LMUC Ch 4
by mimiSeeing his face, Ashley couldn’t help but laugh. Koi blinked in confusion at Ashley’s laughter but still had rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes, and a wide grin.
“Yeah, it’s cute.”
After saying that, Ashley was startled. Fortunately, he didn’t have to backtrack on his words because Koi, with a smile so bright it almost squinted his eyes, spoke first:
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“Isn’t it? It’s so cute, right? Actually, this is a limited edition, and they all sold out. I was going to keep one for myself since a customer didn’t want it, but…”
“What? Then it’s okay, you don’t have to give it to me.”
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“No, no.”
Koi waved his hands, pushing back the doll Ashley was trying to return.
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“I want to give it to you. Take it.”
“Really?” With Koi insisting, Ashley could no longer refuse.
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“…Okay, thanks.”
Reluctantly accepting the doll, Koi smiled brightly again. At that moment, Ashley saw it – Koi’s ears were twitching slightly.
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…Ah.
He almost reached out to touch those ears. Having half-raised his hand, Ashley quickly came to his senses and lowered it before Koi noticed. He hurriedly spoke to change the subject before Koi could catch on:
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“Then I’ll be going.”
“Okay, take care. Have a happy Independence Day!”
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Koi waved brightly in farewell. Even as Ashley got into his car and started the engine, Koi was still standing there, waving.
Ashley’s Cayenne smoothly curved out of the parking lot. Once Koi was no longer visible in the rearview mirror, Ashley glanced at the passenger seat where the ugly doll Koi had given him lay.
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“What’s wrong with his eyes?”
Ashley muttered to himself. Though he found it absurd, he was somehow smiling.
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🏒
“Ashley!”
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His girlfriend leaped into his arms the moment she saw him, and Ashley hugged her familiarly. It had been ten days since they last met. After several kisses, Ariel finally spoke:
“You have no idea how much I missed you. I could hardly sleep last night. My dad, well…”
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Ashley listened to the familiar complaints about her parents with one ear, letting it flow out the other. Such whining was common among his ice hockey team friends too. Ashley knew well that such grumbling often came from a place of attachment to family. On the contrary, he had no stories or complaints about his own parents.
Of course, his parents provided him with everything materially. He might even consider it ungrateful to have complaints. Ashley didn’t have any complaints about them, but he also didn’t have any special attachment. So, when his friends complained about their parents in this way, he always felt a bit strange.
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This time was no different. Ariel’s complaints about how outdated her father was were filled with affection for him.
“Oh, what’s this?”
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Ariel exclaimed as she was about to sit in the passenger seat. Ashley paused just as he was about to get into the driver’s seat. Before he could react, Ariel had already sat down and was examining the doll she had picked up.
“Where did you get this? Oh, it’s really ugly.”
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Ariel burst into laughter and tossed it aside carelessly. Ashley watched as the doll was thrown into the back seat, his expression unnoticed by Ariel, who was busy buckling her seatbelt.
“Where do you want to go today? Your place is fine too.”
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“Yeah.”
Ashley agreed and started the car. Ariel, sticking her head out of the window, cheered loudly as the wind hit her face. Ashley, as usual, made jokes and laughed with Ariel. Everything was just like before.
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“Yay!”
Ariel, excited after getting out of the car, ran straight to the pool. Ashley, following her out of the driver’s seat, suddenly stopped.
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At the end of his gaze was the ugly doll, lying discarded. He looked at it for a moment before opening the car door, placing the doll back in the backseat, and securing it with a seatbelt.
Seeing the now comfortably seated, albeit ridiculous, doll made him feel lighter for some reason. He whistled casually as he walked away.
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🏒
“Wohoo!”
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Bill yelled as he dove into the water, causing a splash that sent screams around. With a “whoosh,” he emerged from the water, shaking his head and exhaling the breath he’d held.
“Stop it, you madman!”
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“Stop, I said!”
Screams mixed with laughter erupted around him. His girlfriend, sunbathing on a pool float, handed him her drink, which he eagerly chugged.
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“Ah, that’s good.”
With an involuntary sigh of relief, he looked towards the mansion’s owner, lying on a beach chair, and swam over.
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“Ash, aren’t you coming in?”
“I’m good.”
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Ashley declined with a wave of his hand while lying down. The mansion was bustling. Before the end of the summer break, the ice hockey team members and their girlfriends had gathered to have a good time. Ashley’s parents-free mansion was huge, with a pool, tennis court, and a fridge always stocked, making it the perfect place for a holiday.
“Ah, so the break is ending.”
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Another guy sitting in the beach chair next to Ashley sighed. The conversation soon turned to college entrance exams.
Most of them had taken their exams before the break, with plans to finish before their senior year, as there would be no time for tests once real college applications started.
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“This is our last season.”
Someone said, and Ash agreed with a “Yeah.” Bill raised his root beer can and said:
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“For Buffalo’s championship!”
Everyone cheered and emptied their drinks. After finishing his cola, leaving only ice, Ashley put down his empty cup when someone announced:
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“Ash, the fridge is empty!”
Someone called out as they walked out of the mansion. Ashley, sitting up from his beach chair, pushed his sunglasses up on his forehead.
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“Completely empty?”
“This is all that’s left.”
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He pointed to the cans he was holding in both arms. Ashley sighed and stood up.
“Alright.”
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“I’ll come with you, Ash!”
Ariel, who was lying on another beach chair, shouted. Ashley waved her off.
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“It’s fine, I’ll go alone.”
He headed to the garage, leaving the noisy friends behind. Only after he got into the car did he realize he was just wearing loose surfer trunks, but it didn’t matter. He just needed to quickly buy some drinks nearby.
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Thinking this, he left the mansion and while waiting at a signal, he suddenly changed his mind and turned the steering wheel.
🏒
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“So why don’t you have it, you bastard!”
A drunk customer was causing a ruckus, spouting curses, and Koi was trying his best to calm him down.
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“I’m sorry, we haven’t received the stock yet… I’ll definitely have it next time…”
Koi apologized profusely, but the man, who had lost his reason, wasn’t listening. Finally, he violently pushed Koi.
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“You think I’m a joke, huh, you little shit?”
“Ah!”
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Koi stumbled and fell on his butt. Then the man slapped him hard across the face. Before he could regain his senses, another hit made his vision swim.
“Ah, ow…”
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As Koi groaned, clutching his aching cheek, the man cursed again and tried to punch him but was too drunk to land a proper hit.
“Fuck, spit!”
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The man swung at the air, venting his anger, before leaving the shop. Finally alone, Koi tried to stand but winced in pain. One ear was ringing, and his throbbing cheek would likely be swollen by tomorrow.
He felt like crying but took deep breaths instead. There was no time to cry.
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As he was walking around the store to organize the inventory, the bell on the door jingled. Koi turned his head absentmindedly and then widened his eyes in surprise.
“Huh.”
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Ashley stood there, having voiced Koi’s exclamation. Koi was dazed for a moment before trying to muster a bright smile, but it was just in his heart.
“Ouch!”
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The pain in his cheek made him involuntarily yelp, and Ashley immediately approached him.
“What happened? Are you hurt?”
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Koi, still holding his cheek, looked up at Ashley who had come to stand in front of him and stuttered:
“Uh, no, it’s just…”
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Koi hesitated before answering:
“There was a bit of an incident.”
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“You look like you’ve been hit.”
Ashley didn’t beat around the bush. Struck by his directness, Koi averted his gaze and mumbled:
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“Just… a drunk customer causing trouble. That’s all.”
“What…”
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“But what brings you here? Did you come to buy something?”
Koi asked before the conversation could drag on further. His voice brightened, and Ashley momentarily recalled the last time he saw his face. The sparkling eyes and the voice full of happiness were the same, except for the swollen, red cheek.
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“…Seriously…”
Ashley started to say something more but stopped. Koi wouldn’t want to talk about it further. It wasn’t his place to comment anyway; he was just here to buy more drinks.
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Just then, Ashley’s gaze fell on Koi. In his dirty, crumpled uniform with clear signs of being hit on his face, he looked utterly pitiful and insignificant.
“…Where are the drinks?”
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“Huh? Oh, over here.”
Koi hurriedly opened the fridge and asked:
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“What do you want? How many do you need?”
As he was about to take out a drink, Ashley hesitated. If this fridge got empty, Koi would have to fill it again. Thinking that, he lowered his hand and said:
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“I’ll take them by the box. Where are they?”
“Huh?”
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Koi blinked in confusion.
“They won’t be that cold though, is that okay?”
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“It’s fine.”
Ashley answered as lightly as possible.
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“I drink them with ice anyway.”
“Ha ha, ouch.”
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Laughing at the not-so-funny joke, Koi winced from the pain.
“Wait a sec, I’ll get them for you. What do you like?”
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At Koi’s question, Ashley answered vaguely:
“Anything.”
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“Got it.”
As Koi turned to hurry away, Ashley followed. Koi opened the door to the back of the store and looked around at the stacked drinks, selecting mango cola.
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“Huh.”
Just as Koi was about to lift a box full of cans, a long arm reached from behind, taking it away. Surprised, Koi turned to see Ashley standing right behind him. But that wasn’t all; Ashley grabbed two more boxes of mango cola and went outside. Koi, watching in a daze, followed him out and asked:
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“Is that enough?”
“Yeah, check me out.”
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Ashley placed the boxes on the counter and handed over his card. While inserting the card into the machine, Koi said:
“Looks like you’re having a party.”
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“Uh…”
Ashley mumbled. Seeing Koi working even after getting hit on the cheek, he felt a sense of guilt for coming here in just one pair of surfer trunks.
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Why does this guy look so pitiful every time I see him?
Feeling a bitter taste in his mouth, Ashley watched Koi waiting for the receipt. Koi’s hair looked soft and fluffy. As Ashley was staring blankly, Koi suddenly looked up. Their eyes met, and Ashley flinched for no reason. Koi smiled with his eyes almost closed.
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“It must be fun. Have a good time!”
“Ah, yeah.”
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Ashley nodded vaguely, took his card, and picked up the boxes. He was about to carry them with one box under each arm and one in his hand when Koi grabbed the last box and followed him.
“I’ll carry it for you.”
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“It’s okay.”
“I’m the one who’s okay.”
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Koi tried to smile again but winced in pain. Despite repeating the same mistake several times, he kept doing it. Ashley felt sorry for him but also found it amusing. Koi’s face would grimace every time he winced from trying to smile, but his ears still twitched, showing his overflowing joy.
“…Do you like me that much?”
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At Ashley’s sudden question, Koi’s eyes widened. He didn’t answer, but his expression made it clear. Seeing that, Ashley couldn’t help but laugh.
“Huh.”
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Koi was surprised, and Ashley reached out with his free hand to pat his head. Koi was momentarily lost, dazed by Ashley’s gentle smile. The large hand on his head felt so good, the gaze towards him was incredibly warm, and above all, Ashley’s smiling face at him made his heart flutter.
Ashley suddenly narrowed his eyes. Still with a gentle smile, he moved his hand from Koi’s head to cup his cheek.
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Thump, it felt like the sound of a heartbeat echoed. The slow beat continued to resonate in his ears. Koi was staring at Ashley without even blinking, wanting to keep him in his sight for as long as possible.
The warmth of the hand on his cheek and the fervent beating of his heart.
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Ding, the faint sound of a bell came from behind. The spell was broken. Koi had to return to the store, and it was time for Ashley to go back to his world. Reluctantly, Koi whispered:
“…Bye, Ash.”
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When Koi managed to speak, Ashley responded:
“Bye, Koi.”
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His hand left Koi’s cheek after that. Watching Ashley’s hand move away, Koi felt a void in his heart.
“Get back inside.”
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Ashley said, opening the back door of the car. Seeing Ashley place the two boxes he was holding into the back seat, Koi quickly handed over the box he was carrying.
“Thanks.”
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As Ashley took the box from Koi and stacked it in the back, Koi suddenly exclaimed:
“Allyping!”
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“Allyping?”
Ashley turned back curiously, and Koi pointed at the doll securely fastened in the back seat.
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“That doll, it’s the one I gave you, right?”
“Ah, yeah.”
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Ashley nodded but then frowned.
“Allyping?”
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“Yeah.”
Koi looked up at him with sparkling eyes.
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“It’s a pink elephant, so Elephant, Pink, Allyping.”
When did you come up with that name?
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Ashley thought, but there was something more shocking.
“This was supposed to be an elephant?”
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“Uh… You didn’t know?”
Koi asked as if he was the one surprised.
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“Look, the nose is long here, and there’s a tail like this.”
Koi pointed it out, but Ashley still couldn’t grasp it. How could one distinguish a nose and tail from such a metaphysical shape?
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But Koi was confident. Ashley opened his mouth to say something, then closed it and took a deep breath instead.
“…You should get back inside.”
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At Ashley’s words, Koi nodded. As he turned to go back to the store, he kept looking back, reluctant to leave.
“Take care, come again, bye.”
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After waving goodbye several times, Ashley waved back and got into the driver’s seat. If he didn’t leave, Koi would stay there forever. Without hesitation, Ashley started the car. Through the rearview mirror, he saw Koi walking towards the store but still turning back to look. As he left the parking lot, Ashley felt both relief and emptiness.
It was a strange feeling.
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🏒
“Have you ever felt like you’re trash?”
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At this sudden question, Bill sounded puzzled over the phone.
— What are you talking about out of the blue?
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Ashley paused for a moment before sighing.
“Nothing, forget it.”
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Bill, who had been waiting for a response, chided him in a rough tone:
— What’s that supposed to mean? Anyway, how about it? Can we hang out at your place one more time before the new semester starts?
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It seemed they had a good time gathering at Ashley’s place last time. His friends were already looking for another opportunity. Normally, Ashley would have gladly fulfilled their wishes, especially since it was better than being alone in such a large mansion.
But he wasn’t in the mood for that now. Ashley replied bluntly:
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“I’m busy.”
— What? What are you talking about all of a sudden?
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Bill was dumbfounded, but Ashley, annoyed, hung up the phone. The surroundings became quiet again. Lying in bed for a while, he exhaled and then got up. The sky today was clear and cloudless, a perfect summer day.
🏒
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“Welcome!”
As soon as Koi saw Ashley, he shouted happily. Every time Ashley saw Koi welcome him enthusiastically with his whole body, he felt a strange sensation. This time too, feeling odd, Ashley stepped into the store and greeted as usual.
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“Hi.”
“Hi!”
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Koi returned the greeting with the same enthusiasm, his smile so wide it reached his ears. Seeing him, Ashley, as always, gave a bitter smile.
“You’re always smiling when you see me. Are you that happy?”
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Ashley asked while casually placing random items on the counter. He expected Koi to jump in denial or get flustered, saying “No!” But Koi, with his mouth already open, smiled even brighter.
“Yeah, of course. I like you so much.”
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At this unexpected response, Ashley felt embarrassed instead. Seeing Ashley’s wide eyes, Koi said:
“It’s only natural. Who wouldn’t like Ashley?”
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At Koi’s cheerful laughter, Ashley rarely felt shy, and he averted his gaze. Unusually, his cheeks heated up a bit. Koi, not minding Ashley’s reaction, hummed while ringing up the items and then pulled something out from inside.
“This is a gift.”
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“Again?”
When Ashley hesitated, Koi smiled.
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“This is limited edition too.”
After giving Ashley the ugly elephant – or what Koi claimed was an elephant – Koi had been giving him gifts every time since.
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Ashley knew Koi was eager to give him anything, but the problem was he couldn’t refuse, even though he wasn’t usually one to struggle with saying no. He had easily said “no” with a smile to others before, but with Koi, he couldn’t open his mouth to refuse.
The reason was that smile on Koi’s face.
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“Here, this is an anteater.”
Koi beamed as he handed over another unidentifiable doll. His eagerness to give gifts to Ashley was evident from his reddened cheeks, shining eyes, open mouth, and the constantly twitching ears that revealed all his emotions.
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Of course, Ashley had tried to refuse the second time he received a doll, but the moment he saw Koi’s face turn pale, he withdrew his words. As a result, the number of ugly dolls in the back seat of Ashley’s car was increasing.
I could just stop coming here.
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Ashley thought as he reluctantly accepted the bizarrely shaped doll. Then I wouldn’t have to deal with this dilemma.
But it was too late for regrets. Ashley was already here, facing Koi, even buying unnecessary items.
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“Why lettuce seeds? Planning to plant them in your yard?”
As Koi was bagging the items, he asked, and only then did Ashley realize what he had randomly picked up. Koi chirped happily:
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“Growing your own food is nice. I sometimes plant seeds in paper cups, and when the sprouts come out, they’re so cute.”
“…Paper cups?”
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Ashley asked, and Koi nodded.
“Line them up like this.”
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Koi proudly demonstrated by drawing a line on the counter with his hand. His face shone with pride until he noticed Ashley’s expression.
Oops.
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He realized he had gotten too excited. His confidence vanished in an instant, and his eyes wavered. He had made a mistake by letting his guard down. Ashley must be sick of his pathetic hobby.
He had tried so hard to hide this side of himself, but now he had made such a foolish mistake, leaving his mind blank.
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“Um…”
As Koi’s voice faded with a lack of confidence and he lowered his head, Ashley quickly snapped out of it. Oh, Koi’s spirit was broken.
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“Do you grow lettuce too?”
Ashley quickly changed the subject. Koi looked up hesitantly. Seeing his doubtful expression, Ashley smiled as if it was no big deal. It wasn’t hard for him; he had always done it.
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As expected, Koi’s face brightened up, and his cheeks flushed again.
“Yeah, I tried once, but it didn’t grow well in paper cups. So now I’m growing dandelions.”
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“…Dandelions?”
Ashley thought of the weeds that grow anywhere on the street. Koi nodded and said:
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“They grow well in any soil.”
“Well, that’s true.”
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But no one would think of growing dandelions.
Ashley thought but didn’t say it out loud. Koi had another reason for choosing dandelions. If he bought seeds and they died, it would be a waste, so growing dandelions was a brilliant idea to save money while also growing flowers.
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“Is there a reason you have to grow something with that much effort?”
At Ashley’s question, Koi hesitated for the first time.
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“Just…”
It was a different response from being discouraged. Ashley waited for Koi to continue, seeing him fumble with his words.
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“I wanted to see something alive.”
Ashley found it hard to understand.
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Doesn’t he have a garden at home?
Many people live in apartments. Koi might be one of them or there might be another reason.
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Ashley was curious but decided not to ask. They weren’t that close, at least not in Ashley’s opinion. And he wasn’t rude enough to pry into someone’s private life.
Come to think of it, Koi asked me a lot of questions at first.
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Ashley remembered something he had forgotten. Those were all trivial questions everyone knew, so he hadn’t thought much of it, but he clearly remembered how Koi listened with such joy. Perhaps it was because of that face that he had lowered his guard and answered without hesitation.
Would Koi answer anything if I asked?
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Suddenly, he was curious. The urge to test it rose, but he suppressed it. Then he pondered the thought he had just had.
We’re not that close.
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If he did that, questions might come back to him. He had no intention of talking about himself beyond what everyone already knew.
Instead of asking questions, Ashley picked up the bag Koi had prepared for him and, noticing the textbook in his line of sight, he casually spoke:
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“Are you taking the college entrance exam?”
“Ah, yeah. Next week.”
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Koi nodded and asked:
“Have you taken it?”
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This much, he could answer. It was common knowledge.
“Yeah.”
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“I see. That’s good. I’m so nervous.”
Phew, as Koi exhaled deeply and wiped his chest, Ashley said:
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“If you don’t get the score, you can take it again.”
Then I’d have to pay again.
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Koi swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue and gave an awkward smile.
“Did you get a good score?”
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“Well, just so-so.”
Koi asked him, who was brushing it off:
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“Can I ask your score?”
Ashley said nonchalantly:
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“It’s a common score.”
“So, what is it?”
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Koi asked persistently, not because he was particularly interested in the score, but because he wanted to keep the conversation going. Ashley rubbed the back of his neck and said:
“Perfect score.”
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“What…!”
Koi, unintentionally raising his voice, opened his eyes wide. Ashley couldn’t help but laugh at his already large eyes looking like they might pop out.
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“Unless you make a big mistake, you’ll get a high score.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
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It wasn’t uncommon for students in the same AP classes, but for Koi, who had the exam looming ahead, it was an incredible feat.
“I’m so jealous. I need to do well too.”
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“You’ll do even better.”
Ashley comforted him. Koi tilted his head and asked:
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“How can I do better than a perfect score?”
He was genuinely curious, not mocking. If someone else had said it, he would have just chuckled, but when Ashley said it, it felt like there was some truth to it. Of course, Ashley was just a high school student of the same age, nothing particularly different. Instead of answering directly, Ashley evaded:
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“Then, I’ll go.”
“Wait, Ash!”
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Koi called out to him urgently, rushing out from behind the counter. Wondering what it was about, Ashley saw Koi holding out the ugly doll from earlier with a bright face.
“You should take this.”
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The look on Koi’s face suggested he couldn’t imagine Ashley would leave without it. Ashley looked between the doll and Koi’s face before reluctantly taking it.
“…Thanks.”
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“Yeah!”
Koi was ecstatic. His ears were twitching non-stop, which made Ashley clearly understand his happiness.
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“Then, I’ll go. Good luck.”
“Yeah, take care. See you again.”
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As Ashley said goodbye again, Koi waved vigorously from behind the counter. Since the last time the owner scolded him for leaving the counter unattended, Koi could only see Ashley off from there. Stretching his upper body over the counter, Koi waved his arm hard as Ashley opened the door to leave.
“Cough, cough.”
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Suddenly, a harsh cough burst out. Coughing with his shoulders shaking, Ashley raised a hand to signal he was okay to Koi, who was looking at him with wide eyes, and then headed to his car.
He carelessly threw the bag Koi had packed into the passenger seat and sighed as he looked at the doll he was holding in his other hand.
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Ashley walked back to the car, opened the back door, and, as he had done before, placed the increasingly numerous ugly dolls in the back seat, securing them with a seatbelt alongside the other ugly dolls.
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Koi watched the Cayenne drive away from inside the store. Whenever Ashley visited, he always felt a mix of pride and loneliness, but today’s emotions were a bit different.
Is he not feeling well…?
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He remembered when Ashley got sick with a cold after they started working on the team project together. Maybe Ashley is more susceptible to sickness than he seems. Some people are particularly prone to colds. Thinking about it, his cheeks seemed flushed today, too. Koi fell into deep thought with a serious look.
🏒
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“Cough, cough.”
It’s a cold. Ashley thought as he coughed from the fever. He had always prided himself on his health, but colds were an exception. Since childhood, he had often suffered from respiratory issues, which had lessened in frequency but never missed a year. And this year, it was the second time he’d caught such a severe cold.
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Panting, he reached for the side table. Pouring water from a jug into a cup, he found it hard to swallow due to his sore throat. He barely wet his mouth before putting the cup back down and curling up like a cocoon.
He’d get better in a few days. Medicine would help him recover faster, but he lacked the energy to go look for it. The hired help for house chores was unfortunately on vacation. They had left food prepared for several days, but at this moment, it was of no use since he could hardly swallow his saliva.
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Haa…
Just as his consciousness began to drift in the fever, his eyelids slowly closed.
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♪♪♬♩♩♪…….
A faintly familiar sound was heard. Realizing it was the ringtone of his phone took a moment.
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The sound grew clearer. Ashley barely managed to lift his eyelids and look at the side table where his phone was. He wanted to ignore it, but it was too loud. Reluctantly, he pulled his arm from under the warm blanket to grab the phone.
“…Yeah.”
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With his voice heavily muffled, he barely managed a response, and from the other end, he heard someone gasp in surprise.
— Ash, are you not feeling well?
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Recognizing whose voice it was took a little more time. Ashley blinked his half-open eyes and whispered:
“…Koi?”
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— Yeah, it’s me! Ash, why does your voice sound like that? Another cold? Does it hurt a lot?
Koi quickly rattled off his questions. In contrast, Ashley couldn’t respond; his mind was too foggy to form words.
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“…I’m okay.”
After a long while, he managed to say this one sentence, but the loud coughing that followed probably did not convey much confidence. As expected, Koi asked from the other side of the phone with a voice full of anxiety:
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— Really? With all that coughing? You’re sick, aren’t you? Does it hurt a lot? What do we do? Have you taken any medicine? Have you eaten?
There were many questions, but again, Ashley could only manage one word:
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“I’ll get better soon.”
— But you’ll be sick until then!
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Koi retorted swiftly before suddenly falling silent. The sound of him breathing heavily, as if he was thinking about something, oddly sounded like a lullaby to Ashley. As he was about to drift back to sleep with his eyes closed, Koi suddenly spoke:
— Ash, can I come to your place for a bit? I just want to check how you’re doing.
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What’s he talking about?
Ashley’s mind wasn’t working well enough to understand. He was just listening blankly when Koi continued:
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— You said you live alone. You haven’t had any medicine or food, have you? …Or is there someone with you right now?
The last part was said without confidence, cautiously. Ashley, still not understanding his words, only reacted to the last part:
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“No, I’m alone.”
— Then I’ll come.
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Koi declared with an unusually firm tone. That firmness slightly cleared Ashley’s head.
“…What?”
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As he asked amidst his feverish breath, Koi answered:
— It’s harder to be alone when you’re sick. I’ll just give you some medicine and leave quickly. …Can I come?
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Koi added the last part after a pause. Ashley’s mind was too foggy to think of anything, so he just mumbled:
“Do what you want.”
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— Okay!
As soon as permission was given, Koi shouted. Ashley tried to stop him at the last second:
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“You won’t be able to get in anyway.”
To enter the estate, one needed to go through security checks or get confirmation from the mansion’s owner. Ashley was in no condition to do either. Sensing Ashley’s thoughts, Koi said with emphasis:
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— It’s okay, I can get in. If it’s the house you told me about last time.
Again, Ashley only reacted to the latter part:
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“That’s right.”
— Got it. Then, I can come, right?
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Koi asked once more, but by then, Ashley had already fallen asleep, almost as if he had passed out.
It was indeed a cold.
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Koi thought as he looked at the disconnected phone. He had called out of a bad feeling since Ashley hadn’t come to the shop for days, and his guess was correct.
What if it gets worse?
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Koi knew well how lonely it could be when sick, having no one to take care of him just like Ashley.
Tomorrow is the day of the college entrance exam.
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It was a very important day for Koi, but he couldn’t just leave Ashley like this. He wanted to be of help to him, and this might be his chance. Wouldn’t it be okay to just bring some medicine and food? It wouldn’t take much time.
Once he thought that far, he couldn’t think of anything else. Not working the day before the exam felt like an opportunity given by the heavens. Without hesitation, Koi left home, stopped by a nearby store, and put several kinds of instant soup into his bag, paying with cash. He also bought some simple cold medicine.
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I’m coming, Ash.
As he pedaled hard towards Ashley’s house, his heart was burning with worry.
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🏒
Ashley Miller’s house stood atop the highest hill within the country club. The mansion, towering alone with nothing around it, was so massive it could be seen from afar. To reach it, one had to go through a rigorous check to confirm they were invited. Thus, every morning, one could often see cars lined up to show their IDs to the security guard and make phone calls to enter for work.
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By the book, Koi would also need to be confirmed by Ashley through this security check to step into the estate. But Koi didn’t want to bother an ailing Ashley, and he knew of a way to enter the club without going through the check, a route he had discovered by chance.
It was when he was being chased by Nelson’s gang.
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With a sense of irony, Koi pedaled with all his might. It was curious; all his bad experiences were turning out to be helpful when connected to Ashley. Even Nelson’s bullying was now proving beneficial.
While passing through the back gate of the club and climbing the hill, Koi panted heavily. The slope was steep enough that even Nelson’s gang had given up chasing him. That’s probably why those who managed the club didn’t expect anyone to come this way. Thanks to this, he managed to set foot in the estate. As he recalled that memory and pushed hard, the sun began to set slowly.
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There it is.
Panting, Koi finally stopped. Not far up the hill, the grand mansion where Ashley lived loomed into view.
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Now facing the mansion, another kind of tension came over him. Koi swallowed hard and took a deep breath. The sun was already preparing to set. It had taken longer than he expected.
With a trembling heart and unsteady legs, Koi approached the mansion. The surroundings were as quiet as death. The only building at the peak was Ashley’s mansion, and the nearest house was one he had passed 30 minutes ago.
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Is all of this Ashley’s house?
He was envious, but it didn’t make him feel bitter or jealous. It only made him realize how far apart he and Ashley Miller were. All he could offer to help such a distant figure was a few packs of instant soup and some cold medicine. Koi scratched his head, thinking about the meager offerings he had brought.
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He might laugh at me, but…
Having come this far, he couldn’t just turn back. Koi took a deep breath and moved forward cautiously.
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As he got closer to the mansion, his heart beat even harder. The three-story mansion was truly enormous, but there was no sign of life. The quiet, dark side of the mansion made Koi feel uneasy inside.
He couldn’t possibly not be home, could he?
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It was entirely possible. He might have been taken away by an ambulance after falling ill alone, or he might not be as sick as thought and went out somewhere. After considering various scenarios, he ruled out the idea that Ashley had left the mansion upon seeing the familiar Cayenne parked in front of the garage.
Maybe he left in another car…
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Seeing only one Cayenne parked in front of a garage with four doors, Koi had another thought. Come to think of it, he didn’t know how many cars Ashley owned.
Let’s check first.
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Having made up his mind, Koi stood in front of the entrance door. After another deep breath, he raised his hand but needed a few more seconds before pressing the bell.
Finally, he pressed it with force, and a monotonous tune from “The Four Seasons – Spring” played. As he stood there, listening blankly, he felt no sign of movement from inside until the long music ended.
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Given how sick his voice sounded, it was probably expected. After pressing the bell out of formality and taking another deep breath, Koi only touched the door handle once the sound had completely faded. An ominous thought crossed his mind that it might be locked when the handle moved down smoothly.
“Huh.”
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Koi inadvertently made a sound and blinked in front of the wide-open door, standing awkwardly. The door wasn’t locked.