Ryota sat on the bench, sipping melon soda.
Junpei joined him, carrying a convenience store sandwich.
"Sota's not coming?" Ryota asked.
"Yeah," Junpei said. "Part-time job. Something about stocking shelves and 'escaping poverty.'"
Ryota leaned back. "Man, working sounds awful."
"It builds character."
Ryota stared at him. "I don't want character. I want free time."
They sat in silence, watching a kid ride by on a scooter that squeaked with every turn.
"Should we get jobs too?" Junpei asked.
Ryota blinked. "No?"
Junpei nodded. "Cool. Just checking."
They clinked their drinks together like that was a productive decision.
It wasn't.
But it was enough for today.