DullBlue (Coms open)

--

Street Light

"ISN'T IT ABOUT CLOSING TIME?"

"Right, we're almost sold out. Could you clean up in the back today?"

"ALRIGHT. DON'T FORGET TO CALCULATE THE SALES."

How many months has it been since I came here?

To be honest, I did not expect to be accepted by this town as quickly as I was.

At times, my past actions still weigh heavily on my heart.

However, the townspeople's smiles, their words of gratitude—they never fail to soothe it.

And so, every passing day leaves me feeling happy and fulfilled.

Suddenly, the doorbell chimed.

I was certain I had just put up the "Closed" sign, but a customer might have overlooked it.

Regrettably, I would have to ask them to leave.

"Apologies, but we are closed for the-"

I fell silent the moment I turned to the door and saw the one who had just entered the shop.

"You're…"

A fearless expression lurking behind a pair of sunglasses.

A well-toned body showing from beneath a black coat.

In spite of the laid-back aura emanating from him, I could find no opening in his posture.

I know of only one man with such a presence.

"Is this that famous place where they got a handsome boy baking some really good bread?"

"…I don't have an answer to that question. But this is indeed a bakery."

Johnny, leader of a group of chivalrous bandits known as the Jellyfish Pirates.

Although we were loosely acquainted, I couldn't think of any reason why he would come to meet me in person like this.

And our acquaintance went back to my time as an assassin. Therefore, the situation was even more difficult for me to assess.

…Still, I had no reason to be discourteous towards him.

He at least showed no signs of hostility or nosiness.

"Your visit is appreciated, but we do not have any of our best-selling products left at this time of day. It would be preferable if you arrived before the sun has set."

"What're you talking about? If a handsome specimen of a man such as myself showed his face during prime time when all the ladies are out shopping, your business would go down the tubes."

"Huh…? Er, thank you for your consideration…"

I wasn't sure of his intentions, or what he was even talking about.

Nonetheless, I thanked him for his—in his own way—thoughtful words and actions.

"…Oh, I get it, you're a clueless fella… I can see how that'd make you popular."

He looked dumbfounded for a moment and began muttering something to himself, but soon directed his attention back to me.

"I know this is sudden, but I came over 'cause I got a personal question for you."

"For me?"

"Yep. After all, you're not just an up-and-coming young baker who suddenly showed up in town. You're also a hero who keeps an eye on the scoundrels and protects the town's peace."

How does he know about that…?

Although, thinking back, it was I who raised my voice in defiance towards those men in the alleyway. No one else.

I shouldn't wonder if word of said incident has since been spread by the elderly man who bore witness to it.

And in any case, considering the vast information network at his disposal, he may have sources I could not even guess at…

"So, here's my question—Are you willing to risk your life for this town?"

…Where was this going?

There was no need to think about it. The answer to his question was etched into every fiber of my being.

"What a foolish thing to ask. If it's for the sake of that which I must protect, I will gladly throw away my-"

"Now, hold up."

He cut me off with such a firm tone that my breath caught in my throat.

It wasn't aggressive or domineering. And yet, his voice shook me to my core.

He carried on like that.

"You wanna protect this town, right? But I'm sure there's more to it than the town itself."

"…That is correct. The people and the bonds between them. Their feelings, their hopes. I wish to protect the web of connections woven into this town to the best of my abilities."

All of this was true.

I doubt a man like him would assume I could speak these words without the determination they demanded.

"You know…"

Seeming almost in disbelief, he looked me straight in the eye while he spoke.

"You're a part of that web, too. 'Course, so's your friend in the back."

"…What?"

Indeed, there was no denying that the townspeople would support me every day. And as such, I may have been made a part of their web myself… Thinking about it, I suppose I did feel that way.

But to me, the most important thing of all was to protect this… That's why…

"You're looking kinda troubled there, son. That hard to take yourself into consideration? If you're not even aware of it, this might be a more deep-seated issue, huh…?"

I was at a loss for words. It might have been a harsh thing to say, but I knew full well that he'd hit the nail on the head.

"Here's the thing though—You and your friend are part of this town now. So, if you wanna protect this town, you know where the best place to start is, right?

"But I-!"

"No buts! Listen, I'm not one to just complain, so let me give you a little lesson."

He made a pistol shape with his hand, pointed it in my direction and solemnly continued.

"I know that you've been literally putting your life on the line for as long as you've had it. But from now on…"

He took off his sunglasses, piercing me with a stern glare.

"Never throw your life away. But do risk your life. That's the way a man's oughta fight."

He concluded with those words.

"…Well, I'm gonna be protecting all of the ladies myself. So you only gotta protect half the people."

I could have taken it as a flippant remark, but it didn't seem like a joke. The tension surrounding us just moments ago had completely dissipated.

I thought I had died as an assassin and then been reborn, but…

Contrary to my expectations, life in the sunlight doesn't always go as planned.

"Well, I gotta get going now. Bread's the best when it's freshly baked, so I'll ask someone in my crew to stop by while the sun's still up."

He put his sunglasses back on and turned to leave.

"In that case, let them know that we will give them a discount if they mention your name. Consider it payment for the lesson you just gave me."

"Whoa there, I wasn't gonna bug you about it or nothing."

He laughed with a shrug and made his way towards the exit, only to turn back around one more time.

"I appreciate it, though. Well then, see ya later."

"…I must also express my gratitude. Please visit us again."

I bowed deeply as I watched his figure slip outside.

"HEY! I'M ALMOST DONE OVER HERE! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?!"

I could hear my friend call out from further inside, sounding impatient.

"Oh, my apologies. I'm sorry to ask, but could you help me out with this?"

"UGH, WHAT AM I GONNA DO WITH YOU…? I SWEAR, YOU BETTER OIL ME LATER!"

Everyday life resumed.

Everyday life… I, Venom, find it to be both difficult and invaluable.

Something I must protect above all else.

And I must be aware that I, too, have made myself a part of it.

However, I know there is no need for me to rush. For this is not something one can rush to obtain.

"I will… protect this town. As one of the people of this town."