Work, a word that terrifies many young people who think that they will be able to obtain money in a simple way. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as if you are born into a rich family or marry the daughter of a wealthy family.

You will not always be lucky enough to be able to work what you want, as well as nothing guarantees that, even if you finish studying at a university, you will be able to get a job.

If we refer to work in a more general way, we will realize that this word covers everything, from being a simple cashier in a store, to being the manager of one of the millionaire companies in the country.

Therefore, when you manage to get a job, you should not feel ashamed of it since not everyone becomes a manager of a company overnight.

In the end, you should be grateful to find a job since it will be paid to you, and you will be able to pay for things for your day to day.

''A panda!''

''Grrr!''

''Take a picture of me with him!'' The little girl was very excited.

So, I carried the little girl in my arms until her mother took her picture.

"Thank you." The mother thanked me with a smile.

Before she left, I handed the little girl a balloon, after all, that's my job.

I was never opposed to the idea of working, but I didn't see it as something necessary since I always make sure I have money, plus I'm not one to spend money without thinking.

So, if I'm a responsible person with money, why am I at the amusement park right now handing out balloons while wearing a panda costume?

The answer is simple, it is due to something called family, more specifically to Nagisa.

Flashback.

Since I don't have to go to class on Saturdays, I take the opportunity to get up a little late and after breakfast I'm going to do my training routine.

A routine that became a part of me doing it for many years.

After doing some exercises and running several kilometers, I finished my training, nothing very heavy but not very light either.

And as usual, I went to the nearest store and bought a can of Max coffee. After training, eating calories is not bad at all.

So, after finishing everything I came to do, it was time to return home. Maybe I'll start reading some of my pending novels. That reminds me that I left unfinished my idea of starting to write my own novels.

I guess at some point I should get back to it.

After a few minutes of walking, I reached my house.

I'll go take a shower first since I'm sweaty.

Passing through the living room, I noticed a letter on the table.

''From Onee-san to Raiden-kun.''

I only know one person who calls herself my older sister.

Nagisa Tsurumi, my cousin from my mother's side of the family, attends college and is my eldest by 3 years. Aside from being a headache to deal with.

"I got together with my sisters to go out for Rumi-chan's birthday. Since I'm going to be busy on her birthday, I decided to celebrate it today. Unfortunately, we couldn't find you, and since Rumi didn't know when you were going to come back, the 4 of us decided to go out, I hope you don't mind.''

Rumi's birthday is still 2 weeks away, plus I have no problem with Nagisa and the others going out with her.

''For another occasion, we will have a date just the two of us, I will be waiting for it.''

I wonder why she can't act like a normal cousin instead of flirting with me whenever she can.

But I glad they came for my sister's birthday, I guess I could give her that quote she's been asking for so long as a thank you for taking care of my sister.

''PS: I was thinking that you would pay everything, but since you weren't there, I was more cautious and took the money you had in your desk. See you.''

Crumple up the letter.

There's no use getting upset, so I took deep breaths to calm myself down.

I went to my room and, as it said in the letter, the place where I had my money is empty.

Any other time I wouldn't have a problem with it, I'm already used to Nagisa taking my things or her being very intrusive in my room. But that money was going to be used to buy her gift to Rumi, as well as to get out of it on her birthday.

Nagisa, you are a headache.

But the money is going to be used for Rumi to have fun and for my cousins to have a good time. So technically, it's not a waste as such.

I could only sigh in response to my situation.

I have no choice, I'll have to look for a job to pay for my sister's birthday, since I'm not going to sit idly by because I've run out of money. What kind of big brother would I be if I can't give my little sister a present?

With this in mind, I took my cell phone and started looking for a job with good pay and that would not take more than 1 week to pay.

Although finding such a job would be almost impossible. However, the good thing about this country is that there is no problem in hiring minors, of course the job should not be too complex either.

While I was reading the different job advertisements, I could see one that had the urgent logo, it pays well, and I only had to work one day.

So, I called the number they left, and after a short phone interview I got the job.

Working in an amusement park can't be that bad, right?

End of flashback

I should have reconsidered when I applied to be an amusement park mascot.

My working hours are from 8:00 to 21:00. I have to wear a Pan-san outfit for more than 12 hours, and it's not refreshing to be here since, although it's autumn, there are still hot days, and unfortunately for me, today is one of them.

The good thing about going through all this suffering is that since it was a rush job, and no one wanted to take it, the pay is quite high, and since I only have to work one day, it wasn't a bad option.

If this doesn't count as an older brother's sacrifice, I don't know what does.

More than 9 hours had already passed since I started my work shift, it's quite exhausting, I won't deny it, but the good thing is that I have enough resistance, so I just have to endure a few more hours.

I always thought that the people inside these suits had a tough job, and boy was I right. Now I understand why hardly anyone wants to apply for this job.

If I had to add another negative point, it would be that from time to time I have to take off the panda's head to clean the part of the eyes since due to sweat these become cloudy, and it is difficult for me to see.

It's back-breaking work, but worth the amount they pay.

After handing out more balloons and taking more photos with the visitors, I went to a secluded spot to clear the vision of this suit.

Once I was done cleaning it up, I put my panda head back on and decided to continue with my work.

It's annoying having to clean it from time to time.

''So here you were.''

A girl approached me, by her uniform I can tell that she also works here.

"We're getting late, so walk right away."

''Wait, I think you're getting confused.''

''No excuses, first you do a mediocre performance, and then you evade the next function! I'll make sure your pay is reduced."

This girl is in a bad mood. Dialoguing with her is going to be difficult, but I think she's got the wrong panda.

And before I could protest, I was dragged away by this girl.

I was taken to the theater in the park, we were behind the scenes, and I could see several children waiting for the performance. I have a bad feeling.

''Wait I….''

Before I finish speaking, the girl voted me to the stage.

''Here is Pan-san the panda!''

The children began to shout Pan-san's name.

If I remember correctly, and I hope I'm not mistaken, in the theater the function of Pan-san's story is performed, where the narrator tells some things and Pan-san acts based on these words.

It's too late to get out of here, so I'm left with only one option, even though they don't pay me enough to have to perform as well.

''One quiet day Pan-san was walking through the bamboo forest.''

So, I started walking around the stage while the background was made of bamboo.

"Pan-san has an obligation to protect the forest, so many invaders will be repelled by him."

Although it is a panda that eats bamboo, this panda is also an expert in martial arts.

I think that's one of the reasons I like it so much.

So, I started hitting the air a few times. Moving around in this suit itself is already awkward, so doing these actions is difficult.

"Pan-san is always prepared to defend the forest from an intruder.''

The background of the stage changed, and some animals appeared.

"Oh no, it seems that several intruders want to take over the bamboo forest."

This function is often repeated, so I know how this story is going to unfold, so what is to come is going to be exhausting.

''Pan-san started fighting the invaders.''

Following her word, I punched the air a few times.

"But what is this, Pan-san is being outmatched!"

I started to move as if I was being hit, plus I took a few steps back.

''It can't be, against all odds Pan-san falls in battle!''

Good thing I have Pan-san's head on mine since I'm pretty embarrassed about the things I have to do.

I brought me to my knees before falling to the ground.

-"Pan-san, no."

-''You cannot lose.''

I was able to hear the words of several children.

"Pan-san is about to be defeated, but there is a method for him to win, so everyone repeat after me: Pan-san, you can!"

-''Do not give up.''

- ''I know you can win''

- ''If you lose, who will protect the forest?''

I can hear the voices of the children supporting me, I really feel so embarrassed.

''Thanks to everyone's support, Pan-san was recovering.''

I slowly started to stand up.

"Once he managed to recover, Pan-san began his counterattack, repeat after me. Panda fist!''

-''Panda Fist!''

I moved my arm following his instructions.

''Panda Kick!''

-''Panda Kick!''

I kicked the air.

I really want this to end at once, it's too much for my mental stability.

''Finally, Mega Panda Fist!''

-''Mega Panda Fist!''

Someone please end this suffering.

I moved my arms as if I was about to strike and after a few seconds hit the air.

"Thanks to everyone's help, Pan-san managed to get up to protect the forest."

I bow to the audience as a sign of thanks. They don't pay me enough for this.

''There are still many more adventures to tell but rest assured that Pan-san will continue to strive to protect the forest.''

The children began to clap while others shouted Pan-san's name.

"By the way, if you want to take a picture with Pan-san, let your parents know so they can have their cameras ready."

Maybe I can sue them for labor exploitation?

"I'm sorry." The girl who had dragged me here is apologizing.

She told me that the Pan-san who was supposed to perform left without warning, so when she saw me, she mistook me for that panda, and I ended up as her replacement.

''It was a hassle, but it's not like I can turn back time.''

It was quite embarrassing, but there was nothing to be done about it.

"But because of my mistake, you ended up getting involved in something that wasn't part of your job." She looked quite remorseful. "It was also incredible that you did it perfectly since if it had been failure, the manager would have scolded me."

''Coincidences of life.'' If I had not been in that place, it is likely that they would not have found a replacement and the function would have been canceled.

''In the same way, I will report this since you got us out of a big problem for which you should be rewarded.''

If there is a reward, I guess it was worth it.

''I'll take that option. So now I have to go back to work.''

I put on the panda head and started on my way.

Or so it should have been, but something stopped me.

"Wait, there are still 2 more performances to go, and the one who was supposed to be acting panda is gone." I have a bad feeling about where the theme is going. "So, I was wondering if you could act in the next two roles."

''I will decline this offer.''

Even though I wanted to walk, she kept holding me.

''Please, we don't have another replacement. Besides, I'll make sure you get paid for the extra work.''

''With what they pay me, I have enough.''

''Wait, there are several children who already bought their tickets, you don't want them to be sad, do you?''

Attacking emotions, it seems that she is desperate. But it's not like I really care if those kids get to see the show or not.

But her words made me think of Rumi. If she came to see the performance to be told that it was canceled because the stupid panda actor disappeared, it's not a nice thing for an older brother.

Now that I thought about it, that's not going to get out of my head. I guess I have no choice.

''Okay.'' I sighed as I said this.

"Thank you, you saved my life." She looked happy. I'm starting to regret my decision.

The loudspeakers indicated that it was time to close, so my day was done.

It really was an exhausting day, both physically and mentally. Having to act is not something that was in my plans, but things happened that way, so there is no use complaining about it.

The good thing about this was that my salary was almost tripled for the help in the theater, so I can't say that it wasn't quite a productive day.

Now I have to return the panda suit, so I can finally go home.

But seriously, they should improve the costumes since it is enough to sweat so that the eyes of the head fog up and do not let you see.

As I was about to remove my panda head to clean it, a voice interrupted me.

''Excuse me, can I take a picture with you?''

Because my eyesight was blurred, I couldn't see the owner of the voice, but from her silhouette and voice I can tell that she must be my age.

I guess as long as I'm still wearing the suit, it can be considered that I'm still working, so I nodded.

''Is it okay if I hug you?''

I nod again.

From how close we were, I could tell that she had long black hair, but I couldn't make out her face.

It's rare to see girls my age who are fans of Pan-san. Of course, there is also Yumiko, so I can't consider it so rare.

After a few seconds I heard the sound of her cell phone taking the photo, so I was done with my last job.

''Thank you very much, I thought there was no one left, but, luckily, you were still around.''

Her tone of voice denotes that she is happy.

"Grrr." I replied with a growl. Since I was told that while wearing the suit, it was forbidden to speak, to maintain the magic of the character.

With our little exchange over, the girl continued on her way to the exit, while I started to head towards the staff area to call it a day at work.

Luckily, I was able to catch the last train that would leave me close to home. Otherwise, I would have had to pay for a taxi.

The good thing is that I already have the money to buy Rumi her gift, so next Saturday I should go buy it since the date that the cashier at the pan-san shop gave me should already be close.

With this in mind, I decided to continue on my way home.

This chapter is the prelude to the second half of the first year.

As I mentioned some time ago, more characters will be added here, plus the next chapter is a turning point, that is, it will change things drastically. I hope I can live up to the idea I have for that chapter.

Although I already gave several clues, they should even guess xD.

I would like to advance the title, but it would be a direct spoiler.

With that said, see you.