A drabble of events immediately after the ending of volume 18.


It was probably inevitable that they would end up like this.

"Roji!"

Perhaps it was that peculiar thread connected them.

"I'm sorry!"

Though, their friends might say they were just destined to stick to each other.

"You idiot!"

Perhaps they would think so too.

"Oh! This onion is almost fresh, Muhyo!" The onion seemed to further wilt at the thought. "A-and look, it still has its greens! And…"

The oddly clad duo had made it to the vegetable sale with just enough time for Roji to find some promising stalls, and make good use of their meager earnings, but after all was said and done…

"… We can't really afford any better onions…" Roji sulked, picking up the shrivelled runt of an onion. In the defense of the poor thing, it was at least devoid of any puffs of mold. Next to the rest of the contents of Roji's basket, however, ranged from average to only slightly bruised, all haggled down to the cheapest that each vendor could offer it looked fairly lacking.

"If you hadn't stepped on that dog's tail and decided to carry me along as you ran, we might have made it here earlier. Perhaps I should fire you again?"

"Muhyooo! I already apologized for that! I'm just so used to carrying you around when you're passed out…"

"And whose fault is that?" Muhyo jabbed at his assistant. Roji pouted, but a glance at the executor determined that Muhyo was being blaise. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes! I just need to haggle for the onion!"

"Fine. Be quick about it." Roji nodded and Muhyo turned to look at the line of magazines and manga across the street, mused to himself that he probably would never give Roji to anyone. Not even Paige. He was interrupted when Roji returned almost immediately. The vendor had taken one look at the shriveled onion and told Roji that it was free of charge.

"Ah! Lucky! He just gave it to me for free, Muhyo! Isn't that great?" Roji beamed at the stoic boy, and Muhyo allowed him a small "hmf" before he lead them out of the open air stall.

"That's everything, then. Shall we head home?" Roji asked, turning to his boss.

Muhyo smiled, just the slightest bit, at those words, and twisted his head aside so Roji couldn't see his face. Home, their small office, Muhyo, Roji, and the many bright people that came in and out like firefly lights. 'Home sounds nice,' thought Muhyo, 'Home sounds perfect.'

"Yes, Roji, let's go home."