"Your resume is quite impressive Mr. Shikmori, our company may just have a place for you, that's if you're still free?"
"Yes, ma'am I'm willing to work long hours if I have too."
Kazuki sat in an interview with a job professional. He looked with fierce determination to work. After all his and Kuriko's efforts of job searching, he wanted nothing more but to have a new life.
She smiled. "We will have you over for our next session, just to see what you're made up Mr. Shikmori."
"Thank you ma'am." Kazuki bowed his head.
As Kazuki left the room Kuriko and Rin waited up for him, no doubt wanting to know how his interview went. Kazuki held his thumb up and smiled answering Kuriko and Rin reply.
The two were overjoyed on Kazuki progress. After all the struggles Kuriko had managed to find something for the boy.
"I'm glad to see you're making progress Kazuki." She complimented.
"She is correct you have been differently lately. You have more determination in you then ever." Rin added.
"Yeah, I guess so. Seriously thanks Kuriko for helping me out." Kazuki said.
"If you really want to thank me Kazuki, then come to my school later. You know get taste of the college life." Kuriko offered.
Kazuki nodded his head in reply. "Well I have nothing better to do, so why not?"
Kazuki appeared on campus with a dark jeans and dress shirt. Seeing school life reminded him of his days at Aoi Academy. There was plenty he was missing out on as he felt nostalgic.
He placed his hands behind his back as he walked on campus watching everyone and their carefree lives.
"Come one, come all. See our greatest discovery yet. An invention that will bring you wonders to your boring lives. I created a potion to bring lots of joy to you after studying chemistry for a long time." someone announced.
Kazuki heard a familiar voice. One second looked it was revealed to Nakamaru Yukihiko, a former classmate now two years older, and a college student. He presented different colored elixirs to his fellow college students. But they were very displeased on his service.
One complained. "Your experiments don't work it gave me a rash that night!"
Another person complained. "Yeah, and it gave my little brother nightmares."
"You guaranteed that it would cure the sores on my body and now I'm even sorer. I want my money back!"
Everyone threw lots of tomatoes at him and complaints went to an up rise. He was losing the audience. "I'm sorry everyone maybe some other time. I'll see you later." Nakamaru said as he took off and everyone chased after him like an angry mob.
"I see you haven't changed a bit these last two years Nakamaru." Kazuki noticed.
"Well, well do my eyes deceive me or is my buddy right here in front of me?" Nakamaru asked.
"It's me Nakamaru, in the flesh." He replied.
Nakamaru grasped Kazuki's shoulders and smiled. "It's great to see you man. I thought you were dead for sure. I'd be careful having an angry wife like Yuna. Hey speaking of which I'm amazed she's not with you. Did she break up with you?"
Kazuki turned his eyes the other direction as he was not sure how to answer the question. "Well, you could say that."
"I knew it would not last with you two. Guess that means she's single now, which I have a chance to approach her." he hoped.
"That's the problem Nakamaru." Kazuki sighed. "Ever since being in that coma she left without a note or even saying goodbye. Right now, I don't know where she is."
Nakamaru grunted. "You know I was very jealous of you back then, but I honestly didn't want this to happen to you."
Kazuki held his hand up and shook his head. "It's all in the past Nakamaru, so why don't we let bygones be bygones?"
Kazuki continued to stroll on college campus. He admired the different views of the school. Half of him had wish that he was attending college, but the other half thinks otherwise due to his bad grades. Right now working on a job was is top priority.
"You are late Kazuki." Kuriko had lectured.
"Sorry, I met up with an old classmate of mine." He said.
Kuriko grabbed Kazuki arm and led him on campus. She acted as Kazuki's personal tour guide. With Kuriko by his side, Kazuki continued to admire the nice views. He thought where he could have been rather then where he was. Through, he didn't have any goals for the future he was still happy with his improvement. No longer did Kazuki live in the past.
They came to a final stop. It was biology class. For Kuriko was still complete her general education.
"Thank you for taking the time to hang out with me. I know you're busy with your job search."
"It's no problem at all Kuriko. I'm always happy to help."
"Keep talking sweetly like that and I may just fall for you." Kuriko teased.
Kazuki lifted his eyebrow in surprise and went beep red.
"Just kidding." Kuriko joked leaving to her class, but she felt her heart beat constantly. Despite her jokes, she was beginning to feel for Kazuki regardless of what she said.
The next day, Kazuki worked with hard labor men. Kazuki was one of the heavy lifters. Each man consisted being in their 30s to their 40s. Somewhere buff others were average. They main focus was on a new building for the town while still keeping traffic a flow.
He assisted the construction men in carrying a variety of boxes, woods, tools, metal, and power tools. He worked nine hours a day from morning to afternoon. The job was exhausting, but really hands on.
"Thanks again for the job boss." Kazuki said.
The boss grumbled. "Hey thank the guy who quit. He was nonsense anyway, but at least you're reliable."
"Hey kid, I need some wood parts around here." A worker called out.
"I'm on it coming right up sir." Kazuki replied with large create.
Kazuki collapsed on the bench taking a break from work. He felt like he just came from the gym. He then felt a chill on his face. Kuriko held two iced coffees and sat down beside him.
"I heard you're working hard tough guy." She said.
"Yep its hard work, but it's worth it. And I have you to thank for it." Kazuki sipped his coffee.
Kuriko jabbed Kazuki's shoulder. "Alright, alright, you thanked me enough. I know you're grateful, but it's just too much even I have my limits.