'These are for thoughts'
.~~. Are for different time periods and stuff like that.

Marimo Books

Today was the fourth day in Japan for both foreigners and was also Ren's day off. 'Well, since I'm going to stay in Japan for a few years, I might as well get a job.' She thought. 'But first, I have to buy some real, Japanese manga!' and on that note, she went to the closest bookstore to buy some manga.

Fifteen minutes later, she arrived at a large book store called Marimo Books. Ren went to the shounen section first to get the latest Fairy Tail releases then went to get some yaoi for her and Eden. After that, she went down to the shoujo level of the store. The foreigner saw a group of girls going gaga over something. She decided to check it out.

"I recommend this one, this one, and this one today." She heard a man say. It seems like he was flirting at first but in reality, he was selling well.

'He's pretty attractive… I wonder if he's got a girlfriend. Or better yet, a boyfriend?' she was left dazing over her fantasies and meanwhile, the group of girls left. She snapped out of her daze and went to ask the guy something.

"Excuse me, but what do you recommend for a good drama or tragic love manga?" she asked.

"Ah, this one is a good tragic one. I teared up a little bit. Oh, Girls Master is my favorite one; you should read it too." The man, whose name was Yukina, hadn't recognized her as a regular customer so he asked, "Are you a new customer here?"

"Yep. This is my first time being here." She replied. "I just came from America four days ago.

"Wow, America huh? Why did you come to Japan for"

"I came to study abroad. I'm planning on majoring in animation. I'm going to T University by the way."

"Eh? Really? I go there too! Maybe we'll see each other around campus."

"Yeah. Oh, thanks for the suggestions by the way. I'll make sure to read them at home." Ren smiled. Then, as if just remembering, she asked,"Wait, do you know if there are any positions available to work here? I'm kind of in need of a job since I just got here."

"Yeah, I think so. I'll take you to my manager since he has the applications." They both walked over to the manager and somehow, Ren could feel a pair of eyes on her. It was a strange feeling, but she just shook it off.

After she got the applications, she left and said "See you at school" to Yukina. She was feeling a little hungry so she went to a nearby café. There, she ordered a cup of coffee and some bread for a snack. It was quiet and not that many people were there. It was probably because it was well hidden. Maybe some celebrities went on secret dates here because not that many people know about this place.

Ten minutes later, Ren saw Yukina enter the café with a younger looking man.

'Younger brother?' she thought. 'No, they look nothing alike. Friend? Possibly. Boyfriend? My hopes.' Ren was hiding her face with her long dark brown bangs as they walked by her. Her hair was short but her bangs weren't. People often mistook her for a male since she was also flat chested and enjoyed cross dressing. Anyways, luckily, Yukina and his (boy)friend sat in the table right behind her so she can eavesdrop.

"Hey, Kisa-san. I met this cool girl today at work and she goes to my school. She might work in the shoujo and shounen levels at Marimo. Isn't that nice?" Yukina said.

"Yeah, sure." Kisa responded. He saw her talking to Yukina but it didn't seem like she was trying to take Yukina. He was still cautious about her though.

As if reading his mind, Yukina said, "Ah! Don't worry, Kisa-san. I've only been acquainted with her and will possibly befriend her, but one thing is for sure, I won't fall in love with her because I love you, Kisa-san." Yukina grinned as his lover blushed at his words.

Ren, listening to the whole thing and jotting down notes for Eden, got really excited and accidentally slipped a quiet "Yes!" out of her mouth. Fortunately, the couple didn't hear.

"Eh? Uh-um-anyways!" Kisa stuttered. "I got you a key to my apartment since you don't have one yet. I don't like you just lingering around waiting for me to come home outside. I-It's okay if you don't want it." Kisa was blushing a bright red at this point as he handed Yukina the key.

Yukina's eyes sparkled (actually, his whole aura did) as he took the key from the black haired man and said, "Thank you Kisa-san! I'll keep it with me forever. Can I come over today?"

"Y-Yeah… sure. Just knock before you enter. I'm going to be editing some manuscripts and a new Girls Master chapter." Kisa replied. They were almost done with their coffee and Ren just finished hers too plus her snack and notes. She got up, paid and left happily and unnoticed by the two.

'Oh man! That was so-! Gyaaahhh! I just want to re-live that moment. If only they kissed. Eden better like these notes I took for her!' she thought as she left for home.

.~~.

"Hey Edeeeeen~! Ren sang. "Guess what!"

"What?" she replied as she was getting ready to follow Hiroki the following day.

"I took notes for you!"

"Hah?" Eden was a little confused.

"I met a cool and hot guy at this bookstore that I'm hoping to work at and then I went to a nearby café and then he came in with his boyfriend and sat right behind me! And he's a manga editor, too!" Ren explained. "So I took notes on what was happening and what they were saying and... just read this." She handed her the notes.

As Eden was reading them, her eyes shined in delight and exclaimed, "Oh my God, Ren!" You're a genius! Thank you!" She squealed and went to her room with the noted in her hands.

"I know I am." Ren smiled to herself, accepting the praise. "By the way, what were you going?" she yelled.

"Getting ready to go to Akikawa Yayoi's place tomorrow. Going with Kamijou-san after school." She yelled back.

End of Chapter 3

Phew. I finally got this one down. I'll try to update with a new chapter everyday this week (possibly twice a day) if I have time and the story written down. I don't know what to write for the fifth chapter! If you have any suggestions, then please leave it in the reviews. Usami and Misaki in the next chapter.