The morning sunlight crept through the small crack in the curtains, casting a faint glow across the cluttered room. Takeshi, now 20 years old, stirred from his makeshift bed on the worn-out couch. He yawned and stretched his lanky frame, a testament to the passage of time. As he rubbed his eyes, he took in the sight of his unkempt surroundings.
With a heavy sigh, Takeshi reluctantly dragged himself to his feet. He shuffled across the room, stepping over discarded clothes and empty snack wrappers, his messy apartment a testament to his current state of life. He entered the small bathroom, splashed some water on his face, and tried his best to tame his disheveled hair.
Leaving the bathroom, Takeshi made his way to the kitchenette, or what could be considered as such in his cluttered space. He rummaged through the half-empty fridge, finding some leftovers from the previous day. He heated them up in the microwave, the sound echoing through the dimly lit room.
As he ate his haphazard breakfast, Takeshi's gaze wandered towards the cluttered corner of the room, where his beloved gaming console sat atop a precarious tower of game cases. A flicker of excitement crossed his eyes, momentarily distracting him from his lackluster reality.
With his breakfast hastily finished, Takeshi plopped down on the worn-out chair, the leather peeling in places. He grabbed the controller and immersed himself in the virtual world, his mind seeking solace and escape from the harshness of his current situation.
The sound of a persistent knock echoed through Takeshi's shabby apartment, interrupting the somber silence that enveloped the room. He furrowed his brow, recognizing the unwelcome visitor at his door. With a heavy sigh, he dragged himself towards the source of the disturbance.
Opening the door, Takeshi was met with the stern face of his landlord, Mr. Tanaka. The elderly man stood tall, his arms crossed and his expression hardened by years of dealing with unreliable tenants. Takeshi mustered a half-hearted smile, trying to hide the weariness in his eyes.
"Ah, Mr. Tanaka, good morning," Takeshi greeted, his tone lacking the usual enthusiasm of a cheerful greeting.
Mr. Tanaka's gaze flickered over Takeshi's disheveled appearance and the disarray of the apartment behind him. He cleared his throat, his voice tinged with impatience. "Good morning, Takeshi. I trust you're aware that your rent is overdue."
Takeshi's smile faded, replaced by a look of resignation. "Yeah, I know. I'll pay it soon," he replied, his voice devoid of conviction.
Mr. Tanaka's eyes narrowed, skepticism evident in his voice. "You've been saying that for weeks now, Takeshi. I can't keep waiting indefinitely. If you don't pay within the next few days, I'll have no choice but to evict you."
Takeshi's heart sank at the landlord's words, but he maintained a facade of indifference. He nodded absentmindedly, his eyes wandering towards a small picture frame on a nearby shelf. It held a cherished photo of him and Ayumi from their childhood days, their smiles reflecting the innocence and happiness they once shared.
As Takeshi's gaze lingered on Ayumi's face in the picture, memories of their adventures and laughter flooded his mind. A single tear escaped his eye, sliding down his cheek as a mixture of nostalgia and longing washed over him. In that moment, he realized how much he missed those carefree days and the person who had always believed in him.
Takeshi stepped out into the bustling city streets, his eyes taking in the vibrant scene before him. Everywhere he looked, people with various affinity powers went about their daily lives, effortlessly using their abilities to make tasks easier or more convenient. It was a constant reminder of the potential he had yet to tap into.
Determined to find a job and scrape together enough money to pay his overdue rent, Takeshi wandered through the city, passing by shops and businesses that showcased the talents of mages with low affinities. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as he watched them effortlessly utilize their powers, turning mundane tasks into spectacles of magic.
As he roamed the streets, Takeshi's attention was drawn to a fast-food restaurant tucked between two towering buildings. The smell of sizzling burgers and fried delights wafted through the air, tempting his empty stomach. Takeshi approached the restaurant and pushed open the glass door, entering a world of sizzling grills and bustling workers.
The interior of the restaurant was filled with the clatter of trays, the beeping of orders, and the shouts of the kitchen staff. Takeshi's eyes scanned the area, searching for someone who appeared to be in charge. His gaze fell upon a stern, no-nonsense woman with a bony frame, who seemed to be orchestrating the chaos around her with a commanding presence.
Summoning his courage, Takeshi made his way towards the woman. He cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound more confident than he felt. "Excuse me, ma'am," he called out, his words barely audible amidst the din.
The woman turned her head, her sharp gaze falling upon Takeshi. She scrutinized him from head to toe, her expression unyielding. "What do you want?" she asked curtly, her tone indicating little patience for small talk.
Undeterred by her brusque manner, Takeshi straightened his posture and mustered a smile. "I'm looking for a job," he replied, his voice steady despite the slight tremor of nerves. "I noticed you're in need of some help, and I thought I could be of assistance."
The woman's gaze softened ever so slightly as she assessed Takeshi. She crossed her arms, clearly contemplating his words. "We're short-staffed, but this isn't a place for someone who can't pull their weight," she warned, her voice stern but not entirely dismissive.
Takeshi nodded earnestly, his determination shining through. "I understand. I'm a hard worker, and I'm willing to learn. I'll do whatever it takes to prove myself."
There was a flicker of curiosity in the woman's eyes as she studied Takeshi, as if gauging his sincerity. Finally, she let out a sigh and nodded towards the kitchen. "Fine. We could use an extra pair of hands. But remember, we have no room for slackers. You'll start at the bottom, and we'll see if you have what it takes."
A surge of gratitude washed over Takeshi as he bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you down."
As Takeshi stepped into the kitchen, ready to embark on his new journey, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. This humble job might just be the first step towards rebuilding his life and discovering the strength within him. And as he glanced back at the stern yet somewhat approving gaze of the bony woman, he couldn't help but believe that he was on the path to not only paying his rent but also finding his place in a world brimming with magic and endless possibilities.
Takeshi was fired a few days after for being lazy and thus was unable to pay his rent.
Takeshi is now homeless.