Tokyo, 1991: Starting as a bank clerk

Chapter 168 So cute, Mizuna-chan! [First update, please vote!]

Saturday morning.

7:40.

The sky above Esaka was so clear it was almost transparent.

The night's chill hadn't completely dissipated; the wind blowing on my face carried a refreshing feeling, making me want to take a deep breath.

Kiryu Yaya rode his Honda SuperCub50 along the familiar streets toward Esaka Station.

He wasn't wearing a suit today.

A light blue shirt, sleeves rolled up to the forearms, dark black casual trousers, and a pair of neatly polished brown leather shoes.

Like a bank employee on a weekend.

Park the motorcycle properly.

Kiryu Yaya took off his helmet, hung it on the handlebars, and picked up the bag containing Kitahama Old Shop's sweets.

Kiryu Yaya stood by the fountain in front of the station and glanced at his watch.

7:45.

There are fifteen minutes left until the agreed time.

He leaned against the edge of the pool, his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the direction of the station exit.

On Saturday morning, the crowds at Ezaka Station were much smaller than on weekdays.

An elderly woman carrying shopping bags slowly walked towards the bus stop, while a young couple walked hand in hand away from the ticket machine.

The air was filled with the aroma of coffee and toast, wafting from the convenience store on the first floor of the station.

"senior!"

A familiar voice came from behind.

Kiryu Yaya turned around.

Mizuna Yayoi stood about three steps behind him, carrying a light grass-colored cloth bag.

Today she was wearing a light pink knitted cardigan and an ankle-length white skirt, the hem of which swayed gently in the morning breeze.

Mizuna Yayoi's hair wasn't tied into a short ponytail like it was in the bank; instead, it was naturally draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of mature femininity.

Kiryu Yaya looked at her, and paused for half a second.

This is completely different from the Yayoi Mizuna who always wore a uniform vest and spoke cautiously with her head down in the bank.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

Yayoi Mizuna walked up to him, her ears slightly red. Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment before quickly shifting to the fountain behind him: "Senpai—you're here very early today."

"Just arrived. How about you?"

"I...I just arrived too."

As she spoke, her fingers unconsciously tightened around the strap of the cloth bag, and she seemed somewhat nervous.

As they were talking, another figure walked out of the station exit.

Arima Kishou.

He still has that same expression that never changes.

Thin-rimmed glasses, light gray shirt, suit trousers, and black leather shoes.

His attire was almost identical to what he usually wore when going to work at the bank, except he was missing a tie and suit jacket.

"morning."

He walked up to the two of them and nodded.

"morning."

Kiryu Yaya replied.

Yayoi Minaya gave a slight bow: "Good morning, Arima-kun."

Arima Kishou's gaze lingered on her for a moment, then looked away without saying anything.

Even he felt that Yayoi Mizuna was very different from usual today.

"Where's Sasaki?"

Kiryu also asked.

Arima Kishou glanced at his watch and said calmly, "He said he would be there on time, but knowing him as I do, he'll probably be five to ten minutes late."

Sure enough, it wasn't until 8:05.

Sasaki's flustered figure appeared before the three of them.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry!"

"I saw a little girl who was lost on the street, and I only came over after helping her find her mother. I'm really sorry."

He was carrying a bulging travel bag in his hand and a camera bag slung over his shoulder, and he was leaning to one side.

Arima Kishou glanced at him: "Sasaki, you always use the same excuse when you're late, either it's a little girl who got lost or you're helping an old lady cross the street."

"That's because it's all true!"

Sasaki protested, frantically adjusting his camera bag, "You have to believe me!"

Arima Kishou said expressionlessly, "Yes, I believe you."

"Your expression clearly shows you don't believe me!"

Kiryu Yaya stood to the side, watching the two bicker, and couldn't help but smile slightly: "Alright, let's get into the station. If we're going by train, take the Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi, and then transfer to the Randen."

"Kiryu-kun even planned the route?"

Kenta Sasaki slung his travel bag over his shoulder: "He's really reliable."

"You're too unreliable."

Arima Kishou delivered a subtle but effective blow.

"Arima, have you taken the wrong medicine today? Why is every word you say targeting me?"

"I'm just stating the facts."

The two walked towards the station checkpoint, one after the other.

The Keihan Railway was not crowded on Saturday morning.

The four people sat down near the door, and the scenery outside the car window gradually transitioned from the buildings of Esaka to the low-rise townhouses of Kyoto.

Yayoi Mizuna sat next to Kiryu Yaya, occasionally glancing at him before quickly looking away.

Kiryu Yaya noticed her restraint.

"Yayoi-san."

Mizuna Yayoi immediately turned her head, her eyes widening slightly: "Y-yes!"

You seem a little nervous today.

Mizuna Yayoi's ear tips turned red instantly.

She shifted her gaze to the flowing scenery outside the window, her voice so soft it was almost a whisper to herself: "N-nothing...it's just...it's just that it's my first time going out with a senior, and I'm a little...not quite used to it."

Kiryu Yaya looked at her like this and his heart stirred slightly.

Activate skill —

"Mindful perception"!

In that instant, the noise in the carriage seemed to recede into the distance.

(What should I do? What should I do? My senior is sitting right next to me, so close.)

I changed into three different outfits in front of the mirror before leaving home today, and finally chose this pink cardigan—wasn't that a bit too deliberate? But it's perfectly normal to wear a different uniform on weekends than a uniform at the bank—>

<My senior just glanced at me. Did he also think something was off about me today? Or—did he think I was fine? No, no, Yayoi Minami, what are you thinking!>

Kiryu Yaya's lips curved slightly.

Unbeknownst to Yayoi Mizuna, her gaze was still fixed on the view outside the window, and the redness at the tips of her ears had spread to her face.

Those words continue to surface—

I barely slept last night, constantly thinking about where to go today. The bamboo groves in Arashiyama aren't crowded at this time of year, and although the cherry blossoms near Togetsukyo Bridge have faded, the new leaves are still beautiful—will you be bored, Senpai?

My mom called yesterday. When she heard I was taking a friend to Arashiyama, she asked several times, "Is it that senior I mentioned last time?" I said yes, and she laughed for a while—what was she laughing at?

No, this isn't the time to think about that! My main task today is to be a good guide! I need to show the seniors around properly! I can't embarrass myself! I can't be this nervous on the train!

But—the senior is really close. His shirt sleeves are rolled up to his forearms; he's not wearing a suit today, he looks so different, even more—even more—

<Ahhh, Yayoi Mina, don't even think about it!>

Kiryu Yaya smiled and looked away.

How adorable, Mina-chan!