Loner Harem Meister

From that moment on, although the bullying had stopped, a simple fact remained…I was lonelier than ever. When I graduated from junior high, of course, rumors still had spread; and I was brought right back to the same situation I had always been in. Alone, even though I was a good child.

“We were just in April, Highschool had just started, and yet, the bullying, the incidents, it all easily exceeded thirty in number. But this is a dull topic, let’s move on.”

Anyway, one cannot live on bread alone. It’s just the way of life. And so, I knew I needed to find a job. After becoming a high school student, I looked for work. It was a brilliant idea, I thought so at least, except…turns out it didn’t go as easy as I thought it would. I was denied a job at every turn; quickly realizing I was denied because of those same said rumors.

“That’s awful. Couldn’t find work within the city, huh? All your Mother’s inheritance was focused on school expenses and living expenses, right?” Someone said.

“Right.”

*

It was times like this that being a loner proved to be unfavorable. If I had help, getting info about a good part-time job wouldn’t have been so hard. Looking to find anything out there in some magazine was the best I could do. And so, not putting it to heart anymore, I ended up searching leisurely.

After lunch, I had gone back to class, taking afternoon lessons until the end of the school day.

When that was over, I headed home.

Being that I wasn’t affiliated with a club, I spent much of my time playing online games back at home. Of course I did my homework, so I wasn’t locked up in some room, failing out of school or anything.

Anyway, my direction was home. I don’t usually drop by anywhere on the way, and even if I did, it was more for buying a new manga or light novel in a book store down the street.

But this day was different.

“What’s that…?”

There was a woman struggling in front of me on the sidewalk. Is she ok? Being the curious one that I was, I approached her.

“Um… are you okay?”

“Hm?”

Hearing my call, the woman turned her head back, and as soon as she did, I was nearly ensnared by her beauty.

“No, uh, not to bother you, it’s just… it’s fine, if you’re okay….” I paused, not being able to look away.

The woman laughed.“No, thank you for asking. I’m currently having a hard time carrying this bag. As you can see the paper is…”

Uhaa… the bottom of the bag was ripped off, books spilling out.

“Uum… you can put everything in my bag here; and after we go to a supermarket and get one of those small cardboard boxes to carry it all.”

“Really? If it’s not too much trouble.”

“No, it wouldn’t be any trouble. We’ll just transfer everything over and go.”

“Thanks for doing this. You have really saved me.”

I had a shopping bag inside my school briefcase. Taking it out, I handed it to her. I guess it was a good thing I always had it with me. Living alone, and having to take care of everything by myself, it didn’t hurt to have an extra bag – something that has proved useful from time to time.

“Shall we go?” I asked as everything was transferred over.

“I can carry those books for you.”

“Don’t worry,” I smiled. “They’re not that heavy.”

They were heavy, actually. But I endured the weight. The things a man does to impress a woman. Anyway, I slung the school bag’s strap around my shoulders, and carried her books in the shopping bag in my hands as we headed to the supermarket.

It felt weird. It had been quite a while since I had last spoken with a woman… Usually I am silent in school… and at home, well..? Ah-I guess it’s been awhile since I have spoken to anyone at all.

“Um… can I ask for your name?”

“My name? I think you’d be better not knowing it.”

“To the contrary, you saved me when I was in a pinch. The least I can do is know your name.”

Hmm…should I tell her? Well, if she puts two and two together, and realize who I am, I guess I could just deal with it as it comes.

“My name is Kiriyama Yuuki.”

“… Mr. Kiriyama. Pleased to meet you.”

Oh? Such a normal reply. Did she not realize who I am? No way. Well, there are stranger things…

“Glad to meet you too.”

“I didn’t introduce myself yet. My name is Shiraishi Yuki.”

“Miss Shiraishi. Nice to know you.”

With these few words, we arrived to the supermarket, bought some thick paper bags, packed all the books inside, and headed to her house.

“Really, thank you so much for even carrying them over. I know it took up much of your time.”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. So, where’s your place at?”

“At that antiquarian bookshop, that’s my house.”

Looking at the direction Shiraishi pointed out with her finger, I could indeed see an old bookstore. Rather, I don’t remember an old bookshop established in this place. Although, I walk by this place quite often, this is the first time I notice it.

“Let’s go then.”

I followed behind Shiraishi and entered the bookshop.

“You can just put it over there, actually.”

Following where she pointed, I put the bags behind counter.

“Well, I guess I should take my leave now.”

“How about some tea before you go? You must have worked up a sweat. And I can’t possibly have let you come all this way without even offering you tea.”

Looking at her face, for some reason I couldn’t refuse her. It was only tea, anyway.

“Okay then, I shall be accepting your offer.”

“The living room is this way, please wait for me there.”

I took a seat on a futon of a japanese styled room and waited for Shiraishi.

“Thank you for waiting. I apologize for these plain snacks.”

“It’s okay. Just the fact you brought them for me makes me happy.”

She had brought green tea and Manjuu. What kind of Manjuu was this? I wondered.

As if reading my thoughts, she spoke and said, “These are normal bean manjuu. Do you perhaps hate red beans.”

“No, they’re fine,” I said as I took a bite.

“…so? How is it?”

I could see the nervousness on her face. Facing this beautiful woman, anyone would get the wrong idea. Was she actually worried about what I thought? Can’t be. For someone as attractive as her, she should have a boyfriend already.

“They’re delicious, and the tea matches them well.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Time passed, and within that time, we spoke about everything. Our hobbies, our favorite food, even school. But as time went on, evening soon arrived.

“Okay now, I should really get going. I had a good time this evening.”

“Please wait.” Shiraishi called out, a worried expression on her face. “Can I ask you about something?”

“Yes?”

“Are you good with computers, Kiriyama?”

“Computers? Well, I know some things. Can’t say I’m an expert though…”

I’m a loner after all. Of course I’ve had to learn a thing or two about using a computer, especially for someone in my generation.

“You said you weren’t affiliated with any club, do you maybe want to work part-time? For me?”

“What’s the job?”

“Creating a site to sell and retrieve orders. I think it’s a fitting job for someone who’s good with computers. What do you think?”

For me, this was a great opportunity. But…

“I don’t really mind, but why me? Why not ask someone you know more closely, or someone you knot to be more experienced at this?”

“Um, well, all my acquaintance aren’t good with this kind of work, and I’m pretty troubled since I couldn’t find anyone who had the time to help me out. That said, can I rely on you?”

“Well, I was actually looking for part-time job, so I guess I’ll be under your care.”

“Really! Thank you very much!!”

A wide smile reached her lips, just like a flower beginning to bloom. Beautiful…

“When can I start?”

“How about tomorrow?”

“Great. I’ll be here around evening.”

“See you then,” She smiled again.

“Yes, thank you!”

And like this, I ended up working in Yuki’s antiquarian bookstore. That was my first encounter with Yuki.