6th Street, Video Store.
"En-na en-na en-na en-na?" Aya, what was that strange movie you guys were talking about earlier?
"En-na en-na en-na en-na." Can I watch it?
No. 18 looked at Hoshimi Aya and asked.
"Um... no, you can't."
Hoshimi Aya smiled somewhat awkwardly.
How could she possibly say that kind of thing out loud?
If she said it, her reputation would be ruined.
Though she felt like her reputation was already mostly gone in Belle's eyes.
But it was better to keep this kind of thing confined to a small circle.
Even though she couldn't see it right now anyway, regardless of the reason, there was no way she could say it so openly, right?
"En-na en-na en-na en-na..." Okay, if it's inconvenient to say, then never mind...
No. 18 nodded and returned to her sitting posture, waiting for customers to visit.
Soon, people started coming in. They were familiar faces, but Hoshimi Aya didn't know them.
Aside from feeling a bit familiar, she had no other impressions.
They were all common NPC characters—the type you've seen but aren't acquainted with.
Before long, quite a few people had entered the previously quiet Video Store.
...
Time flew by, and evening arrived.
"It's already this late, why aren't they back yet?"
Hoshimi Aya looked at the time on her phone and wondered aloud with some confusion.
It's almost night; why haven't they returned?
Just as Hoshimi Aya finished speaking, the door to the Video Store opened again, and Belle and Wise walked in.
"Finally back."
"Seriously, that Public Security Officer lady clearly said the data update procedure would be fast."
"But it's already night by the time we got home."
"I'm so hungry. What are we going to eat later?"
Belle sat down on the sofa and complained as soon as she entered.
"Hmm? Why do I remember it's because you were window shopping at Lumina Square that it got so late?"
"You can't blame the Public Security Bureau for that, right?"
Wise retorted.
"Ah?"
"Belle, you should have come back when you were supposed to."
"Do you know how hungry I got waiting for you?!"
Hearing Wise's words, Hoshimi Aya scolded Belle.
She had wanted to go eat earlier, but because Belle sent her a message, she had been waiting all this time.
"I just couldn't help myself..."
"Alright, let's head out quickly."
Belle said coaxingly.
Just as the three were about to set off, someone knocked on the Video Store door again.
Seeing this, as the only male present, Wise opened the door.
"Sorry, we're already closed at this hour."
Wise said politely.
"You must be the manager."
"I came here to find a film."
The person at the door said.
After a moment's thought, Wise let the person in.
Hoshimi Aya's eyes brightened slightly as she looked at the person who walked in.
The newcomer was none other than Jane Doe, also known as Jian Shu Shu.
She was one of the few female characters Hoshimi Aya liked—no, more accurately, a female character that fit her specific tastes.
As soon as Jane Doe entered the shop, she began looking around, pausing for a brief moment when she saw Hoshimi Aya.
However, Jane Doe didn't let anything show and directly stated her request to find a film.
"You're looking to rent a thriller related to mountains?"
"With only that keyword..."
Wise pondered in silence.
"Sorry, it's my fault for not paying attention and failing to remember the specific name. I suppose it's hard to imagine..."
Jane lowered her head, looking dejected and pitiable.
"The search difficulty is one thing, but the second issue is that we've already closed for the day."
"Restarting the business system for transfers and member registration would be a bit of a hassle."
Wise hinted.
His intention was already very obvious.
"I see. I've put you in a difficult spot, little manager."
"Then I'll try my luck at another professional video production shop."
After saying that, Jane prepared to leave, giving Hoshimi Aya one more look before she walked out.
"Wait a moment, customer."
"Since you came all this way specifically for us, it must have been hard. For the sake of that sincerity, we ought to find this film for you."
Wise smiled.
"Oh~ really? Is that okay?"
"What about the business system and all that?"
Jane said with a slight look of surprise.
"We can just record the transaction under a name first; it's no trouble."
Wise thought.
"Brother, your calculations are a bit too loud."
Belle frowned.
"How so? I just want to prove that we are the most professional video shop in the neighborhood."
"May I ask, what are the characteristics of the film your friend wants to watch? Is it very scary?"
Wise inquired.
While the others were chatting, Hoshimi Aya had already started looking for mountain-themed tapes in the Video Store.
After all, this was a great chance to get acquainted; others wouldn't even have this opportunity.
And Jane, as a master of psychology, was very good at playing with people's hearts.
"These are the ones I could find."
"Shizutani, The Great Void, Port Mountain, and so on."
"Personally, I think it should be Port Mountain; this film is quite famous."
Hoshimi Aya pulled the Port Mountain tape from the collection in her arms.
"Oh, now that you mention it, I seem to have some impression of it."
"It's most likely this film."
Jane covered her small mouth, putting on a thoughtful expression.
Then, Jane directly took out quite a few Dennies and left with the videotape without looking back.
"..."
"What the."
"She just left like that."
Hoshimi Aya said, looking in the direction Jane had left.
"Yeah, she seemed to have forgotten to register; she didn't even leave a name."
Wise echoed.
"Wise, do you also feel it's a pity not to have gotten to know her properly?"
Hoshimi Aya was stunned by Wise's words and asked.
"Ah?!"
"How could that be."
"Aya, why would you think of me that way?"
"Am I that kind of person in your eyes?"
Wise laughed awkwardly.
"I think it's Aya who likes her, right?"
"I didn't expect you to like this kind of beautiful older sister type."
Belle hugged Hoshimi Aya.
"Well, no, to be precise, I like everyone who is beautiful."
Hoshimi Aya pondered, rubbing her chin.
She was very sure about this, though it didn't reach the level of her feelings for Hoshimi Miyabi.
She simply liked beautiful things.
"Simply liking beautiful things, huh..."
"Speaking of which, that Rat Humen sister was quite cool when she paid."
"I quite like her too."
Belle touched the Dennies that had just entered her pocket.
"True, and the amount she gave was quite a bit extra."
"It would be great if everyone who came to our shop was like that."
"The only downside is she didn't get a membership or register in the records."
Wise rubbed his chin with some regret.
"...Forget it, there will always be a chance to meet in the future."
"What are we eating tonight?"
As she spoke, Hoshimi Aya rubbed her stomach, which was already starting to growl.
"How about BBQ then?"
Belle suggested.
Hoshimi Aya nodded, while Wise could only smile helplessly and follow along.
...
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