Romance Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ High Fever ❯ Volume One, Chapter Four: Hard Job ( Chapter 4 )

Hard Job

Three days passed. Toshiki had completely moved in. He looked good shaved with a haircut. Yumi's parents were okay with him living with them. Still, he needed a job.

“I don't want to feel useless around here,” Toshiki said. Poppa could understand how he felt.

“I think I can help,” he said. Toshiki looked up.

“Oh no,” he said. “You've done so much already. You don't have to.”

“No, it's fine,” Poppa said. “I have just the thing.” Toshiki stared at him. Poppa just smiled at the younger man.

“Come with me,” he said. “I can introduce my friend to you.”

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They went to a nursing home.

“They are always looking for workers,” Poppa said. “Not just here. He works all over the city.” Toshiki turned his head.

“Huh?” he asked. Poppa chuckled.

“He works for the community,” he said. “Today's his day at the nursing home.” They walked up the glass doors. Poppa opened them. Toshiki followed behind.

Did this room have to be so bright? Toshiki shielded his eyes.

“Gah!” he said.

“You okay?” Poppa asked. Toshiki quickly nodded.

“Yes, yes, I'm fine,” he said.

“Take it easy now,” Poppa said. “Stay by me, okay?” Toshiki followed him to the office. Poppa stood at the door and knocked.

“Enter,” a faint voice said. Poppa opened the door. A man with a black beard sat at his desk. He didn't look up at first. Poppa took a step forward.

“Brady-san!” he said. “Brady-san!” The man didn't look up. Poppa tapped the desk. The other man looked up.

“Oh, it's you,” he said. “Taira-san, how have you been?”

“Good,” Poppa said. “And you?” The man sighed.

“Struggling,” he said. “But I'm here.” Poppa cleared his throat.

“Are you still looking for workers?” he asked. Brady-san raised his eyebrow.

“Yes,” he said. “Do you have someone in mind?”

“Why yes,” Poppa said. He stepped aside to reveal Toshiki.

“Uh… hi…” the young man said. Brady-san raised his eyebrow as he wrinkled his nose.

“Oh,” he said in a flat tone. Toshiki frowned.

“He's looking for work,” Poppa asked. “Can you help him out?” There was a pause.

“Is that right?” Brady-san asked.

“Yes!” Toshiki said. There was another pause. Brady-san frowned.

“Close the door,” he said. Poppa closed the door. Brady-san looked over at Toshiki.

“Sit,” he said. The young man sat down. Brady-san's face looked so cold. Toshiki gulped. Oh boy…

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“Name.”

“Okawa Toshiki.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-one.”

“Why do you want to work for me?”

“I need a job.”

“But why here?”

“I don't know.”

“Hm…”

“What? I was told to come here.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh…”

“Do you have any experience with community work?”

“A little.”

“What did you do?”

[Pause] “I was in the military for two years.”

“Uh-huh.”

“What?”

“Nothing. It's just…”

“What?”

“Yeah, we're done here. Have a good day.”

Toshiki and Poppa were left standing there looking lost and confused. Poppa stepped forward.

“Don, please!” he said. Brady-san shook his head.

“I'm sorry,” he said. “I can't. Good day.” Poppa turned to Toshiki.

“Wait outside,” he whispered. The young man stood up and walked out of the room still confused.

Hours later, Toshiki now had a job. Much to Don's displeasure.

New Job