Chapter Text
We need money. Don't get me wrong, the detective agency pays enough to live and I'm thankful for that! But Kyouka is really overestimating my salary. In all fairness to her, I do want to spend my money on her, she deserves it! But I don't make enough money to be able to spend it on anything but necessities. I’m being irresponsible with my money and I don't make enough to have the privilege to be irresponsible. I need a second job or something, that way I'll be able to pay for food and all or some of the things Kyouka wants, or at least some of it. Not to be doubtful of my abilities but I don't exactly have a resume to rely on when getting a job. I guess being part of the armed detective agency would be good but that depends on what job I'm getting.
It can't be full-time because I spend the majority of my time working at the armed detective agency. Maybe a part-time job? Would I be able to bend my hours to be compatible with my hours at the armed detective agency? I'm not too sure about that one. I’ll think about it but I'm still not completely sure. Maybe I could bring up getting a part-time job with Fukuzawa? He might be able to make it easier for me to manage if he takes pity on me.
I groan loudly out of frustration. If Kyouka were home, she’d ask me what the problem is and she’d do her best to synthesise despite not quite understanding what the issue is. However, Yosano decided she wanted to teach Kyouka a little bit more about first aid, just in case. Getting a new job sucks, especially when you're still with the old job and will remain with the old job. Yosano had once told me to go do something refreshing whenever I’m stressed, when asked for an example she said; “writing about your emotions, shopping, going out somewhere to eat, watching a show, going out on a walk or healing people.” I can't do half of the things on that list and I don't feel like writing again for a whole decade after the amount of reports I've had to write for the agency yesterday. I really don't feel like sitting down and watching a show for hours on end, I don't really think it would help right now. I get that it would be comforting but I'd just feel disgustingly sluggish afterwards because I'd be postponing something that needs to be done. So I settled for going on a walk. It seemed easy enough and I might be able to think more clearly with the fresh air.
I put on some clothes, suitable for going on a walk, nothing extravagant, and I decided to head out. Walking down the street was…moderately peaceful. As peaceful as Yokohama could be, I guess. As much as I wish I could go without, you cannot walk the streets of Yokohama without seeing at least one person getting arrested. That's what happens when you live in a crime-filled city such as Yokohama. I sighed as I continued my walk. I debated on using my walk to think further about getting a second job of sorts. Now would be the perfect time, no? I decided to start thinking about my options.
I know I’ve thought about getting a part-time job but that's not set in stone yet. I could maybe do something on the side? Wait, isn't that just a part-time job? I’m back at square one! I let out a noise of frustration, ignoring the weird looks I got from the strangers on the street, or at least trying my best to ignore the looks. I decided to stop thinking of the hours and more of what type of occupation I should get. Not a doctor or anything like that because I'm not qualified enough and because that's a full-time job. I could work at a cafe but I don't know any that are currently hiring and I don't really know how to make coffee. I might mess up doing such a simple task like taking someone's order and I'll stress myself out over it. So, no cafe. Could I be a bartender?..probably not. I'm not even legally old enough to drink yet; why would they let me be a bartender? So, no, not a bartender.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when I bumped into someone with a scrawny build. They didn’t fall but they stumbled slightly before immediately regaining their composure. Unlike the person I bumped into, I was soaring towards the floor from the collision. Or at least, I was, before a black tendril shot out to catch me. I was thankful, for five seconds which is the amount of time it took me to realise who exactly I had bumped into and who had caught me. I stood up almost immediately and backed up slightly, the person rolled their eyes at that. For some reason, I decided it was necessary to talk to him in nonsensical sentences, “o-oh...it's you…Akutagawa. What are you doing here?” I remarked bitterly and admittedly, curiously.. I was a bit embarrassed that I stumbled over my words but I decided to ignore it because it's only natural that I stuttered, I was still in shock. Akutagawa looked at me, unamused, “A ‘thank you’ or a ‘sorry’ would be much appreciated, man-tiger. Then again, neither would mean much coming from you.” Akutagawa said in distaste. Suddenly, I don't feel like thanking or apologising to him, not that I ever did to begin with. He then went on to say, “Also it's the streets, weretiger. I'm allowed to walk on the streets of the city I live in without reason and without an obligation to explain to someone of the likes of you.” he said harshly. I guess it only makes sense that he's upset, I just bumped into him. But he doesn't need to be so snappy about it. It kinda made me believe that he actually was doing something before I bumped into him. He decided to say one more thing before walking off, “Next time weretiger, watch where you're going.” he snapped before coughing into his hand. I felt as if that was unnecessary so I decided to yell back as he was walking away, “You know, you clearly weren't being all that careful either! If you were, you would have stopped me before I bumped into you!” admittedly, i shouldn't have said anything back but thankfully, Akutagawa wasn't in the mood for an argument as he only replied “you've got quite the lip today, haven't you, Jinko? Luckily for you, I don't have the time for your childish squabbles.” I was about to give a rebuttal that he also partakes in these ‘childish squabbles’ but he rushed away before I had the chance. Strange, what's got him in such a rush? didn't he say he was just out on a walk? I mean, he could have just lied but that doesn't really seem like something Akutagawa would do. Maybe hide things from people by refusing to tell them but flat-out lying? He doesn't really do that. Maybe it's a mission the port mafia can't afford to let the armed detective agency about? Wait-no- stop thinking about it!You can do this later, Atsushi!
I stayed silent and still where I stood for a few seconds before continuing my stroll, with less energy than before that encounter. Eventually, while walking, I found some job listings. I decided to check them out. After a few minutes, I felt a tapping on my shoulder. I figured that they wanted to check out the job listings so moved out of the way before saying, “Sorry! I didn't realise I was making it so no one else could see the job listings!” I apologised quickly. Soon enough I noticed the confused look on their face. The stranger spoke up, “I couldn't care less about the job listings, I'm here to ask you a question! Or well, actually a few questions.” I quirked a brow at that, curious about the person's questions. They seemed glad that they piqued my interest because they went on to say, “I take it that you want to know what I have to say?” I looked at them sceptical about what they had to say, before slowly nodding, letting curiosity get the best of me.
The person smiled giddily before going on to ask their first question, “Okay! Thank you! First and foremost, are you an ability user?” I nodded gentilly, that’s a common question he gets asked regularly so he answered truthfully. “Uhm..yes, I'm an ability user” i confirmed, dragging out the ‘m’ in ‘uhm’. The person's smile widened at that, creepily enough. “Great! Second of all, do you like dancing?” the strange individual questioned with a goofy grin. It was a strange question but I didn't see the harm in answering, “well, I do find it fun I guess?” the stranger looked overjoyed. “Good! good! Now the last question, would you like to be a ballerina?” I looked at the person in front of me blankly before parroting their question, “Would I…like to be a ballerina?” They looked at me expectantly, waiting for a proper answer.
The longer they waited the worse their boredom got. They decided to elaborate. “Since you aren't answering me I'm just gonna explain what you'll do there. We like to spice up our performances with the use of abilities. The natural art of abilities only adds to the elegance of the dance. You certainly look like a good fit for our troupe! Well..maybe not that haircut..but we can work around that! I think I don't know, maybe." I held my hair, offended. This is my comfort haircut! “Hey! That's rude! My hair isn't that bad! And who even are you?” they gave me an unconvinced look before resuming the conversation “Oh yeah..you don't know who I am...whoops!” I look at them, waiting for an answer. “ My name is Eliana! I'm the leader of my ballet troupe! We’re currently looking for new members and you would be perfect! It doesn't matter if you don't know how to dance because we can teach you! We have practice twice a week, more if asked. We practise for up to three hours on Fridays and Thursdays! You get paid because we’re a part of an agency. Sounds like a good deal, right?” she said, attempting to persuade me.
Truthfully, it was working. but I had to ask what the salary was. I can't take this job not even knowing if it's worth it. It's a gamble I wasn't willing to take. “ That sounds nice and all and thank you for offering me the job but, how much is the salary?” She looked at me with a grin imprinted on her face before answering, “A ballerina with one to three years of experience makes ¥3,995,150 in a year!” she chirped. I genuinely considered leaving the armed detective agency right then and there. That's the perfect amount of money for me and Kyoka. But there's no way I could leave the armed detective agency. They're my family and they've done so much for me and Kyoka. I was suddenly caught out of my thoughts when she said “But we only do gigs and stuff so we might not be making exactly that. This whole thing is mostly a part-time job for most of the dancers in the troupe. Still, you'll make money from this and judging from the fact that you were looking at the job recruitments, you need it. So I hope you can join us in our ballet troupe.” She was oddly persuasive and this would help Kyoka and I with expenses. Ballet could also be helpful in battle too...I think. I took a minute to think about this, it's not a decision you should make so carelessly.
Eliana looks at me carefully studying my facial expressions to see if I'm considering her offer and to give her credit, I am. After a while, I made my decision. “Alright...I've made my decision. I’ll join your troupe. It might be fun and I kinda need the money. When do I start?” after hearing this Eliana let out a squeal of happiness. “Oh my god! Yay! The troupe will be so happy to hear this! and I've already told you that we practise on Thursdays and Fridays!” She was so happy. I felt sort of woozy when she started spinning me around. It was quite a dramatic reaction. When she stopped spinning me I swayed from side to side feeling very dizzy. She stopped and stared before sassing, “You know it's not a good sign when ballerinas get dizzy so easily. We’re gonna have to work on that. Also I just realised that I don't know your name. Or your ability. Can you tell me, please?” a rational question. There's no reason I shouldn't tell her. “Oh..right, I forgot about that. My name is Atsushi Nakajima and my ability is beast beneath the moonlight. It allows me to transform into a tiger. More specifically, a white tiger.” I answered truthfully. There's no reason to lie to my new employer.
…Wait, how am I gonna bring this up to the president? You know what? That's future Atsushi's problem! Not mine! I'm sure the president wouldn't mind because, well, why would he? The only problems are my (occasionally) nosy coworkers. Mainly Dazai and maybe Yosano. Ranpo probably already knows every detail of this walk so it's useless trying to hide this from him, as usual. Kunikida probably wouldn't care, he might get a bit worried and overthink it because I'll be leaving work earlier and I won't be home until later than usual, then when he finds out he’ll get mad at me for worrying him but he’ll be glad that I am safe. Kyoka would probably ask after a while, to ensure I didn't get myself into anything shady or something. She wouldn't care about me going after that. It's probably best if I don't tell her why I'm taking this side job, she’ll feel guilty about spending my money and she’ll stop asking for the stuff she wants. I don't want her to do that so I won't be telling her. Kenji wouldn't care. The agency is his part-time job so he’d understand. Dazai, no offence to Dazai, he's amazing and I'm so grateful for him, even if he is one of the most annoying people I’ve ever met in my entire life, is just very nosy. He's also the smartest-dumbest person I’ve ever met, so naturally, he’ll find out sooner or later and I'm positive he’ll tease me about it. Yosano is, admittedly, a nosy person. So she’ll probably ask me, only for me to decline to answer, then ask Ranpo, who’ll tell her as long as she gives him sweets. Naomi will find out through Yosano and Tanizaki will find out through Naomi. Even though it's just a theory, I’m almost 100% sure that this is how everyone would react to finding out that I’m now a part-time ballerina. I just hope they don't all find out at the same time and start talking about it in the office because Kunikida wouldn't be happy if we all stopped working to talk about my new embarrassing job.
I was brought back to earth by Eliana waving her hand in my face so fast that I was seeing double. “Nakajima? Hello? Earth to Nakajima?? Wake up! I can't stand here all day waiting for you to say goodbye to me!” It felt weird hearing someone call me by my surname, unnatural, even. Nobody calls me ‘Nakajima’, everyone just calls me ‘Atsushi’ for simplicity, well, maybe not Akutagawa but I’m almost positive that he’s forgotten my name.”..That sounds weird. Nobody calls me ‘Nakajima’. But sorry for zoning out I guess.. It's getting late. I should get home now. I didn't plan on being out for so long. Goodbye, Eliana, thank you for the job, I promise I won't let you down." I wave goodbye before she grabs my arm and harshly tugs me back. I looked at her, bewildered and confused before she shoved a card with some numbers on it in my face and stated, “ You idiot, I haven't given you my number yet! We need to stay in contact if you want to be a part of my trope!” I felt a bit stupid after that. I just said I wouldn't let her down and a few minutes after getting the job I let her down. I immediately began to question myself and my abilities and if I was worth anything at all when suddenly she spoke again “Jeez, I was just kidding! You don't have to act like I just caught you murdering someone! It's not that big of a deal! Just take the card and go home!” That didn't really help but I decided to repress the feelings of shame and disappointment at least until I got home. I took the card and waved goodbye, sheepishly. I got home to my dorm at the agency and I went to the closet that I sleep in so Kyoka can get her privacy when she's home, and I go to sleep. Before going to sleep I couldn't stop myself from pondering, why was Akutagawa in such a rush?