Part 1
WEEKEND GARAGE
Akito
♪——————!!
Ken
Akito, let's take a break here...
You're going to lose your voice at this rate.
You're going to lose your voice at this rate.
Akito
Huff... Huff...
Okay...
Okay...
Ken
Here, have some water.
Try to cool yourself down a little.
Try to cool yourself down a little.
Akito
Oh, thank you...
Bottoms up.
Bottoms up.
Akito
Phew...
Thank you. I feel a little better now.
Thank you. I feel a little better now.
Ken
Okay.
That's good to hear.
That's good to hear.
Ken
Sorry for only being able to offer you water. Under normal circumstances, I'd be making you some coffee while you took a break...
Akito
No, I really appreciate this...
Akito
(Ken's coffee...)
Akito
(We used to drink coffee, have food and throw after-parties here...)
Ken
Akito...?
You there?
You there?
Akito
Oh, um... Sorry.
It's nothing.
It's nothing.
Akito
I was just remembering what this place was like when it was still open. Like where the tables used to be and stuff like that.
Ken
I see.
As the owner, I couldn't be happier hearing a valued customer say that.
As the owner, I couldn't be happier hearing a valued customer say that.
Ken
Come to think of it, Akito, you're one of my oldest customers. You came when I first opened up shop, right?
Akito
Oh, yes... I had heard the rumors about KEN from RADder opening his own business.
Ken
Heh, that takes me back.
Akito
Me too...
That day, I remember...
That day, I remember...
A few years earlier
Ken
Hey, welcome.
Junior High School Akito
(Whoa, it's really KEN...
And he's right in front of me...)
And he's right in front of me...)
Ken
Sorry, all the tables are full...
Is the counter okay?
Is the counter okay?
Junior High School Akito
Oh, um... Yes!
Ken
Alright, let me know when you're ready to order.
Locals
Ken! Can we get another pizza and some refills?!
Locals
Us too! Give us everything you've got!
Ken
Hey, aren't you guys going a little overboard...?
Locals
Don't say that!
We're all here to celebrate!
We're all here to celebrate!
Locals
Yeah! I mean, you started your own business? How cool is that? You expect us not to celebrate?!
Ken
I appreciate it, but try to celebrate responsibly...
Ken
Sorry about them, kid.
They're usually not as raucous.
They're usually not as raucous.
Junior High School Akito
N-No, that's okay...
I didn't realize you'd be so busy.
I didn't realize you'd be so busy.
Ken
Yeah, I've been on my feet the entire day. But it's nice to see that business is off to a good start.
Junior High School Akito
I see...
Oh, um...
Oh, um...
Junior High School Akito
K-KEN...?
Congratulations on your grand opening...!
Congratulations on your grand opening...!
Ken
Hey, I really appreciate that.
As thanks, have a drink on me.
As thanks, have a drink on me.
Junior High School Akito
Wait, really?!
Ken
Of course.
Call me over when you know what you want.
Call me over when you know what you want.
Junior High School Akito
O-Okay!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
Ken
You were so nervous and anxious that I couldn't help but smile. You weren't the person I expected from the rumors I heard.
Akito
Wait, what...?!
Please don't make fun of me like that!
Please don't make fun of me like that!
Akito
Also, what rumors...?
Ken
Oh.
Ken
I remember people talking about “this Akito Shinonome kid who's been picking fights with everyone”...
Ken
I was surprised to find out that kid who came into my shop was you. You were so quiet and kept looking at the floor. I figured you must be the type to change gears easily.
Akito
C-Cut me some slack...!
How was I supposed to act in front of my hero...?
How was I supposed to act in front of my hero...?
Ken
Haha. Thanks for calling me that.
Ken
I'm sorry for pushing your buttons, Akito.
Ken
I can't offer much, but come back for another free drink when all this is over and I've opened this place back up.
Akito
I will...!