Chapter 211
In Korea, Kiriel didn’t have many hobbies. He spent his days borrowing comic books, visiting arcades to play games, or gaming on his smartphone. Among these, he especially loved reading comic books. Missing a day of gaming or arcade visits didn’t bother him much, but going a day without reading a comic book would throw him into withdrawal.
As usual, Kiriel was at his usual comic book store.
“What? What did you just say?” Kiriel yelped, his eyes widening in disbelief and looking utterly distraught, as if he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Watching Kiriel’s pitiful expression, the owner of the comic book rental store calmly said, “We’re closing after today. Shutting down the shop.”
“B-but, why? Why on earth? What’s the problem?” Kiriel asked, unable to understand.
“Problem? Business isn’t doing well. Rent is high. I could go on. Today’s the last day we will be open. I’m getting rid of all the books starting tomorrow.”
“Oh my god...”
***
Kiriel was acting strangely. Since coming back from the comic book store, he kept shaking his leg and biting his nails. He paced inside the small food stall for a few minutes before sitting down again, still trembling his legs nonstop.
Hakase, busy making taiyaki, slowly closed his eyes before suddenly striking the back of Kiriel’s head with his palm.
Kiriel screamed in surprise, then, glaring at Hakase with wide eyes, shouted in protest, “What was that for?”
Quit fidgeting, you idiot! You’re scaring off the customers!