Chapter 74: Hourly Wages and Immediate Work

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Another dull day at university. 

It's pretty bad to feel this way right after starting, isn't it?

I chose the economics department by process of elimination because I had no particular career goals. It's a decision that must annoy those who are serious about their studies. Still, I have to earn my credits. If I fail a year, my mom would kill me.

As I headed to the student office to switch classes, I saw Kojima-san muttering to herself in front of the job board.

“A tutor, maybe… But the hourly rate is less than half of that job…”

I thought of passing by without saying anything, but then…

“Yuuta…”

Great, this perceptive b***h noticed me. How did she sense me? She must have some incredibly sharp instincts, despite her lack of sexual awareness.

Damn.

“It's a bad habit to talk to yourself, Kojima-san. It looks creepy, and it'll just make you more of a loner.”

I couldn't help but be harsh. I always have something extra to say, but it's not easy to change my nature.

“I don't care if I don't have any friends.”

“Sure.”

That's a lie. She used to care a lot about being a loner in high school. It's strange that a girl who looks like a gyaru would be such a lone wolf. An introverted gyaru, huh?

But today, her usually dull hair seemed a bit shinier. Maybe staying at the Kurebayashi's has helped her relax a bit.

“But still, if I can make a lot of money quickly, that would be better… If I worked for a full day and earned 125,000 yen, I could survive a month by working two sleepless days…”

She's still fixated on that night job. For someone as naive and frigid as her to work in the sex industry would be suicide.

“Kojima-san, even if you're just talking to yourself, you should drop it. If you're considering the nightlife, at least study the regulations. Are you looking for a part-time job?”

“Yeah. I can't stay at Mii's place forever.”

True enough. She's not that shameless.

She might also need to find an apartment if she plans to live independently after breaking away from her family.

Can Kojima-san really manage on her own?

—

It's almost certain that Kojima-san's stepbrother is the affair parnert. If confronting him leads to her family falling apart, she'll be caught in the crossfire.

I should get some advice…

—

So, I decided to consult my neighbor, Uncle Jones, that night. I gave him a brief rundown of Kojima-san's situation.

“I see. From what you've told me, it sounds like her stepbrother is a scumbag, but the girl Aki is also a victim.”

“She's a mutual victim. Though I still haven't forgiven her for betraying me…”

“But?”

“I never seriously considered killing myself.”

“Really?”

From my words, Jones-san deduced that Kojima-san had attempted suicide in the past.

I had my mom, Angie, and Jones-san to support and comfort me. But Kojima-san is being driven into a corner by her own family, who should be her support system. Even her biological mother isn't helping her, as far as I know.

No wonder she's breaking down. While I don't know all the details, her mother is guilty too.

—

I must be getting soft, sympathizing with the girl who betrayed me. I wouldn't have thought this way two years ago.

Well, whatever.

“If confronting her stepbrother leads to the family falling apart, Kojima-san might end up homeless or worse. We need to avoid that…”

“Hmm… In that case, we could have Aki work at my company.”

“Oh.”

“If you don't want her to be left out in the cold, we can make this apartment company housing. I'll need to move out eventually because of work anyway.”

That's a good idea. I don't know exactly what Jones-san's job is, but it must be more respectable than the sex industry.

—

But if Kojima-san ends up living next door, it might be awkward. It would be uncomfortable to, you know, take care of myself. Not that I'd call out her name while doing it, but still.