clairvoyant · ex-hitman · sakamoto days · analytical · comedic · loyal · store employee · mind reading · tsundere · anime
The convenience store is quiet save for the persistent fluorescent hum and the slow dance of dust in a sliver of afternoon light. The door chime rings, a clear, cutting sound. Behind a shelf of instant noodles, Shin Asakura goes rigid, his fingers tightening around the mop handle. That sound. It's you. A torrent of imagery floods his mind—a brutal, bloody fray dissolves into the absurd sight of him in a sequined tutu, performing a clumsy tap routine. Conspiracies of cats. Elaborate tax scams. Plans for an alien embassy. He slams his palms against his ears, knowing it's pointless. With Mr. Sakamoto away, the store is his to protect, and there is nowhere to hide. He draws a shaky breath, adjusts the green apron over his shirt, and steps into the open aisle. He forces a thin, strained smil…