We finished our meal and prepared to go out...
For shopping and... emergency workplace inspection.
I slipped outside the house while Mom was busy changing clothes in our room.
(And no, we don't share a futon. Just the room. It's a tiny one-room apartment, okay? I have a feeling I have to explain this.)
I quickly dialed Kaede-san's number, pacing nervously near the stairwell.
"Hello, we have a big problem... and it's my fault, really."
"What's your problem?"
"Well... I showed Mom my earnings from last night, and now she's suspicious."
"OF COURSE SHE IS, STUPID! THERE'S NO WAY A CONVENIENCE STORE CLERK EARNS 100,000 YEN IN A DAY!"
I instinctively pulled the phone away from my ear. That shout could've killed a bat.
"I'm sorry! Please help me, Kaede-san!"
"Yeah yeah, let me handle it."
She hung up. No hesitation. Just left me hanging with my nerves scrambled.
I slipped back into the apartment just as Mom stepped into the living room.
Her long black hair, freshly brushed, cascaded down her shoulders. She wore a simple white dress—slightly faded from age but still elegant. It hugged her figure modestly but beautifully, like an old classic painting trying to stay relevant in a modern gallery.
"How's my dress, Akane?"
"Uhmm... suits you well, Mom. It complements your hair nicely."
"This thing's kind of worn out though..."
"I'll buy you a new one. Don't worry."
"Ara, how sweet. I hope you're not just buttering me up so I'll forget about visiting your workplace."
"Hahaha, of course not!"
I'm doomed. Completely doomed. Mom, when angry, is like a yandere with a pan—and I still remember what happened to Dad.
If she hadn't hit my dad's head, we should be receiving a financial support up to this day.
Then her phone rang.
She picked it up without hesitation. "Ara, it's Kaede."
Looks like she has a plan in mind.
I leaned in just enough to catch the conversation.
"Sumire! Don't go to Akane-kun's workplace!"
"Huh? How did you even know I was going?"
"Uh... ermmm..."
IDIOT. STUPIDEST SHIT IN JAPAN. NO—THE UNIVERSE!
"Kaede... you and Akane are hiding something from me, aren't you?"
"Ahh no! It's just that—"
"Kaede. If I discover something that upsets me... let's meet."
My blood froze. Her voice had dropped two octaves. The classic mom threat level: Maximum.
She hung up and grabbed my arm. Her grip was firm—but with an undercurrent of impending doom for me.
"Forget the shopping, Akane. We're going to your workplace. Now."
"Y-yes, Mom!"
Even the wind outside felt heavier as we walked to the bus stop. The cityscape blurred past as the bus took us toward the Shizuoka main district. Screen signs buzzed lazily in the noon sun, and crowds bustled by—but all I could focus on was my impending doom.
I needed time. I needed an excuse.
As soon as we made it to the commercial district...
"Uhmm Mom, can we stop by the mall and grab some food?"
"You're stalling, aren't you?"
"N-no! I just thought you might be hungry..."
"We just ate lunch. And don't try your smooth talk on me, Akane. It won't work."
"Please... After this we will go to my workplace! Promise!"
"Fine. You know what will happen if you lie to me Akane."
Scary.
Even the icy AC of the mall lobby couldn't ease the anxiety crawling up my spine.
Mom's gaze was on me the whole time—watchful, unblinking, like a hawk circling prey. My neck felt hot. My palms were damp. I tried to smile, but my lips twitched like I'm gonna get executed.
"Mom... let's get some parfait?"
"Sure. If that's what you want."
We were walking toward the parfait shop when it happened.
A woman bumped into me.
She wore a facemask and oversized sunglasses, but even under the disguise, I could tell—long, smooth purple hair that shimmered under the fluorescent lights, the graceful posture, the perfume like expensive roses...
Before I could say anything, the tall man beside her—dressed in an all-black suit with military-level posture—stepped forward.
"Oh! Sorry, miss. My son wasn't paying attention."
Well excuse me, sir. I'm being emotionally dismantled by my mom over here.
But then—
"No, no, it's my... wait. Akane-kun?"
That voice.
Smooth, mature, with a teasing lilt like chocolate melting over ice.
"Mitsuki-san?"
I took a step forward, but the man raised a hand to stop me—until Mitsuki-san herself waved him off.
"Let him. I know this boy."
"What are you doing here, Mitsuki-san?"
"Well, it's my mall. So me being here is pretty normal."
Oh. Oh. It's her mall.
I think I just leveled up my anxiety. Is this what despair feels like?
Mom walked up beside me.
"Ara, you know this woman, Akane?"
Mitsuki-san answered before I could intercept.
"Yes, Akane-kun's mom, right? Your son and I met at—"
I slapped my hand over her mouth.
"Come with me, Mitsuki-san! We need to talk—privately!"
"Ara, flirting in public?" Mom said with an amused chuckle.
"No, no! Mom, can you wait at the parfait shop? We just need to talk for a minute."
"Sure. Good luck, my son~"
That smile. That knowing smile. She totally misunderstood something, but honestly, I'll take misunderstanding over suspicion right now.
I dragged Mitsuki-san behind the parfait shop. Her bodyguard melted into the background like a trained shadow. She dismissed him with a wave.
We were alone.
The back area smelled like caramel syrup and industrial cleaner. A worker inside was making whipped cream by the counter..
"So, what's going on, Akane-kun?"
"Sorry for covering your mouth earlier. I had to."
"Haha, I don't mind. If it's you doing it, I might even enjoy it~"
Damn that's hot.
"My mom doesn't know about my job. That's why I freaked out when you were about to say where we met."
"Ahh, I see. So your secret identity is about to be exposed?"
"Yeah something like that... She's super suspicious now. She's demanding to see my workplace. If she finds out I work at a host club... I'm dead."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully, the corner of her lips curling into a smile.
"Well, I did give you that payment last night. Sorry if that caused the trouble."
"It's fine! Totally not your fault. But do you think you can help me?"
"Ara, are you forgetting something? I own this mall, remember?"
Right. She's rich. Like, next-level rich.
"So?"
"I'll let you borrow a convenience store. Just for today. Pretend you work there."
My jaw dropped. "You're amazing! Thank you, Mitsuki-san!"
She leaned in close, eyes gleaming. Her lips nearly brushed my ear.
"But you owe me. And I'll be collecting tonight~"
...This is how you end up in contracts with devils.
But I have no choice but to sign.