Clear:

(humming and folding laundry)

Tae:

I’m home, Clear.

Clear:

Ah! Tae-san! Welcome home.

Tae:

Where’s Aoba? The store’s closed today, isn’t it?

Clear:

It seems that he was in his room with some sort of study materials but now he’s fallen fast asleep.

Tae:

For heaven’s sake. Even if it’s a day off does he plan on sleeping the day away?

Clear:

It looked like he was sleeping peacefully so I didn’t wake him.

Tae:

Hmph. Well, before he had his heart so set on being able to do something on his own that it seemed like he was studying in secret. Even though it’s come to light now it looks like he’s intent on giving it his all.

Clear:

Yes. Somehow it seems like he’s really enjoying his studies.

Tae:

That’s right. He’s constantly coming up to me to ask “What’s that?” “How about this?” and things like that. It seems like he’s also been visiting the man who helped me repair you. Just where does he get that energy from?

Clear:

(laughs)

Tae:

That reminds me, I heard you humming earlier. Did something good happen?

Clear:

Ah…I’m sorry. It’s wasn’t because anything particularly special happened. It’s only because I’ve adjusted to my job for the most part. It’s gotten a little fun!

Tae:

Heh, is that it? Aoba’s off today, but you have work after this don’t you?

Clear:

Yes. I’ll be off to Mizuki-san’s store.

Tae:

Hmm…how is your body holding up?

Clear:

It really does feel a little out of place… I still don’t feel like I’ve quite adapted. Honestly in terms of its performance it’s comfortable. There’s no malfunctions. Although I do have mixed feelings.

Tae:

I see. It’s stable as a body, isn’t it? It won’t overtake your heart.

Clear:

My heart…

Tae:

That’s right. Once you’ve completely adapted that unease will vanish sooner or later.

Clear:

Yes.

Tae:

We even caaarefully put your charm points in the same place as well.

Clear:

My charm points…you mean the moles on my face?

Tae:

Right. Toue was ultimately planning to create AIs with different faces and physiques to the extent that they couldn’t be differentiated from regular humans. Your moles are a test of that.

Clear:

Is that how it is…

Tae:

But as for now you could say those moles are part of what makes you who you are. They’re a pretty good feature, aren’t they?

Clear:

Th-that’s not…ehehe…

Tae:

Nevertheless, it’s strange, isn’t it?

Clear:

Eh?

Tae:

Well, even when you’re this age there are things within the world that happen that you can’t measure by your own standards. When you said that you’d like to replace your body with an Alpha’s in order for you to live on, your face back then…it was clear and strong-willed. It was the face of a human being. When I saw that face I thought this…no matter how many minute calculations I’ve researched, there’s no way to obtain an absolutely correct answer… Hehe. I’ve still got studying that I need to do.

Clear:

Tae-san…I really wish to thank you.

Tae:

It’s fine. Since you’re already my child.

Clear:

Yes.

~interlude~

Aoba:

(yawns)

Ren:

Are you still tired even though you napped, Aoba?

Aoba:

Mhm…because I stayed up late last night. But, Clear’s doing his best right now. So I’ve gotta keep myself up and cheer him on.

Ren:

Will this be your first time as a customer?

Aoba:

Ah…that’s true. I’ve peeked in before while I’m out on deliveries, but this is the first time going over on a day off. Plus I didn’t tell him I was coming so Clear’s in for a surprise!

Ren:

He may be surprised to look upon your sleepy eyes.

Aoba:

Hmph, I’m already awake! Geez…(he enters the store) Pardon the intrusion!

Clear:

Welcome–eh–eh?!

Mizuki:

Oh! Welcome!

Aoba:

Heeh, I’m here!

Ren:

How is your condition, Clear?

Clear:

Aaah–Aoba-san! Ren-san too! Aren’t you off work today??

Aoba:

Yup! That’s why I came by. As a customer. I thought I’d have you wait on me~

Clear:

Aah…aah… (he wibbles and panics)

Mizuki:

Clear. Don’t panic. It’s just like always.

Clear:

Aa-aah. Y-yes! Uhm. Will you be using the studio?

Aoba:

Nope. The bar.

Clear:

The bar–right? Then…this way. Please.

Mizuki:

(snickers)

Clear:

(leads Aoba over, fretting the whole time) Here. Is your seat.

Aoba:

Thank you. Anyway, aren’t you too nervous?

Ren:

Clear. Your right foot and your right side are simultaneously sticking out

Clear:

Buuut…I didn’t think that you would stop by–!!

Aoba:

I always stop by when I have the chance during work, don’t I?

Clear:

But you’ve never stopped by as a customer like this before. If I think of Aoba-san and Ren-san as customers…somehow it’s incredibly nerve wracking…!

Aoba:

Is it that kind of thing?

Clear:

Yes…um…Aoba-san, your order?

Aoba:

Aah, that’s right…I don’t really feel like drinking so…orange juice!

Clear:

Certainly!

Aoba:

Oh, and make it two!

Clear:

Hm? For Ren-san as well…? Understood! Mizuki-san! Two orange juices!

Mizuki:

Orange juice? You’re not drinking, Aoba?

Aoba:

Today’s a little…

Mizuki:

Mhm. Well, that’s fine. (he pours up the orange juice) Here you go.

Aoba:

Thank you. Clear, how’s your job?

Clear:

Well, there are still a lot of areas where I’m a burden, but everyone here is very kind so working here is a lot of fun!

Aoba:

Got it.

Mizuki:

Well, you do a lot for us. But there’s blunders sometimes.

Clear:

Weeh…I-I’m sorry.

Aoba:

Breaking glasses and things like that?

Mizuki:

Yup! And getting orders wrong…

Clear:

Eeh…I’m sorry…

Mizuki:

Hah, but everyone makes mistakes like those. Don’t worry about it. Besides, when you’re determined you go all out, right?

Clear:

Ah, no, that’s not…

Aoba:

Hm? Determined?

Mizuki:

Well, in a shop like this there’s lots of bad-natured customers who come by. I can drive them out when I’m here, but sometimes my timing’s bad and they come by when I’m out. So, the other day, when I was out of the store a customer said my employee’s attitude was bad and suddenly started going on a rampage.

Aoba:

Uwah, that’s the worst…

Mizuki:

Yeah. He pulled out a knife and it was looking pretty bad there, but then Clear came in, right?

Clear:

Ah…eh…weh…

Aoba:

Clear did?

Mizuki:

I heard he repelled them. He stood up to protect the customers and my employees and took the knife away. All my customers said Clear back then wasn’t his usual smiling self. The part-timer who was there said that.

Aoba:

Heehehe

Mizuki:

It seemed like the crazy customer was going to punch him, but he stopped that with his shoulder and everyone said it was super cool! Then, the scaredy-cat customer turned tail and ran away. When I heard that I was shocked too. Well, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do, right?

Clear:

Aah…no…back then…I just desperately thought that I couldn’t let anyone get injured…

Aoba:

Aha, isn’t that great, Clear? You protected everyone in the store, right? Don’t be so bashful about it. You should puff your chest up proudly!

Clear:

Should I do that…

Mizuki:

Yeah! It’s a relief that when I’m not around I can leave everything to you. I’m counting on you.

Clear:

Ah…ahaha…ehehe.

Aoba:

I’m always wondering about how you’re doing at the store but that’s how it is…I’m kinda glad. Finding out you’re working that hard. I’m really glad.

Clear:

Ah…Aoba-san…

Mizuki:

You’re the pride of my store.

Aoba:

Aah! Well that might be true but before that he’s from my house, right?

Mizuki:

What’s that, Aoba? Jealous?

Aoba:

(singsong) Naaah, it’s not like that. Well, it might be just a little bit like that.

Mizuki:

What’s with that?

Aoba:

When I heard from Clear that he’d be working at your place…I kind of felt like you were taking him away from me. That’s–probably jealousy, right?

Clear:

Ah…aaaah–Aoba-san..

Aoba:

(laughs)

Mizuki:

Then, let’s toast to our pride and joy, Clear! Right, Aoba?

Aoba:

Right?

Clear:

Eh?

Aoba:

Come on, Clear. Take a seat next to me.

Clear:

Eh…but. I’m. In the middle of work…

Mizuki:

All right! Ten minute break, starting now.

Clear:

Eh?! Right now?

Mizuki:

Right. Boss’s orders.

Clear:

If it’s boss’s orders…I can’t disobey. Then, Aoba-san. Pardon me.

Aoba:

Mhm. Then, here, take this glass.

Clear:

Eh, huh? This isn’t for Ren-san…?

Ren:

I do not drink orange juice.

Aoba:

Right. It was yours from the start. It’s my treat.

Clear:

Eh?!

Aoba:

Even though it’s just juice.

Clear:

Aah that’s…

Aoba:

Mizuki, you got your glass?

Mizuki:

Ok!

Clear:

Aoba-san…Mizuki-san…really…truly…thank you very much!

Aoba:

Do your best, Clear.

Mizuki:

I’m going to be counting on you.

Clear:

Yes!

Aoba:

Then! Let’s pray for Clear’s first job to get better and better from now on…

All three:

Cheers!