The Three Keys to Happiness: Connection

The Start of Something Special

"Temporary happiness is like waiting for the knife~

'Cause I'm always watching for someone to show their darker side~

So maybe I'll sit back and just enjoy all this for now~

Watch it all play out, see if you really stick around~"

A soft chime sounded over the loudspeakers, followed by the clear voice of the announcer.

"Next stop, Shibuya Station. Shibuya Station in Shibuya Ward. Please make sure to take all your belongings with you when you leave the train. We wish you a pleasant day. This train will continue to Ebisu Station. Thank you for riding with us," the announcer intoned.

Dark blue eyes fluttered open, and Asami Yamikawa stretched with a groan.

And I was just starting to fall asleep too...

Grabbing her suitcase and backpack, she made her way off the train.

They said they're going to send a driver, right?

Where—?

Her eyes locked onto a sleazy middle-aged man in a suit holding a sign with her name on it.

...I think I'd rather walk.

Asami turned away and pulled out her phone.

"Yamikawa-san!"

Shit.

Can I make a run for it?

She glanced over her shoulder.

Too late.

The escort had seen her and was making his way over with an oily smile.

With a groan, Asami pulled out her earbuds and tucked them away just as he reached her.

"Yamikawa-san, it is such an honor to meet you!" he said, grabbing her hand in a tight grip.

"Yeah...sure..." she said tightly, fighting the urge to yank her hand free.

"Such an honor," he murmured, bending to kiss her knuckles.

Alarm bells rang in her head, and with a quick application of her cursed technique, she phased her hand out of his grip.

"No need for that," she said stiffly. "We have places to be, yeah? Let's go."

The man looked disappointed, but led the way to the car regardless.

"After you, Yamikawa-san," he said, holding the door open for her.

Asami slid into the backseat with a sigh, ignoring the figure next to her.

As the driver made his way to the truck to load her luggage, the person spoke up.

"...Are you just going to ignore me?" he asked.

Asami barely blinked, staring blankly out the window. "Yes."

A scoff. "Wow. Okay."

A moment of silence.

Then, the driver's door swung open, and their escort clambered into the seat, huffing and puffing.

"Okay!" he panted, plastering on a wide smile through the mirror. "Let's go!"

Asami slid her gaze back out the window.

This is going to suck massively.

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