I spend ten hours per day in the Data & Communications building for five weeks before coming to any clear conclusions of how the clans work in Nishikyō. I’m not required to work long shifts, but Sakai has ordered me to keep telling people I work at my old job. I can’t come home early, so when I’m done at Ku 1 every day around seven, I go out to dinner and continue working. This way no one notices the difference. Aunt Kimie and Lomo tend to only eat at home so this is the best way to keep the lie going. I hate secrets and lies. I feel awful when I work straight through Aunt Lomo’s birthday in early February. I promise to make it up to her soon and write myself a reminder to ask for a day off from Sakai.
I don’t meet up with Miko or Helena, though we chat online as much as possible while I’m out working and eating every evening. Miko is dating Yoichi. Actually dating, not just having dinner and going straight to a love hotel. I have the urge to ask about Jiro, but don’t. Why bother? I don’t have time for a social life.