We are still in the middle of spring, and the day should start with the best possible attitude. A young man was starting his typical routine, just like every other day. He woke up early to the sound of his alarm clock. The first thing he did was brush his teeth and wash his face with cold water. He had to be wide awake. After taking off his pajamas and going down to the kitchen, the first thing he had to do was make breakfast. Last night they had fried chicken and there were still leftovers, with a little rice and ingredients they had in the refrigerator. Although it's a bit heavy, food should not be wasted.
『Okay, I'll make fried rice for breakfast.』
He got to work. His cooking skills have improved over time, especially since he started living alone a while ago. He could have taken the easy option and bought food from a restaurant or a convenience store, but he knew that in the long run, that wouldn't be healthy. it wouldn't be entirely healthy, and he much preferred homemade food to any other type of food that was mostly processed. So, over time, he practiced and tried many recipes, and the result we have now is that he achieved his goal.
『Yes, it has my mother's touch *smiles*.』
The hour was passing and the sun's rays were filtering through the windows of the house. It was almost 7:00 a.m. As if she had everything planned out, she had served the food and everything else, and she had already gone to wake Dhapi up half an hour ago, but knowing her partner, she would surely have to go a second time to wake her up. As she was about to go up to the second floor, she didn't hear any footsteps, but she could tell that someone was coming down. It was Dhapi, with teary eyes and a yawn on her face, floating slightly down the stairs, as if she were a spirit walking through the house.
『Good morning... Kyto... *yawn* You know, I had a very nice dream.』
Dhapi still seemed to be floating, the dream was affecting her, she was swaying from one moment to the next as if she were about to fall, so Kyto took her by the shoulders to prevent her from falling, and the same routine always repeats itself. In the mornings, when the sun begins to rise and shine, Dhapi is at her weakest. It's clear that it's because of the atmosphere that's created. It makes sense that she wants to get up and start her day later, but even so, Dhapi is determined to start her day early. While Kyto was settling his companion into her seat, Dhapi continued talking.
『Listen *laughs* In that crazy dream I had, first imagine a cloud! Yes... a cloud! A cloud lived high up in the sky, everything was blue, I could see everything if I looked down, even though I had no eyes or anything, which would be weird, but I could see everything *dream*...』
After putting her in her seat, Kyto also took a seat and commented on what else that cloud was doing in the sky.
『It was a very lonely cloud!!!!!!!! It was the only cloud in the sky!!!!!!! And being the only cloud in the sky, it felt it had to do everything!!! To make it rain on everyone... to block the sun as much as it could... to even be the only one to make cloud shapes in the sky for those below!!!! He had to do everything!!! Don't you think that's sad, Kyto? He didn't have to do it, but he tried with all his might to do it anyway...』
『What a hard-working cloud. If I got to know him, I feel like we would get along well.』
『If you got to know him? *zzz* That would be a very bad idea!!! Knowing you, he would surely try even harder to meet your expectations. You would be an exploiter, Kyto!!!!! *pout*』
She emphasized this by pointing her finger at his face, but she was still weak, so Dhapi's hand ended up falling heavily on the table. Kyto was just eating his fried rice, and his smile said it all. Dhapi had been smelling the food for a while, so she looked at the plate and... realizing she was weak, she blushed and asked Kyto.
『Will you feed me? *red*』
『Try harder, Ema, it's not difficult, you just have to decide to do it.』
Kyto could spoon food onto her plate, while Dhapi tried to pick up the spoon, her hand was shaking, but what was going on... Her face and her imagination, still half asleep, made picking up the spoon seem like...
『What is this... It weighs more than Mjölnir, but it's impossible, I am more than worthy and brave enough to lift anything! A simple spoon is not going to beat me!!!! Ahhhh....ahhhhh---------AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!』
A loud scream was heard at that moment amid so much panting that Kyto stopped eating for a second. How is she able to scream like that, and acting like that, she seems to be drunk, so has she been taking care of a drunk every morning? Does she get drunk if she gets too much sunlight? Dhapi wasn't going to give up, so again, from the expression on her face, she seemed to be about to let out another powerful scream, so...
『!!!!!!!!!...Ahh...*red*』 (●´□`)♡
That... that definitely didn't sound like what he expected. At this point, Kyto finally stopped, and as if finally falling for his friend's ploy, especially so she wouldn't continue doing silly things at the table, he decided to feed his friend by mouth. This was reflected in Dhapi's face, showing how happy she was.
『(人´ω｀*)♡』
When she took the first bite, her expression softened even more, commenting that the fried rice had fried chicken in it, which was a combination she really liked. She hadn't thought about it before, of course they had eaten chicken before, but this breaded fried chicken was on another level! But they quickly told her the truth.
『How many calories will this breakfast have? Make sure you exercise later, Ema.』
『Yes!』 (•‾⌣‾•)و ̑̑♡
While they were feeding him, Dhapi seemed to continue with the dream he had, that now that cloud, which is the only one in the world, having to do everything alone, realized something.
『That one cloud was disappearing.』
Dhapi said that the harder that cloud tried, the more parts of it gradually disappeared, just as any cloud we know disappears for the same reasons it has to fulfill its purpose. That was exactly what was happening: the large cloud was becoming smaller and smaller. It no longer rained in large quantities, it no longer covered a large area from the sun's rays, and the cloud shapes it made were very limited.
『That cloud, unique in the world, was dying...』
Everything in her dream, Dhapi could see from the ground. She couldn't tell if it was her or not, only that her vision saw it from the ground. She could see every moment, every instant when that cloud did everything possible to fulfill its role. At this point, Dhapi felt that he had to do something. Perhaps the most logical thing would be to stop making the cloud work anymore. If we needed water, the inhabitants of the earth should get it for themselves. If they wanted protection, they should give it to themselves. And if they wanted fun and entertainment, they should give it to themselves. Why should someone who shouldn't even matter to them, and vice versa, be doing everything for them? Dhapi did not understand this. In his own dream, he was able to solve all the problems, so he went up to the sky and shouted to that one cloud that it no longer had to work, that now they no longer needed it, that they could fend for themselves. Dhapi believed he had done something good in allowing the only cloud in the world to rest and improve, but he immediately received a response. Small drops were falling on it, the cloud became so small and lost its strength that now all that remains is a white piece floating above Dhapi's head, it was more than raining, dripping everything it could. Dhapi did not understand why... if they already have everything, why does that cloud continue to strive for them... for her.
『Perhaps it is because it is their duty to fulfill. We are all born with a purpose in life, and many do not mind dying as long as they can continue to fulfill it until their last days.』 - 『For those living beings, it gives them great joy to work until they die』
Kyto commented as he continued to feed Dhapi, who frowned to show her disapproval. She commented that she could hear those kinds of comments in her dream as well, but...but...for Dhapi, death should not be a joy.
『If working until you die is your only joy in the world, then it's because you don't know what true happiness is!』
In Dhapi's dream, she couldn't just stand by and do nothing. She refused to let this little cloud die while doing its duty. This shouldn't bring him happiness. It's just a lie to believe that this really makes him happy. If he thinks that way, it's because he didn't know anything about this world! This cloud was alone from the beginning, so if it did everything it had to do and believes that the only thing it can do should make it happy... then!!!!!
At this point, Dhapi finished taking a piece of the cloud from nearby and, with all his strength, squeezed his hands on his chest with everything he had. The cloud seemed unable to bear it any longer at that moment, and began to disappear little by little. In that dream, Dhapi wanted to help it, he didn't want to leave it alone, because someone who has no company is enough to let it slowly die inside and...
When he finally finished and opened his hands, Dhapi showed a small, pure pink cloud coming out of it. It looked like a newborn, which, with its little strength, began to rise and seem to discover the world, to discover this lonely cloud that was alone. It did nothing but enter and return to the place where it came from. This caused the cloud that was disappearing to recover a little, and even take on a light pink hue. Dhapi smiled and said,
『Don't worry, now it's my turn to bring happiness into your life *smiles*』
She said this at the table, where Kyto could hear her. Dhapi blushed but smiled from ear to ear. Once she had recovered, she picked up her spoon and...
『!!!!!!! This is so delicious!!!! As expected of my Kyto, are your hands blessed by the best chefs or what? Ah!! *calm* It's like eating food from a chubby, kind lady *happy*』
Dhapi was eating the fried rice with all her heart, and Kyto was surprised by his friend's reaction, which he could only smile at. When he least expected it, Dhapi had already finished her plate and was asking for seconds.
『I'm going to serve myself some more!!!! Ahhh...this also seems like a dream, being able to eat delicious food every day, Hehe!!! But you know what, world? There's only one Kyto! And I'm with him!!!! 』
『We live together, and I'm his caregiver, that's all. 』
『I'm with him, world!!!!! Even though he rejects me and all that, but...the thing is, we still get along!!!!!! 』
At this, Dhapi served herself more on her plate, as she was about to die if she didn't continue eating this delicacy. When they returned to their seats with their plates, Kyto couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he saw Dhapi blush and touch her cheek as soon as she ate. He commented freely,
『You're such a sweetheart, Ema *smiles* Thank you for making my life better.』
Kyto continued to eat his breakfast calmly, while Dhapi, upon hearing this, was now the one who couldn't continue with her breakfast. She blushed instantly and said embarrassedly...
『Really... how could I not have fallen in love with you... if you're like this with me... *embarrassed*』
Dhapi still remembers that day when Kyto rejected her and now only sees her as a great friend, a great friend who is part of her family. At that moment and in many others, perhaps he said it in the heat of the moment, perhaps Kyto is actually attracted to her too, you know, Kyto hides his embarrassment, he was like that as a child and now...
『(No, Kyto doesn't see me that way, he was sincere about his feelings and this is the result... besides, he seems to be getting along better with Pina-chan...)』
The day continued with Kyto's usual routine. There are no classes today, so he goes to work from morning until afternoon. He told Dhapi to go to the shopping district to buy everything she needs to make her lunch. He always leaves her money for these occasions, which happen once or twice a week. But before, Dhapi used to spend that money on eating out, which is fine, of course, but she would save a lot more if she made her own lunch, besides, she would already have done the shopping and... Dhapi is making a face that shows she's not interested in the subject...
『Today I'm going to visit my friend Miia-chan's house again. I'll have lunch there too, so don't worry about food.』
『Of course I'm worried. I'm even thinking that for all the times you went, I should pay them for all the trouble you caused...』
『Nah, they're good people, and thanks to them, I'm learning to cook on my own. Miia is teaching me! *proud*』
At this point, whether I taught Miia or Kimihito how to cook, we quickly know who is the best option, but Dhapi quickly chose Miia because... HA! They're friends! YES!!!!!! Who doesn't want to do things with their friends, huh?!
『So a Lamia is teaching you? Lately you've been talking to me a lot about them. I hope to meet them and... apologize for all the trouble you've caused them.』 (・・.)ゞ
『Do I really seem that troublesome to you?!』
Kyto has tried Dhapi's test food, and well, the result... there are few things Kyto isn't honest about, and being her friend, this...
『We need to improve this Omurice Ema...』
『It's Tonkatsu.』
『THIS CRAP IS TONKATSU!!!!』
He literally said what he was thinking in surprise, and at that moment, Dhapi could only touch and scratch her head, embarrassed, saying that she would try to improve her skills.
At this point, Kyto left the house and headed to work. He opens at 10:00 a.m. to welcome diners, but of course, the workers and everything else must be there long before that. Kyto is only a waiter and is not in charge of the kitchen, so of course he feels that this position is not bad after all, but of course if they had put him in the kitchen area he would not have complained. From time to time, if he saw that they were in trouble, he would offer to help out in the kitchen. But the many times he cooked and had the head chef taste his dishes to see if they should be added to the menu or served to customers, they were fine, but it wasn't the flavor, presentation, or other aspects of the food they serve here. He still remembers being told...
『Your food is delicious, Kyto, but it's not what the restaurant needs.』
So every time he helps in the kitchen, it's mostly with minor tasks. All the preparation, presentation, and so on is left to those who know what they're doing and are fully involved in the restaurant. Kyto thought that if Ema was very happy with the food he made, then what was wrong with that? He has been thinking about it to this day. He had already put on his waiter's uniform, so he was ready for another day of work, but this time he seemed more determined than before. Seiro Oki was also in the dressing room, and he seemed to be looking only at Kyto. Kyto realized that something was going on with this guy.
The doors had already been opened, and as always, the first customers in the restaurant were the two ladies who came exclusively to see Kiyomiya Kyto, who came to greet them and serve them at their table.
『Look! The reason we always come here has just appeared!』
『We wait all week for this exact moment, we can't help it, you treat us so well, Kiyomiya-san! *smiles*』
『Yes! You have poise, you have elegance, you have charisma, you have manners, you have everything any woman could want! That includes us, of course *laughs*』
『That is, if you still consider us attractive women *laughs*.』
The two ladies were laughing and sharing their friendship and tastes as usual. They weren't hurting anyone, they were just being themselves, and although you could tell they were from high society, their behavior wasn't so highbrow, as Kyto noticed...
『Welcome *smiles* My name is Kiyomiya Kyto, and I will be attending to you throughout your experience here. I will be taking your orders and suggestions, and if you want to chat, as long as it's pleasant and fun, I can make time for you *smiles*.』
The two ladies noticed that Kyto was acting as if they were new to the restaurant, which they found strange, since they didn't understand the reason for his behavior. They also noticed something else. For some reason, they felt that this guy was not the same one who had served them before.
『What's wrong, Kiyomiya-san? Don't you remember us? It's us *smiles*.』
『Yes!!! It's us!!! Let me remind you, I'm Narara Sasha and my lifelong friend is Tarara Masha. Now you remember us, Kiyomiya-san *smiles*.』
Both women were smiling and seemed unable to shake off the attitude they wanted to project, of having fun and daring to do anything as if they were young forever. But Kyto replied.
『Narara Sasha, Tarara Masha, those are beautiful names. Thank you for trusting me and telling me your names. Now that we have finally introduced ourselves properly, I would like to apologize.』
Kyto then bowed to apologize, a gesture that confused both ladies. They didn't understand it at all, because this cute boy who always spoke nicely to them and treated them with affection had been acting strange that day, although days before they had also begun to notice that Kyto was acting a little odd.
『Mrs. Narara Sasha, Mrs. Tarara Masha, I want to apologize for lying to you all this time and being two-faced.』 -『All the times I treated you properly, with respect and affection, it wasn't because it came from my heart or because I wanted to be kind to you for my own sake, but because it was an obligation I had to fulfill, and I want to apologize for being and acting like a liar. Every time I complimented you, it was a lie; every time I apologized, it was a lie; every time I served you, listened to everything you said, or answered your questions, everything I did for you was a lie. I beg your forgiveness!』
Kyto seemed more serious than usual. He had been thinking about doing this for a long time, and just as he had learned in school, here and throughout his life, he felt that he should be sincere with everyone in the right way, no longer hiding things and knowing that his previous attitude, which he believed to be correct, was wrong. Although... why do this at work? It's clear that not everyone who works does so because they want to, maybe some do, but... mostly it's an obligation to fulfill, that speaking nicely, attending to others correctly, being kind, and so on, are obligations to be fulfilled by a higher power, and many times the things that are done are done for that very reason, not because the person truly feels that way.
It's silly to take this seriously, but Kyto feels he must.
『So, you acted so nice and friendly to us because it was your obligation?』
『That's right. I didn't really feel anything for you.』
Kyto said this bluntly and continued to bow and apologize, which seemed to be attracting the attention of the other restaurant workers. Oki saw this and didn't know why Kyto was doing it, but quickly other coworkers were going to stop him for bothering the customers, but Oki just stretched out his hand to stop them.
『Wait, let's let this continue.』
Oki doesn't know why Kyto is doing this, but one thing is certain: what he is doing now is wrong. How can he say that to the diners? Is he crazy? He's risking his job. Just looking at the confused faces of those ladies, Oki imagines that, being who they are, they will surely act in self-defense and file a complaint against Kyto, which will surely get him demoted and...
『In short, thanks for doing something stupid, Kyto *smiles*』
Kyto was worried, sweat on his forehead, as the ladies looked at each other, as if already knowing their answer for both of them, Narara Sasha replied with a.
『We already knew that, young man, so it would be silly to complain about something we also took advantage of *smiles*』
『Eh...?』
『A handsome young man noticing us and treating us in the best way possible? That would never happen. We are more than aware that our youth is over and the only thing left from now on is old age.』
『Wrinkles.』
『Gray hair.』
『Dark circles under our eyes.』
『Sagging skin.』
『Dry skin.』
『Back pain.』
『Knee pain.』
『We could tell you a thousand and one things we're going through. It's unthinkable that a young man or even a man would notice us at our age.』
『All men nowadays only want one thing, the Species.』
『You're right, Masha. Nobody, or very few people, notice humans anymore. Imagine old humans. Even we think we're just for the sack *laughs*』
『That's how it is now and there's nothing we can do about it, we've accepted it, but in my youth I can say for sure that... many men preferred me to the Species.』
『Yes, you were and personally, you still are a real beauty Masha, I myself saw how you had a line of men waiting for a chance with you!!! *laughs*』
『You too, Sasha, don't play the angel, you're still a pretty little devil, and between the two of us, you were the sluttiest *laughs*.』
『!!!! Not in front of Kiyomiya-san!!! *blushes* Don't listen to her!!!! Well, although it's true *embarrassed*.』
At this, both ladies were laughing and having a slightly risqué conversation. Upon hearing and seeing this, Kyto couldn't understand. He thought about it and prepared himself for a good scolding and even a beating from the ladies, but they took it very well... At one point, he was even scared.
『Don't make that face, Kiyomiya-san. We actually want to apologize to you. Just as you lied to us, we also lied to you, and we did it just to get along and have a good time. That's all. 』
Sasha spoke, and like Masha, they both bowed and apologized to Kyto. Kyto was confused and told them not to do that, but then he quickly heard moans and groans of pain from the ladies. Kyto helped them straighten up and sit down, as their hips and backs were no longer as strong as they used to be. As he helped them and saw how worried he felt for them, he felt a little sad, because now that they had said everything there was to say on the subject, acting as if nothing had been said was...
『So you lied too...』
『More like, who in the world doesn't?』
『Everyone does it, every day! Whether big or small!! But it's clear that everyone lies, we tell you this as people who have lived their lives and met many liars everywhere!!! I have one right here next to me *smiles*』
『My dear friend whom I love very much *smiles*』
『Yes, of course, some lies are more upsetting than others, but there are also others that, well, aren't so serious *smiles*』
『And from what I know, you made this decision because something very important happened in your life. It's easy to deduce, perhaps love? Am I right, Kiyomiya?』
Kyto ended up telling them what happened at school when Dhapi, Suu, Papi, and M visited. When he finished telling them everything, the ladies couldn't believe that had happened. Their reactions and covering their mouths as if it were the biggest revelation ever was like listening to a soap opera on the radio!!!!
『I understand now. No wonder you want to be honest with everyone in the best way possible so as not to hurt anyone. That's very brave of you *smiles*.』
『I reject a vampire, who are the best in the world, women, men, highly prestigious, always so unattainable and perfect, on the same level as elves. I don't think even in my youth I would have had any luck with Kiyomiya-san...』
『Let it go, friend, you know it doesn't matter that much, *smiles* Listen to me, Kiyomiya Kyto, I can see you want to be a better person and I'm very happy for you, so the only thing this old lady can say to you is, 'Be yourself and enjoy life' *smiles*』
Sasha gave this advice to Kyto, who, after all this treatment from the ladies, ended up taking it better and went in a completely opposite direction to what she expected. He stood up straight, and once again they could see the expression with which he welcomed them to the premises. Kyto had a pure and innocent smile on his face, one that reflected how he really felt at that moment.
『Thank you very much, I will enjoy the life I have *smiles*.』
When they saw Kyto's smile this time, the ladies were sure that this was how he really was, the young man who always served them every time they visited this place. They could see the difference from before; they were no longer talking to an employee, they were now talking to Kiyomiya Kyto, and Kyto was talking to Narara Sasha and Tarara Masha for the first time.
『That's how I like it *smiles* You have a nice smile, no wonder young women and ladies are crazy about you *oops* Sorry, it's just that now that I know you as you really are, you attract my attention much more, Kiyomiya-san *smiles* I think I'll enjoy coming here even more now.』
『Yes, you remind me of my grandson, who is just as sweet and innocent as you, Kiyomiya-san. Maybe I'll get confused and want to treat you like one of my family if you keep being yourself *laughs*』
『I really like you guys too, Tarara-san, Narara-san. If you want, we can keep in touch outside of work. It's clear that you know a lot about life, something that I lack. I know I will learn a lot from you and have fun, there's no doubt about that. You also remind me a little of my grandmother. I feel like you would get along well if you met, so... Would you like to be my friends? Sasha-san, Masha-san?』
With that, Kyto offered his hand, his sincere expression unchanged. Seeing this, both Sasha and Masha couldn't believe it. They literally felt a huge, powerful shot hit their fragile bodies. This hadn't happened since their youth! And when was that? Back in the days of the dinosaurs!!!! To experience that pure feeling of a sincere and pure confession again!!!! Quickly and joyfully, both ladies, unable to contain themselves, took Kyto's hand and said.
『『It would be a pleasure, Kyto-san!!!』』
Both were happy with this, and Kyto was also happy, blushing. Being sincere and apologizing only brought him joy on this occasion, even making a fake friendship with two of his diners real. The day continued, and of course he had to do his job, with more attention and the added bonus that they were friends. The sincerity they now had for him was evident. When Seiro Oki saw this, he couldn't believe it. This looked like it was going to go wrong, so how did it turn out well for Kyto? He wanted to tell the restaurant manager about this and only tell him the negative part of it, just the beginning, but it was too late. The manager witnessed this too, and said happily,
『I can't believe it, this is what my restaurant needed, sincerity. Thank you very much, Kyto, for teaching me that.』
『No! Boss! The thing is... *annoyed*』
Oki couldn't say anything else when he saw that Kyto didn't just do this with these two ladies, but with every customer he served. He was sincere and clear with each one. This didn't seem so bad. Some customers didn't care much, others just felt uncomfortable, but the few who did care that a simple waiter apologized to them it only served to show who Kyto really was. Oki could only think of one thing: his hatred for Kiyomiya Kyto, for everything going well for him, for him being able to win everyone's friendship and favor so easily, for everyone starting to recognize Kyto as the best person in the world, in their worlds.
『(Kiyomiya Kyto...you think you're so smart...you think you're better than me, don't you? Then you leave me no choice. I don't want to see you, I don't want to share space with you, and I know very well, ever since I saw you, that I have a strong hatred for everything you truly are, just seeing that things go well for you... I... I... I want to destroy your whole world because that's what you deserve and so that everyone will recognize that I am better!!!)』
From behind and behind everything, Seiro Oki was harboring a hatred that sooner or later would have to explode and come out somehow.
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued