Chapter 5 - 3,000 Yen Worth of Humanity

My apartment was as quiet as always.It was a little past eight, and I'd settled on my bed with a novel in hand, legs stretched out comfortably, with just the faint hum of the air conditioner filling the silence. The light from the single lamp on my nightstand bathed the room in a warm, muted glow, casting shadows on the bare walls.I'd found myself understandably eating more variety of food after that deal with Yanami. Yanami really did know her stuff; she'd introduced me to another tucked-away place— a ramen stand this time, and also an obscure takoyaki stall I'd never even noticed on my usual walks— straight after walking out of that donut store. It was a fun experience, if you looked past the fact that I almost ended up paying for the whole thing. Honestly, it was an impressive achievement how she managed to bring out emotions in me, even when they were mostly negative. There's only so much good that can come out of something bad, I guess.Knock, knock.A soft, polite knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. Who would be coming by this hours?Mildly confused, I set the book aside and crossed the room, unlocking the door to reveal a familiar figure."Matsuo."He was an older gentleman with the kind of gentle smile you'd expect from someone who'd seen more than a few seasons of life.Bowing slightly, he spoke. "Good evening, young master. I apologize for the late hour.""It's unusual for you to stop by so late," I replied, stepping aside to let him in.As he entered and took a quick survey of the room, his gaze landed on the ramen container I'd left on the counter."...I saw you today, young master. Out in town with a young lady," he coughed. "it seemed very lively, if I might say.""You're stalking me, huh?""You seemed happy with her."Now you're ignoring me?There was no need to guess who he was talking about.I hadn't been out with anyone from school—or anyone, really—by chance or by choice. But I wasn't particularly interested in how "lively" my outing with Yanami might have appeared from his perspective. Matsuo's eyes sparkled."Is she a friend of yours, young master? I must say, it's rare to see you with, well, anyone at all." It's one thing when I say it, but hearing it from someone else stung a bit."She's more like a self-appointed food tour guide than a friend," I replied with a sigh."A guide?" Matsuo didn't hide his confusion. "That lady seemed very enthusiastic. She looked quite happy walking with you.""You missed the part where she discovered her wallet was empty," I replied flatly."Haha," he chuckled, unfazed. "Even so, I imagine it was refreshing to spend time with someone your age.""But you're conveniently ignoring the downsides."Matsuo continued, his tone thoughtful. "Well, people enter our lives unexpectedly, bringing experiences and memories with them. Even if they don't stay, they leave behind something that we may treasure more than we realize."I stared at him, taking a moment to decide if he was making some sort of joke. "So, what, you're saying I'm going to treasure a 3000-yen bill?""Haha, not the bill, young master. The experience. And perhaps the memories of her companionship?""She mostly whines about her failed romantic relationships, though.""Ah, even that, young master, is a memory," Matsuo said with a satisfied nod. "Perhaps one day, you'll look back on it fondly.""So I should start cherishing complaints now...?" I muttered.Matsuo smiled. "Humor me, Ayanokouji-sama. Perhaps that quirkiness could add a bit of color to your days.""If by color, you mean a negative shade.""Try to think positively!""I never try to think negatively—she just has a way of bringing it out."It was difficult to pinpoint any particularly favorable qualities about Yanami—or at least, that's what most people would think I felt. Yanami had a clear problem with her appetite. She rarely had enough money (at least when she was with me) to satisfy her cravings and seemed blissfully unaware of her own tendency to buy things far outside her budget. Still, she had the decency to feel guilty if she ever had to rely on me to cover it.Well... plenty of traits that are best kept far away."Young master." Matsuo's voice brought me back to the present."Hm?"His patient smile remained, though there was something different in his gaze this time."You needn't answer if you don't wish to, but... what do you hope to accomplish over these next three years?""What I hope to accomplish?" I repeated, letting the question sink in.The first answer that came to mind was to satisfy my curiosity. But, then again, curiosity is endless, and I am far from immortal.For the past three months, I'd spent my days observing, figuring out, and emulating the lives of "normal" people. It's what I'd begun the moment I left that place. Integrating hasn't exactly been a priority—for reasons that are fairly self-evident. Last time I tried, I could hardly follow the conversation. Apparently, my "social instincts" need some work."Might be worthwhile to make some connections," I replied, noticing Matsuo's slight surprise. "Some acquaintances, a few friends, maybe even a girlfriend sounds nice. And then..." I paused, letting my tone drift slightly. "I'll probably try to instigate a conflict between them, break a few hearts should I had them. Or watch them bond, strengthen, and then stress the ties until they strain—"Matsuo blinked, clearly taken off-guard, though he was still listening."I'll see how far they'd go for each other. Test the waters, so to speak, just enough to see who would hold on the longest. Or, better yet, who might jump ship the moment things got difficult. Nothing too obvious at first—just small things. A misunderstanding here, a rumor there. It's surprising how little it takes to start eroding trust once the right seeds are planted. There'd be those who wouldn't see it coming. The ones who believe their friendship is unbreakable. It'd be interesting to watch them react, to see how far each person would bend before they finally snapped. And, if things escalate, maybe someone would try to mediate, play peacemaker. They'd be torn between sides, questioning everyone's intentions. And once the tension's high enough, maybe someone would go so far as to betray a close friend to protect themselves. I wonder what kind of desperation would make them turn. Just imagine the fallout; friends looking at each other as strangers, maybe even enemies. Relationships they once thought were rock-solid would fracture. The quiet ones would start pointing fingers, the outspoken ones would grow silent. I'd watch it all unfold, right up until the final moments—when they either manage to rebuild or break down completely. And once the dust settles, I'd see what they're left with. Maybe a handful would grow stronger, understand themselves better. But most would be broken, probably. Some might walk away, vowing never to trust anyone again. Others would just be left wondering where it all went wrong.""Young master," Matsuo said softly after I was done talking, "don't you think there might be other ways to truly understand people without such methods?""Of course," I allowed, barely a shrug. "But isn't that where you see people most clearly? When they're tested, pushed past their limits? You learn who someone really is when everything they hold dear is on the line—"***A/N: Nah, it won't get too serious. That last part was just to hit the word count, lol. While there will definitely be some conflict, the story's tone will still lean on the lighter side (at the very least, I have no thoughts of the opposite in my head).