

Ai: Yeah.
......Yashiro......
(......It can't be.)

Chapter 4

Attention All Employees

Thank you for your hard work today.

We would like to announce that due to Owner Suoh's leave of absence which you were notified of previously, we have decided to hire a new staff member.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Kou: ......I'm sorry you had to wait so long for me.
I'm not supposed to accept personal contact details from customers.

Woman: Don't worry, I definitely won't tell anyone! You don't have a girlfriend, right?

Kou: Well, I don't, but......
! Ah, he's finally here.

Mao: Sorry for making you wai......t. Whoa—

Kou: Good job today~! Mao!

Woman: Ahaha, a good job hug? How nice, you two get along so well.

Mao: ......Seriously, again? You don't have any left this month.

Kou: Sorry. I'll add on extra compensation, so please help me.

Mao: ......Haah......
......Hey. Sorry, but if you're interested in Kou, you should give up.
He doesn't want to actually date anyone except me.

Woman: Eh? Da......ting? The two of you?

Kou: Yeah.

Woman: Eh!? Wait, what......ah! When you said "I don't, but", did you mean you swing that way?

Kou: I'm sorry. But I'm glad you felt that way about me. Thank you.
Well, goodbye.
......Ahh, you really helped me out there, Mao. Thanks.

Mao: That's the girl who came for lunch today.
Hey, how many times do we have to tell you not to make moves on the customers before it sticks?

Kou: She gave me her contact details when she paid the bill. I didn't even message her on LIME, let along make a move. That counts as innocence, right?

Mao: If you're hiring a coworker to be your lover only when it's convenient for you, you're guilty.

Kou: Well, I guess so.

Mao: Haah......anyway, Kou. Have you seen it?

Kou: Seen what?

Mao: Chattas. It was shared in the general channel just then......

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Akehoshi: ......Ehhh......so we're seriously gettin' a new person.
Oh, Yura. You're up?

Yuragi: I only came to get a drink. Move.

Akehoshi: I'll grab it for ya. You want that whipped drink stuff in the fridge, right?
Cool if I have a sip?

Yuragi: No way.

Akehoshi: Ahaha, just kiddin'. Got a cup?

Yuragi: Don't need one.

Akehoshi: Spoon?

Yuragi: ......Enough, I'll get it myself.

Akehoshi: Sorry, sorry, I'm gettin' it. Here ya go.

Yuragi: Haah......

Akehoshi: Anyway, Aporia. Someone new's comin', huh?
Wonder what kinda person they are. You heard anything?

Yuragi: No. Either way, you won't know what someone's really like until you meet them.

Akehoshi: Yep, sounds like something you'd say. Though maybe you're right.
Guess I'll just look forward to meetin' them.
By the way, I'm goin' over to Soyogu-san's now for drinks. Wanna come?

Yuragi: I just opened a new candy, so.

Akehoshi: So not today, got it. If ya get hungry, there's fried rice too, but......

Yuragi: I'm fine with this.

Akehoshi: Thought so. I'll take it with me, then.
If there's snacks left over, want me to bring 'em back?

Yuragi: ......Leave it in that basket over there.

Akehoshi: Okay, good night~
All righty, that's the end of my break. Time to get the dishes done lickety-split.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Taiga: Oi, Haruhi. The bath?

Haruhi: ......

Taiga: ......Haruhi! Get up!

Haruhi: I said, I'm getting there......

Taiga: If you can hear me then go quickly. I drew you a bath because you're the one who said he'd take one.
Just how long are you going to laze around for?

Haruhi: I'm making arrangements for a collab next week, but the other person is slow to reply to every single message.
Right, Okoge?

Okoge: Meow.

Taiga: Don't blame other people. In the first place, if you're having a work discussion, you should sit up straight.

Haruhi: Even if I do, it's not like they can see me.

Taiga: Don't quibble with me. It's a matter of mental preparedness.
For example, in the near future, you'll have the opportunity to meet the deputy owner.
If you behave like this then, I'm going to hit you.

Haruhi: Okay, okay. Ahh, what a pain.....I'm meant to go take a bath, right, a bath......

Taiga: Put your dirty clothes in the hamper properly.

Haruhi: What are you, my mother?

Taiga: I don't remember giving birth to a child like you.

Sei: ......Fufu.

Taiga: I swear, it's every single day when it comes to him......
Sei-san, do you still have coffee in that cup? I can make you a refill.

Sei: Thank you, I'm fine for now.
I'm glad that the two of them are getting along as well as ever today. Okoge, you think so too, don't you?

Okoge: ? Myan.

Sei: Fufu. Yes, that's right. It's best when everybody is getting along.
......I hope we will be able to do so with "her" as well.

Taiga: ? Were you saying something?

Sei: Ahh, don't mind me. Just some small talk with Okoge.

Okoge: ......?
Guaa......ah......

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Takeru: Haaaah......! Humph.
Pardon me.

Shizuka: What was that?

Takeru: A yawn?

Shinobu: And what an epic one it was~!

Soyogu: Did you not sleep, Anego?

Takeru: To be honest, I was up until quite late yesterday drinking. By "quite late", I mean until morning.

Shinobu: It's amazing that you can still want to drink today too.

Takeru: The alcohol just won't let go of me. An alluring sin, indeed.

Shizuka: That’s the alcohol talking. Mainly, the bottle that you embrace as you sleep.

Takeru: I don’t remember. But they say that waking up with no memories of the night has a certain refined spontaneity to it, you know.

Soyogu: Ha. You’re not wrong.

Takeru: Well, I remember a little more than Soyogu, at least.
Anyway, what were we talking about again?

Shinobu: Ahaha, good question. We were saying that Akke should be coming soon, and then......
Ah, that's right. The new staff member! Is it true that it's a woman?

Shizuka: Yeah......

Takeru: Seems like it. She's the first one since Ai-chan took over, right?
She'll be part of the Main Office, and I don't think it really matters if she's a woman.
I'm sure there'll be a lot of things she's not used to at first though, so let's all give her a hand.

Soyogu: Hopefully we can help her out enough that that bastard's pickiness doesn't make her quit.

Shinobu: Are you talking about Ai-san?

Soyogu: Who else would it be?

Shinobu: Actually, Gucchi, you're the only one who can talk about him like that. You really don't get along......

——Ding-dong

Shinobu: Ah. He's here? I'll get the door.
Comiiing!

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Kiho: Welcome.

Kyoya: Pardon the intrusion.

Chapter 5

Kyoya: Apologies for my lateness. I was caught by a student as I was about to leave.

Kiho: You don't need to worry about it at all, I was just waiting at home anyway.
Rather, was the student okay?

Kyoya: Quite all right. It was only chit-chat disguised as questions about the lecture.

Kiho: You're as popular as ever, Shido-sensei.
You should sit down. I'd ask you what you want to drink......but your response won't be anything except the usual whiskey.

Kyoya: Thank you. Could you cut it with water?

Kiho: Of course.

Kyoya: He found one faster than I thought he would. A deputy owner, I mean.

Kiho: Ahh. That he did.
I was able to meet her too, and she was a polite and diligent girl.

Kyoya: I'm looking forward to meeting her, I hope I'll be able to soon.
Even so......I'm going to miss Roka-san while he's away.

Kiho: Is that so?

Kyoya: I heard that it really might be quite a long trip this time.
Having said that, I suppose that you'll miss him even more since you get along so well.

Kiho: There were times I thought that a long time ago, but I've gotten used to it now.
Though I was surprised since it was sudden as always.

Kyoya: You're not used to that part?

Kiho: No, he never ceases to amaze me.
Right, here you go.

Kyoya: Thank you.
By the way, Kiho-san......have you already done a "reading" for the deputy owner?

Kiho: Well, just for good measure. The result is a secret, though.

Kyoya: Haha, now I'm curious. You won't tell me even if I keep it between us?

Kiho: I wouldn't want you to have any preconceptions.
It's best for you to see with your own eyes what kind of person she is.

Kyoya: ......Indeed. You're quite right.
To me, your fortunes are answers, after all.

Kiho: I'm very grateful that you have such trust in my skills.
It may not be able to make up for that, but today I'll do a proper "reading" into what you need.

Kyoya: Yes, please do.

Kiho: ......Well then, shall I begin?

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Tomose: (......He's back.)
Welcome home.

Yu: I'm home.

Tomose: You're early today.

Yu: There weren't a lot of preparations for tomorrow. Didn't you have work tonight?

Tomose: We're waiting for them to arrive. A traffic accident blocked up the road on their way here, so they're a bit behind schedule.

Yu: I see. Dinner?

Tomose: Ahh......My bad, I forgot. Is it all right if I eat when I get back?

Yu: Don't worry about it. By the way, what were you reading?

Tomose: An overseas travelogue by a Japanese author. I had an errand to run today and happened to find it at a bookstore I passed.
It's not particularly interesting, though.

Yu: Really?

Tomose: What do you mean, "really"?

Yu: Must be interesting enough that you'd prioritise it over food.

Tomose: ......No. It really is boring.
I was just reading a little further because it mentioned a nostalgic place.

Yu: ......What did they write about it?

Tomose: Such good things that I almost thought it was a different place with the same name.
I doubt that's how it is really.

Yu: ......Is that so.

Tomose: It's Kise. Seems like they're about to arrive, I'll get going.

Yu: Yeah.
......Tomose.

Tomose: Mm?

Yu: What do you want for breakfast tomorrow?

Tomose: Eh?

Yu: It can be anything. Text me when you decide.

Tomose: ......Got it. Thanks.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Manami, Kamiya: Ah.

Kamiya: Haha, great timing.

Urara: Tch......

Chapter 6

Kamiya: Seriously, what a coincidence~.

Urara: Just how long are you gonna follow me for?

Kamiya: Well, we have the same destination. Aporia is that way, right? I'm going to Mimisto.

Urara: Pick a different convenience store, idiot.

Kamiya: But I've already come this far.

Urara: Fucking annoyance......Then at least shut up and walk behind me. Don't walk next to me.

Kamiya: Ah, that's right. Urara, about that thing that came over Chattas just then......

Urara: Are your earholes filled with concrete or what?

Kamiya: No, I know that you probably wouldn't have seen it, and since we happened to meet, I thought I'd tell you about it.
Someone new's joining, the first one in a while.

Urara: ......Someone new?

Kamiya: I'm going to Kyushu for half a month right before, so it'll be a little while before I can meet them.
If I was leaving just a day later, I'd be able to say hello before I left.

Urara: (Like I give a shit.)

Kamiya: You also may not be the first to meet them, but greet them enough for me too.

Urara: You really think I would, dumbass?

Kamiya: Ahaha! I totally thought you'd say that, word for word.

Urara: ......!

Kamiya: Ow......!?

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Riku: ......ch!? Ahh, that hurt......You know, Rare.
You're a grown bird, so you should at least learn to differentiate fingers from snacks.

Rare: Yummy yummy ♪ Rare-kun's a sweetie, so give him another treatie!

Riku: I won't, that's it. Seriously, what a troublesome bird you are.

Ai: It's because Roka spoils him.
It's the same as how Roka is like that because you spoil him, Riku-san.

Riku: That guy's like a conman that strong-arms you into indulging him.
That said, I'm afraid I did end up letting him do whatever he wanted this time.
He did actually find a deputy owner surprisingly quickly, though.

Ai: ......

Riku: I'm a bit worried about having such a wholesome girl coming and working here.
She'll finally be starting work next week, right? Ito Yashiro-san.

Ai: That's the plan.

Riku: I see.
Anyway, Ai, is there something up between you and her?

Ai: ......Why are you asking?

Riku: Yuzuru said that when you first heard her name, you seemed a little bothered, and he was worried.

Ai: ......Is this the reason you came to the office, even though you don't have any pressing business here?

Riku: Mmm......no? I had something else to do near here so I stopped by, honest.
I just thought I may as well ask since I'm here anyway.

Ai: ......Haah......
I'm won't say it's nothing, but at this point in time there isn't anything in particular to say about it.

Riku: Is it that there's the potential for something to happen?

Ai: I'll discuss it with you eventually depending on the circumstances, but until I do, you don't need to concern yourself with it.

Riku: Understood. Then it's fine for me to wish her the best as her ally, right?

Ai: Do as you like.

Riku: Oh. So it's okay for me to "like" her?

Ai: That is not what I mean. Please do something about that unhealthy infatuation habit of yours before it causes an incident.

Riku: I try to be careful, but love is something you fall into, after all.

Ai: ......Riku-san. On a more serious note...
Don't get too deeply involved with Yashiro, at least for the time being.

Riku: ......You're going so far as to say that, but you still won't tell me what's going on.
Well, if it's Your Majesty who wishes it so, then I'll obey.
But if you're going to be reckless, at least uphold our promise and include me in it.

Ai: I know.

Riku: Then we're all good.
Well, it may not all be sunshine and roses, but for now let's just welcome our first newbie in a long time.
After all, it is extremely rare for someone to want to come and work for us.

Chapter 7

Yuzuru: Well then, I'll be taking a look at it.

Monday morning, at my usual salon......'s building, four floors above.
Behind a door located across from the entrance of the store "Aporia", in one corner of a bright, spacious office, he began to check over the set of documents I had presented to him as if he was well-accustomed to it.

Yuzuru: Let's see, this, and this......Okay. You've not missed any sections or omitted any seals.

Yuzuru Kise-san.
A brilliant staff member who has broad responsibilities involving both the management of the café and overall administration of Aporia.
According to Roka-san and Yuki-san, he's "the personification of safety and security".

Ito: (At first I had no idea what they could mean by that, but I understood the instant I met him.)
(He's doesn't just "seem" kind; he has an atmosphere of kindness like he's wearing it as a coat. I've never even seen someone like him before.)

Yuzuru: Is it all right if I ask you to sign the employment contract as soon as our superior comes to work so I can pass it on to him by the end of the day?

Ito: Yes, anytime is fine.

Yuzuru: Then, just to make it official. I look forward to working with you from today onwards, Yashiro-san.

Ito: Likewise, I'll be in your care.
......Actually, I've already been helped a great deal by you. Thank you very much for your help with my resignation.

Yuzuru: Ahh, not at all. I really only helped out a little with that.
Though I'm glad it was able to resolved successfully.

"You should work for us!"
It hadn't yet been a month since the night of that abrupt proposal.
According to Roka-san, "Aporia's outstanding employees freely showcase their respective strengths and offer support on all fronts", and as the result of that support, my resignation and re-employment was briskly concluded with no time to think it a hassle.
Not only that, but they had managed to fully absolve me of any responsibility for the adultery scandal that had become so complicated.

Ito: (It was so easy I was left wondering what kind of magic they had used. It was truly amazing.)
(......I actually quit my job, huh.)

I had thought countless times that I wanted to quit, but not once had I thought that I would actually quit.
It was something that I thought I couldn't do, that I should not do.
Let alone with the help of other people. I'd never even tried to consider that.
And now, after all that, I still felt a little strange.

Ito: (? Ah. That birdcage isn't just a decoration, it's the real thing......)

Rare: Rare-kuuun? Mealtiiiime?

Ito: !
(Wh-whoa, that surprised me. That's right, some types of birds can talk. It's so cute......and really big!?)
(It's a pretty pink...parro......t......? Are parrots usually this plump......?)

Yuzuru: You already ate breakfast, you know. There's no more.

Rare: Wahhh, ahhh......

Yuzuru: Shh.

Rare: Shh......

Yuzuru: That's it. Good boy.
Sorry about him, he's quite the glutton.

Ito: No, I thought he was cute. Um......he's very fluffy and round.

Yuzuru: We call him Rare-kun. He's been at Aporia longer than I have.
Rare-kun, how about you say hello?

Rare: Hello! Greetings, greetings!

Ito: !? Hello, my name is Yashiro......
Can he understand words as well as speak?

Yuzuru: It seems so. He was originally a lost bird though, so we're a little unsure of his breed and such.
But he'll talk a lot to people he's fond of, so please get along well with him.

Ito: That's......if it's fine with Rare...san, then by all means.

Yuzuru: Ahaha. That's the first time I've heard someone refer to him with "san".

Ito: Eh.
(Crap. Kise-san said he'd been here longer than him, so I thought it was rude to use "kun", but it backfired......! I overthought it.)
(What do I do, it might seem cheeky instead if I just decide to call him by a nickname or something......)
......My apologies. I'll call him Rare-kun, then.

Yuzuru: It's all right. He seems to understand that he's being referred to as long as he hears "Rare".
Even if you don't say his name, he'll do things like cut into the conversation anyway.

Ito: (So cute......)

Yuzuru: So feel free to refer to him however you wish.
And not only with him.....with me, too, please refer to me as you like.

Ito: Eh.

Yuzuru: I'd be happy if you would treat me more casually as a friend that you work with.
Ah, as much as you're comfortable with, of course.
It's fine if it's little by little.

Ito: ......Thank you.

Yuzuru: Okay.

Ito: (He's seriously such a relief to talk to.)

I could tell that he's a person who speaks not for his own sake, but genuinely for the sake of person he's talking to.
A person who can create a comfortable atmosphere without the slightest hint of hostility or malice.

Ito: (Seems like I'll be able get along here quite peacefully. I'm really glad I was able to change my job to such a good pla——Ah.)

Yuzuru: ......Ah.

Ai: ......

Ito: (Huh?)

The person who had just entered the room slowly turned to look in our direction. His gaze seemed to pierce right through me as our eyes met.
The intensity of it had made my body stiffen at once, and I barely managed to lower my head.....
As he simply walked over towards the desks.

Ito: (......There's no reason that would have been a glare...but isn't the sharpness of his gaze way too much?)
(It was even scarier because he's so handsome......speaking of which, Roka-san and Kise-san are both good-looking too.)
(The people who work here really have visuals on a different level than the general population.)

Yuzuru: Good morning, Ai-san. What would you like today?

Ai: Coffee.

Ito: (Ai-san, I suppose. Unlike Kise-san, you can easily tell that he's hard to approach......)

Rare: Morning, morniiing!

Ai: Wrong. "Good morning". It's "good morning". Try saying it.

Rare: It's good morning! Try saying it!

Ai: Don't order me around.

Ito: (......Or maybe not.)

"Ai-san" took off his coat, and a skilfully prepared cup of coffee was placed on the desk he sat at.
After he had taken a small sip and placed it down again, Kise-san called me over to him.

Yuzuru: I'll introduce you. This is Ai Kosaka.
He's the chief of your department, the "Main Office", and the person entrusted by Roka-san to oversee management matters and overall unification of Aporia.

Ito: (Management and unification......so that means the "real" boss is this Kosaka-san, I guess?)

Ai: ......

Ito: (......The amount of pressure I'm feeling isn't normal......)
My name is Yashiro. I'll be in your care from today onwards.
Chief Kosaka...is it all right if I call you that?

Ai: Just Kosaka is fine, you don't need to speak so formally. But do not forget that respect.

Ito: (Respect......)

Ai: You may be replacing Roka, but I expect you to properly work hard. Keep that in mind.

Ito: ......Yes, sir.

Although I felt differently about Roka-san's style of working, I replied without saying anything unnecessary.
That seemed to be the correct answer, as Kosaka-san nodded slightly and raised his coffee cup to his mouth......
And took the document that Kise-san offered to him—my employment contract.

Ai: Your work duties are as stated in the contract.
As the deputy owner, you will be in charge of "in-store agency".

Chapter 8

"Temporary staffing agency". A service offered by Aporia that only certain people knew about.
I had not yet been fully briefed on my role, only that I would be acting as "support for that service".

Ai: You will provide assistance when agency requests are difficult to accomplish, take on a portion of the jobs in place of the regular personnel, and maintain smooth progress of our work.

Ito: (......So, similar to a temporary staff who does spot jobs when there's not enough manpower?)

Ai: Naturally, if an incident occurs during this period where the owner is absent......you will also take Roka's place as the "Lizard's Tail".

Yuzuru: ......

Ito: (......The "Lizard's Tail"...)

Ai: Yuzuru told you the details of it before, and we've given you time to think about it.
Given the fact that you brought the contract with you today, I presume that you have come to the conclusion to accept the job, inclusive of all responsibilities?

Ito: ......

I thought back to what Kise-san had told me on the night that Roka-san invited me.
......About what becoming Roka-san's "deputy" would entail.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

"The agency requests that Aporia accepts are not always peaceful."
In a non-threatening yet weighty tone, Kise-san began to speak.

Yuzuru: In place of yourself, someone else, or "something other than that".
As long as it involves taking the place of a living human, we will flexibly take on any commission.
That is what Aporia's agency service involves.

Ito: ......

Yuzuru: Of course, there will not be anything that involves willingly breaking the law.
But there are more than a few requests that involve "crossing a dangerous bridge", so to speak.
And depending on the situation, there may be times when a client of one request becomes the target of another.

Ito: ......So a friend may become a foe?

Yuzuru: Yes. While we certainly have plenty of customers who are grateful to us, there are naturally also those who harbour equally strong negative feelings towards us.
Therefore......included in the role of the deputy owner that we are now offering to you, Yashiro-san, is that of the "Lizard's Tail".
You will shoulder all risk in place of the staff who undertake such cases......
And if necessary, you will be discarded for the sake of protecting Aporia.

Ito: (......Discarded, for the sake of protection......)

Yuzuru: So please, don't rush giving me an answer and take some time to think this over.
This decision will, in all likelihood, become a turning point in your life.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: Yes.
You're correct.

Yuzuru: !

Ai: Understood. Yuzuru.

Yuzuru: ......Yashiro-san, I have one more document that I would like you to submit.
If you consent to undertaking the duties of the deputy owner, please review this document and sign it.

Within a leather binder was a document, a "pledge", the contents of which were simple.
"To take responsibility for the settlement of all issues in which Party A is involved, regardless of whether or not Party B is involved."
"To consent to any outcome, including termination of contract, upon settlement."

Ito: ......For this, just a signature is fine?

Yuzuru: Yes.

I signed my name unmistakably in the field for Party B and closed the binder.
Kise-san had a slightly troubled expression when I held it out to him, and he quietly began to speak.

Yuzuru: Allow me to ask you one last time.
You're truly not opposed to the terms of this contract?

Ito: (Kise-san......)
I'm someone who thinks that there are countless people who could replace me.

Yuzuru: ......Eh?

Ito: What I mean by that is, I don't think there's any one "special role that only I have".
And I think it's standard that people can be replaced by others.
But, I've probably always held an admiration for them.
That is......for those who have special roles, who exist outside of the realm of replaceability.

Yuzuru: Yashiro-san......

Ai: This surely can't be the case, but is that what you think this job is?
That if you work here, you'll also be able to become something special?

Ito: Oh no, of course not. I honestly don't think so.
......It's just, even if I can never become "special" myself, if I can become the "replacement" of someone special in some form...
That would be an amazing thing, I think.

Ai: ......The replacement of someone special?

Ito: At any rate, if I am to be someone's replacement...
I thought I'd like to try taking on the role of Roka-san, who kindly prepared such a position for the replaceable me.
Even if it's not a job that only I can do, it'll still be my job.

Yuzuru: ......I see how it is now.

Ito: Yes......So, um.
I'm honestly not opposed to it. If I may, I look forward to working with you.
(......Kise-san looked worried, so I just wanted to reassure him that it's really all right with me.)
(But I feel like it ended up totally all over the place since I launched into it with no plan......My heart's beating in my stomach...)

Ai: ......Yuzuru. Take it.

Ito: !

Yuzuru: Yes.
Thank you. I'll take care of these documents.
What you said just now......I'm glad I was able to hear it. Thank you very much.

Ito: Ah......Eh? Um, you're welcome.

Yuzuru: This time, truly, I look forward to working with you.

Ito: ......The same to you.
To be honest, I don't know if I'll be the best of help, but I'll do what I can.

Ai: Don't hide behind inoffensive words like "I'll do what I can".
Follow through. Regardless of who you are, you came here knowing that we're "not ordinary".

Yuzuru: ......

Ito: ......
Yes, sir.

Ai: You'd better not take back that reply.
I'll leave the rest to you.

Yuzuru: All right.

With that, Kosaka-san signed and sealed both the contract and the pledge, rose from his seat, and disappeared into the depths of the adjoining room.

Yuzuru: I may have said "All right"......but actually, I spoke too hastily. The truth is, I have a shift at the café today.
I've got to go and help out with the opening preparations, so a different staff member will be coming soon to handle the rest of——Ah.
Seems like he's arrived at just the right time.

Kou: Morning.
Wait. Sorry, were you guys waiting for me?

Kise: You're all good, perfect timing. Good morning.

Ito: (Another abnormally good-looking person......I'm not even surprised anymore. That's just the company culture.)

Kou: Nice to meet you. You're Yashiro-san, right?

Ito: ! That's right. Nice to meet you too.

Kou: Pleasure's all mine. I'm Kou Ayato.
Feel free to call me Kou. Pretty much everyone does.

Ito: ......Okay.
(I guess this is a much more candid workplace than I thought. I'm getting palpitations.)

Kou: In case you don't know, I'm the head of the Simulation Department, so I look forward to working with you this time around.

Ito: Simulation, Department?

Yuzuru: Oh, sorry. I haven't been able to explain the departments yet. Could you give her a quick run down?

Kou: Sure. What should I say about the in-store agency?

Yuzuru: Just what kind of thing it is, is enough.

Kou: Roger that. So cutting it short with an "Ask Yuzuru for the details later, yeah?" is A-OK?

Yuzuru: Yeah. I'll leave it to you.
Well then, Yashiro-san.
Apologies for the abruptness, but from now, it'll be a matter of carrying out your first "in-store agency" job, which is the area we'd like you to be in charge of.

Ito: (My first in-store agency job......)
Understood.

Yuzuru: Then if you'll excuse me. I'll see you later.

Ito: Thank you for today.

Kou: Right. You might've realised it from our exchange just then...
But your first job as the deputy owner, your first in-store agency case, is to be assistance for the Simulation Department.
So, once again. Glad to be working with you, Deputy Owner.

---

The next part, Irresponsible Pink, has been translated by Misora and can be found here.