My weekdays followed the same plan. I taught high school students, I was their mentor, teacher, sensei, although they are, in fact, the same thing. I had to develop certain strategies, meet the schedule and check the control. It was a teacher's life in which nothing interesting happened.
But there was something else. My second life, where I was what I needed to become, because it was, in fact, destined for me. I was who I tried to be in high school years ago. I was a contract killer in Japan. Yes, this is a fairly limited area, but, to my own surprise, even in this country, the business of contract killings is still flourishing. In particular, this is all due to the fact that the Yakuza are slowly losing their power.
They said a lot about me and at the same time said nothing. I was known as a snake who is able to eliminate people quickly, without conscience or regrets. Well, it was true in a way. But still, this is still the young time of my life, the very dawn of it, and I spent my time on something like this, which I do best.
– Nagisa, is that you?
It was our first meeting in the last couple of years. She changed a little, started wearing one braid instead of two, but her hair got longer. I would say that this young girl's voice was still soft, but there was still something else in it. Was it the influence of Karma?
– Yeah.
I exhaled and shifted the bag of textbooks and notebooks to my other shoulder. Studying was never superfluous, so I studied hard in high school, at the university and at the same time taught at school as a junior teacher. Yes, such a life took a lot of time, especially when combined with the profession of a murderer, but I even liked it. Except for those days when it was time for exams, which is something scary in both places of my purposeful imprisonment.
– You look... cute...?
She stumbled a little when she wanted to comment on my appearance. But what was wrong? The shirt seems to be tucked in normally, the belt is there and matches the color of the jacket, the pants do not fall off, all the buttons are buttoned, the tie fits like a glove, everything seems to be fine with the shoes too.
– Thanks.
I tried to smile to show that everything was exactly in order, but Okuda only awkwardly smiled back at me. Apparently, she is returning home from the store, as she has a large bag of groceries in her hands. I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't offer to help her at a time like this.
– Can I help you?
– Hm?
I almost instinctively reached for the grocery bag in her hands when, at the last moment, Okuda pulled it away from me, as if she didn't trust me. For some reason, I feel betrayed. Although, maybe she just wants to prove something to someone, even me.
– Nagisa, are you okay?
– What are you talking about?
– You look very tired. Are you sure you're feeling okay?
Really? No, I'm not sure. To be honest, I don't think I've seen myself from the outside since this morning. Yes, it was yesterday morning, and not even today. Hm? Do I smell bad? It seemed to me that this deodorant should work longer.
– Yes, I think so. However, I feel a little sleepy.
– Oh…
Okuda was looking at me like she wanted to cry right now. It wouldn't be good if I made a beautiful girl cry in the middle of the street at a time like this. I guess I'd better go home, although, of course, I'd like to talk to her a little longer.
– I'm sorry about that, Okuda. I'm sorry, can we meet some other time if I'm so tired today?
– Ah... um... yes?
– That's good. See you then.
– Yes, I think so.…
I had already started to leave, while Okuda just turned to the entrance to the territory of a small neighboring house and stopped in front of the door, turning to me. Perhaps she wanted to look after me. Well, that's just like her.
– It's amazing that you live here.
At parting, I noted this fact, because I had not seen her in this area before. Well, chance encounters can be amazing in nature. The main thing is that we met, that's the most important thing, and everything else doesn't matter anymore.
– Yes, I recently moved here. Do you live nearby too?
Well, it looks like I didn't expect that. But still, this is also good, because in this case we will be able to see each other more often. We may even be able to meet tomorrow or sometime when we find ourselves in a similar situation to today. I just walk here from time to time.
– Oh, no. Unfortunately, I still have about two hours to walk to my apartment. Or maybe I could catch a bus and get there faster.
It was a bitter truth that could not be avoided. Still, I had to work so far from home, although my university, where I still study, is somewhat closer. About halfway there, to be more precise.
– Oh?! There are no buses running at this time!
Was it that late already? Unfortunately, my phone is dead, so I have no idea what time it is, and looking at the dark sky gives only a rough understanding, but not an exact one. It turns out that I have to walk. I wonder if I'll get home before midnight.
– I understand. Well, then I'll walk.
– Nagisa, are you crazy?
Okuda yelled at me when I said a rather mundane thing. To be honest, it was not entirely clear why her reaction to my words was so radical for her? Does she have any urgent business with me? Well, we haven't seen each other for a long time, so anything is possible right now.
Did... did she find out that I was a murderer? Does she have an order for me? Or does she want to kill me? No, that's nonsense. Okuda is not a murderer at all, I talked to Karma more than once after school, he often mentioned that she is now a notable biochemist.
– But is it…
– If you want, you can stay at my place for the night…
– Hm?
Stay the night? Stay at Okuda's house for the night? Come to think of it, I've never stayed at a girl's house at night, and I've never been at a girl's house before. It's all pretty tempting, but it's weird enough.
– But after all…
I tried to gently refuse, having difficulty choosing my words. It's getting harder to talk with every second, so I'd better move on as soon as possible. Maybe I'll get at least five or four hours of sleep.
– No. You're staying with me tonight, Nagisa.
– Huh?!
It was unexpected. Okuda showed her hidden insistent side in my attitude, as long as I didn't go anywhere. There was nothing like it when our last year together at school began, but thanks to the attention and care of our teacher…
Koro-sensei…
It's been five years since we finished everything. The government couldn't take him away, but we could. However, I also took something. I've had to keep this secret for five years now, but so far everything is fine. No one came after me, not even the other killers, so probably no one knows about this secret in my apartment.
Anyway, Okuda has changed, as have I. This is normal, for each of us, this happened in a peculiar way, especially.
– Nagisa..?
– Yes, it's fine.
I'm too exhausted to argue with you, Okuda. Although I don't think she has an extra bed for me, so I'll probably have to sit on the couch or even on the floor. Although, if she has an extra futon, then it's not so bad. I wonder if I can get enough sleep to get to work in the morning.
– Sorry for the intrusion.
I quietly apologized more to myself than to my friend, after which I took off my shoes on the threshold, then went into the house. Okuda did the same, only she didn't say anything, but judging by her friendly expression, I was lucky not to cause her negative emotions.
– You must be hungry. Give me some time, I'll cook something.
– Ah, you shouldn't strain yourself so much. It's okay, I can eat tomorrow. It's better to just sleep anyway.
I definitely need sleep. And it is advisable to put yourself in order at least a little. Tomorrow morning, I think I'll go to the university for classes, after which I'll go home to wash my clothes, check my homework and do a project with a presentation. Oh, there's nothing I can do, I'll call the school and tell them that I'll take the day off tomorrow.
– If you say so. But you're staying for breakfast, aren't you?
Well, the decision has already been made. Breakfast would be just the thing.
– Yes, of course. If you don't mind.
She just smiled at me in a kind, encouraging way in response to my words.
– I am always glad to have guests.
The rest of the evening night flew by in almost seconds. I got an extra futon from Okuda and the opportunity to sleep in a small living room. There are still a few unpacked boxes left after the move, but this does not bother me, because there is quite enough space for sleeping.
I was also allowed to charge my phone, which was very helpful. I let the charge accumulate for about half an hour, and at that time I took a shower with the permission of the owner of the house. I am glad that I was able to refresh myself. Okuda had already gone to bed at that time, leaving me a bathrobe that she has, and in my size. It's strange that she even had something my size.
Soon I decided not to bother and turned on the phone when the battery charge was at least minimal. My intuition tells me that I'm missing something important without this technological gadget. Not once in all this time has my intuition failed me.
A cute girl with pink hair in a braid appeared on the screen of my phone immediately after turning it on. Her clothes seemed a little punk, as if she was trying to look like a teenager in a period of rebellion. However, from the slightly agitated and at the same time rather kind expression on her face, it can be said that her character has not been associated with the period of teenage activity for a long time.
– Ritsu.
It has been on both my phone and the phones of my classmates since the last year of high school. I don't know about the others, but I personally spend a lot of time with her. She may be an artificial intelligence, but this does not make her worse, I would even say that a number of advantages on her part are constantly inspiring.
On assassination missions, her help was often useful to me. Of course, she is not a murderer in the sense in which I am classified, but she can become one at least for a short time to help me in this or that situation. I owe her my life more than once.
– Nagisa-kun, you still haven't returned home? I couldn't get through to you.
Concern oozes out of her voice, and the expression on her face and the pose of this girl make my heart ache in the depths of my chest. I've spent enough time with her over the years that we could be called friends if there was a concept of friendship between a machine and a person.
– I'm sorry, the phone went dead at school. And now I'm not at home.
– Not at home? But why did you take off your clothes and... oh! I didn't think you'd feel so alone.
Focusing on this bathrobe, Ritsu suddenly changed the subject to some kind of loneliness.
– What are you talking about?
Of course, I get lonely sometimes, but from time to time I cross paths with Tomohito or Karma or even both of them. We always have something to talk about. Although most often it is either sports or study. Just like in the old days when we studied together. Moreover, sometimes I see Takebayashi or Terasaka, and even Kanzaki-san.
– So, who is she? I hope she's nice?
Nice? Is she talking about Okuda? No, Ritsu doesn't understand who she's talking about, just like me. It looks like she's got the wrong ideas in her chips.
– Aah..? Ritsu, I don't know what exactly you're thinking, but that's not it..!
– Mm?
– I just met Okuda. She offered to stay at her place for the night, no more than that.
– Is that so? Just to spend the night?
Why is she looking at me with such a suspicious look? It feels like I've managed to apologize to her in some way, even though I don't know what.
– Yes.
– Hm. Okuda-chan may seem like a simple girl, but you have to be careful, Nagisa-kun.
– What do you mean?
Okuda isn't a killer, although that doesn't make her safe, of course. But I believe her. I don't think I should be wary of her.
– She and Karma have never been on a date, so she's still free.
– …
Really? I didn't know about it. From what Karma told me, it sounded like they were spending a lot of time together. I thought it was all for a reason. If he hasn't taken the first step yet, then it's probably going to happen soon. Would I interfere with them in that case..?
– Nagisa-kun?
– Is that all you're worried about?
Although do girls need more reasons?
– I just warned you. Anyway, it's good that you found her.
– What are you talking about?
– Okuda-chan may be useful to us. Her knowledge of chemical and biological sciences can help us. My calculations show that she can reproduce a drug that can give growth.
Really… Before that, we had not attracted any of our former classmates yet, as this could be dangerous for all of us. And even now, it can be difficult to know about their attitude to such an idea. After all, it's been five years.
– ... Are you sure?
– The probability of failure is 93.4%, but this is the lowest probability of all that I have calculated before.
It's still a lot, but as Ritsu said, it's our best option so far.
– Well, I guess we don't have a choice. Okuda is really good at what she does. I'll try to talk to her tomorrow morning.
It would be pointless to bother her now. Moreover, since I have such a chance, I will clean myself up, after which I will get at least some sleep. And then in the morning I'll try to explain everything to her as delicately as possible.
– Do you need help in negotiations?
– I think I can handle it, thanks.
Ritsu also understands the gravity of the situation. That's why she and I kept it a secret from everyone all this time.
– I'll remind you that she's free, so be careful there. According to statistics a girl is much more dangerous when you are alone with her.
– Stop talking about it, I'm not alone!
Okuda and I have never been close. From time to time, of course, there were situations in which we had to act together, especially since I could quite say that even outside of school, although we rarely saw each other, we communicated quite well with each other. However, I am not sure that we can be called friends in the literal sense of the word, although we are probably definitely good acquaintances.
And I don't think she'd like someone like me. It was enough to look at her seemingly guilty smile when we recently met on the street. In her eyes, I probably appeared in my rather pathetic form, as the students of my school saw me at the very beginning of the year.
– When you and Kayano-san broke up a year and a half ago, all you said was that you were very-very sorry. It hasn't stopped until now. Moreover, you have nightmares about this topic with a frequency above 50%.
Even this slight reminder helped those memories to resurface. Kaede was chasing her dream and her job, especially since some disagreements in our relationship due to my own desires and working as a murderer forced us to take a break, a long break. We text sometimes, rarely call each other, but our relationship has definitely faded and the connection between us has rather returned to friendship or something like that, to be honest.
It still hurts, I can't help myself. Just have to comfort myself, sometimes with help of Ritsu.
– I asked you not to register my sleep activity.
She hadn't talked about it for months, but apparently she continued to do what she wanted. I guess that's okay. She is a machine, an artificial intelligence capable of self-development. However, she also has something else, Ritsu has her own free will and does what she wants when she wants. The first such decision for her was to resist the will of her creators, which is clearly good from a moral point of view. Moreover, it is good for everyone who is on her list of friends.
– I'm worried.
– I know, thanks for that, Ritsu.
– In that case, good night, Nagisa-kun. Let you have a good dream.
– Yeah, you too, Ritsu.
Before saying goodbye to me for good, she pointedly changed her clothes to pajamas, jumped into bed and covered herself with a blanket in her virtual world. Ritsu always does this, because, as she claims, it makes her closer to real people.