Standing before the register, the words “part time” dying on my lips, I felt my body stiffen. She lifted her face from the manga in her lap, sensing me.

Our eyes met.

It was the young religious solicitor, Misaki.

Unlike the day before, she was dressed in jeans styled like what other young people wore. She didn’t have a recognizably religious aura. The second I recalled her true identity, my heart started beating at ten times its normal rate. A swirl of thoughts circulated wildly through my brain.

Why would a religious person work at a manga café? Wouldn’t that violate some sort of religious precept? No, no, that’s of no concern to me - does she remember who I am, though? If she did, that meant I was completely ruined. There couldn’t be anyone where I worked who knew my secret. There was no way I could ever work with someone who knew. If she does remember, what should I do? I have to run! As this is a reasonable and logical conclusion, for now, I should just run!

However, right as I began to turn tail, the religious girl called me back. Dropping her harsh expression, she looked at me, the same smile of derision as the day before flitting across her face. In a small voice, she asked, “Do you work part time here?”

Clearly, I could see the vast difference between how she questioned me and the way she probably dealt with normal customers. Evidently, the girl had realized that I was the crazy hikikomori from yesterday. Cold sweat trickled down the back of my neck. I wanted to run. I wanted to leave that place as quickly as possible.

Even so, I had to answer her question and properly retract the words I had spoken earlier. As casually as possible, as utterly natural as imaginable, I had to say something.

“Bi-bi…”

“So… you like… bikes and stuff?”

What the hell am I saying?

“Oh yes, I really do… like bikes—motorbikes, that is. You can fly like the wind.” A few of the customers sitting in the back began to pay attention to me. “I just love the pulse of the engine! Well, what do you think? Would you like to come riding with me some time?”

I’m done for!

“That is… I mean, I’ve never actually ridden one before! Ha ha ha ha ha ha…! Okay, see you.”

I couldn’t leave the store quickly enough.

On my way home, I stopped at the convenience store and bought beer and shochu.

Let me die. I’ll just die right now.

Except I won’t die. The weather is too nice. Instead of dying, I’ll just drink a whole lot of alcohol to forget everything. Just forget.

Alcohol… I’ll drink alcohol…