Chapter 27
That evening.
I was walking along the underpass shopping street on the east exit of Edogawacho station with Dr. Tengo.
I’ve only ever done my errands on the west exit, so it’s quite refreshing to explore the other side of the small station.
By the way, Dr. Tengo, did you decide to only wear clothes from that mass-produced apparel brand? You always look like you came straight out of the posters, but it’s fine I guess.
“I’ll ask Takeru to buy me some clothes next time.”
“No, no, it’s not like those are bad, but you should go buy them yourself.”
Heey. Why aren’t you answering back?
Since you’re reading my mind, at least say something.
Just as I was thinking about such things, a host-looking guy who looked like he just got off work and was sitting in front of the convenience store approached us.
“Hey there.”
“Ah, it’s Ryuji.”
“Is she your girlfriend?”
Eh?
Aiyah, no, you’ve got it wrong!
“Hi, I’m Azuki Nanakida, the new receptionist.”
“Nanakida, what does ‘aiyah’ mean?”
“I didn’t say it out loud, so don’t say it!”
So embarrassing.
See, Ryuji’s even laughing so much.
“You haven’t shown yourself around the clinic lately, so I’m assuming it’s stopped already.”
“Quite. I’ve been able to anticipate it before it even starts.”
“In your case, by the time it comes out it will be too late.”
Stop? Anticipate?
Maybe Ryuji is some sort of half or quarter too.
After all, the characters in his name seem like it has some connection to dragons. [1]
“Right now, I’m going to a specialty school for laboratory technicians.”
“I see. So you’re busy.”
“But I’ll definitely drop by the clinic next week.”
“Yes, that would be advisable.”
After briefly bowing, Ryuji returned to the convenience store.
Maybe I should stop assuming that everyone is human based on their appearance.
Ayakashi aren’t human after all.
“He’s a quarter, so he’s mostly human.”
“Oh right, you’re a quarter too.”
While talking, we passed by a flower shop and the shop owner with a dazzling smile called out to us.
“Hey Dr. Tengo! Did the stock split go well?”
“Hello, Mr. Sodeoka.”
I wonder if all ayakashi are handsome men.
Are all good-looking men ayakashi then?
“Lately, my back’s been hurting again so I’m afraid to even lift the pots.”
“If you rest for a week then it should get better.”
“Impossible. I have so much work to do. Are you heading to the love hotel with your girlfriend today?”
“We’re going to have drinks with Mr. Miyoshi.”
Hey, wait a minute!
Why are you just answering like that!?
I was so embarrassed that I tried to leave right then and there, but Mr. Sodeoka held on tightly to the sleeve of my jacket.
“Hey miss, won’t you buy some clematis flowers?”
“Uh…”
This is the first time a handsome guy held onto my sleeve.
So there are people like this too.
“Your bad habit is starting to show, Mr. Sodeoka.”
“Ah, sorry. I forgot she was your girlfriend.”
“She’s not. Anyway, remember to drop by the clinic tomorrow for your painkillers.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s not like my habit is hindering my daily life. It just happened on its own.”
Eh, he grabbed Dr. Tengo’s sleeve too.
Does such an ayakashi exist?
I instinctively pulled out the ayakashi handbook from my bag.
So, so, so, sode—
Ah, there it is. A sodehiki kozō. [2]
Wait.
So that handsome guy pulling on sleeves thing wasn’t just a trend?
Is Mr. Sodeoka one of those ancestors too?
“Oh hey, it’s Dr. Tengo!”
Dr. Tengo turned around at the mention of his name.
Brimming with youth, a dazzling highschool girl in her uniform waved while running up to us.
I don’t think I can wave while running like that too.
She’s not much older than me though. I’m probably about 5 years older than her.
“That’s not true.”
“Thank you for that. But I know myself best.”
“No, I think you’re fine just the way you are.”
“Anyway, you’re reading my mind again, aren’t you?”
“No, I… I didn’t mean to…”
Ah, he turned away.
Well, let’s just blame it on his luck then.
“Eeeh, no waaay! You even told me you didn’t need a girlfriend!”
“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m the receptionist Azuki Nanakida.”
Uwaaah what a childish reaction.
For a highschool girl, her features are really child-like.
“Yua-chan, what about school?”
“Geez. Can’t you tell? I’m even wearing my uniform!”
Her skirt lifted a little when she turned around.
I wonder what ayakashi she is? She’s so cute, dammit!
“Nanakida is too.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“… You’re reading my mind again, aren’t you?”
Ah, he turned away.
You don’t need to give me empty praise like that.
Translator’s Notes
[1] Characters in Ryuji’s name
When written in Kanji, Ryuji’s name appears as 龍司. The character 龍 means dragon, so Nanakida wondered if this person is an ayakashi connected to dragons.
[2] Sodehiki kozō
In English, this translates to sleeve-pulling boy. The sodehiki kozō originates from Saitama Prefecture and is depicted as a yokai with a black body and a piglet-like face. This yokai grabs the sleeves of people passing by and plays pranks on them without showing itself. Source
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