Sunny Side Adventures of Miyu Makitano. | Aftabi Games™ | Page 1

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**Prologue **
**The Action and consequences. **

II took a deep breath, feeling the cold air fill my lungs. Spring had just begun, but Higashi City still clung to winter’s chill. I’d arrived yesterday and spent the night in a modest hotel, though the cost still left a dent in my wallet. Higashi was a charming place—low-rise buildings, a temple on a hill, and narrow streets that gave it a small-town feel despite the bustling public transit.

Rubbing my ungloved hands together for warmth, I crossed a small park. The flowers were just beginning to bud, still closed against the cold. I spotted a cozy tea house across the street and, desperate to escape the chill, made my way inside.

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Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed tea and baked sweets is almost intoxicating. I order my tea and nearly choke when I see the price: 8,041 yen for a single cup. My wallet is already feeling the strain. I remind myself that this is a necessary indulgence; I need the energy if I’m going to reach my final destination. I notice in another quiet corner opposite is a woman typing on a laptop, I can't help but smile a little, maybe it is an upcoming best seller. though more likely it is a business email of some kind. Though I couldn't help but yearn for my books.
I settle into my own quiet corner, observing the room filled with chattering businesspeople in their suits and skirts. The blend of tea aroma and soft morning chatter provides a soothing contrast to the city’s hustle. Just as I start to relax, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
Sigh. Of course.
Opening Squirrel, I see a text from my sister: "Oh my gosh! You finally did it!" I can’t help but smile a little. I wasn’t on social media until last night, but moving to the countryside has made it a necessity.
"Welcome to the future!" she texts after I respond.
I know I can be a bit old-fashioned, but she doesn’t need to shove it in my face. "It isn’t that exciting. ><," I reply quickly.
A moment later, she responds: "My only sister has joined social media! It’s exciting! (^^)"
I roll my eyes, Typical Akira. Though I doubt it's intentional, Her next text makes me feel a bit betrayed. "Besides, I need to kee;p keep an eye on you somehow."
Seriously, Akira? I know I might be shorter than average, but with how she acts sometimes, you’d think I was starting junior high, not trying to start a new chapter in my ADULT life!
"Akira! I am not a little girl anymore. I can look after myself!" I reply, an uncomfortable flush of red creeping up my cheeks..
"True, (^_^) but you'll always be my little sister."
you don't need to be so smug about it…I sigh, and put down my phone I still feel my flush, refusing to go away.

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I glance around through-half laden eyes, the creek on my back coming back to annoy me. Outside, the sky is crisp, glowing with hues of red and orange from the rising sun. An elderly woman enters, smiling at the clerk as she enters. Another buzz distracts me—this time from my phone. It's an earthquake warning for the East coast of Kyushu from the NHK app… we used to live around that area.

before I could get to reminiscing my phone buzzed to life, demanding my attention, another text from my sister.
"I still can’t believe you’re going through with this!"
I sigh, recalling our many conversations I have had with her about my decision over the past month.
"I know, but we have talked about this."
"I know! I know! But it’s still so crazy!" As her message pops up, I can’t help but wonder which one of us is supposed to be the older sister here. "Tell me, what’s the townlike,?"
"I told you yesterday before leaving that I was spending the night in Higashi city before catching the bus today."
"A bus!? It really is out in the sticks!"
"Hey! The land is cheap, and… and it’s an opportunity… Sometimes, when an opportunity comes along, you have to leap and hope for the best!" ugg, maybe I could have done better with the reply.
" you're going with one of mom's? Well, you know better than most that just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a win."
That was true… all to be true for me lately.
"There’s only one way to find out," I reply.
"Just remember, I’m always here for you, lil sis, let me know how it goes Miyu"
"I will"
Shortly after Akira seemed to have logged off, she had her work to do. I look at the Side… it is time. to leave the nice warm shop, and return to the cold, I am lucky enough that the stop is just up the street, and my bus wouldn't be long before arriving.

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stepping outside any remaining warmth is quickly fanned away by the cold wind. True to the schedule, I scarcely need to wait at the station; before the bus taking me out into the countryside arrives, blessing me with warmth. might as well enjoy it whilst I can.
paying the driver 700 yen that I would never see again. I find myself seated towards the middle of the bus as I watch out with half laden eyes as the bus departs. In the reflection of the window I find a girl with messy black hair, green eyes hidden behind wire frame glass and a dark green English trench coat that had once belonged to my grandmother…. I suppose I haven't really changed much since junior high… can't help but cry a little inside, I am in my mid twenties… and yet, I am still as flat as a school boy.

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I let out deep sigh, briefly closing my my eyes
Soon, passing by midrises of the downtown, we stop at the shopping centre and train station before we head out ,into the suburbs… then there was nothing more than dense forests and towering trees. It was almost three hours before we reached the last stop… Sunny Side.

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I am the last passenger on the bus, and thus last to get off . The outside air has warmed somewhat and I pick up a faint scent of the sea air. From what I read, this place is a coastal town in decline, with no children, and that was the depth of my research. I know it seems hasty… reckless? to move to somewhere you know next to nothing about… but I am desperate
The path to town is steep, and twisting… and filled with towering trees on either side. I can't help but snap a picture with my phone of a large black-hairedlled with trees and the sun just rising about.
I am exhausted by and the time I climb down the last hill before reaching Sunny side… huff, huff I am sure I couldn't do that every day… Am I really that out of shape? huff looking down the town… in a word, quaint. I suppose, many of the buildings look like they are falling apart, others looked well looked after and lived in.
I walk down a hill and I pass houses most looked abandoned lots that haven't had occupants in years., overgrown with trees and weeds, down by the river it looked like the remains of an old house. I continue on over pickup past the post office?
Then another bridge and I was in the town proper. as one could guess the town felt…. empty, the grand total of nobody present… I couldn't help but wonder, Does anyone still live here?

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In the near distances, I noticed what looked like an old school building. I didn't seem like it has had any students attend in many years, effectively overgrown and falling apart.
After passing several houses, I came to a building with cars parked outside… just about the first sign of life in this town, with a sign that read. "Sunny side Town hall." though the oversized pickup truck stood out like a sore thumb among the line of Kai trucks, vans, and cars. outside the doors ,I find a small collecting of people who vanish inside.
"This is the place" at least according to the Email sent, should it be believed. I walked up that small flight of steps, before opening the doors.
I can't help but stand frozen. there are more people inside, perhaps it was natural that all the attention was drawn on me… but still can't help feeling uncomfortable… this is high school introductions all over again! the self introduction, being called upon… I can't help the embarrassment I start feeling, as I feel the lingering eyes on me… Most of these people, they look twice, or even thrice my age… and probably have thrice the funds I have for this. I walk stiffly towards some chairs, the stairs, are they judging my monetary worth?…. maybe how much I am willing to spend? I can't help but feel a chill down my spine.
I take a seat towards the back. I look to the front I see a line of desks, behind a laptop, I can see a black haired man with glasses, black-haired that looked at least to be remotely my age, so did the pretty brown haired woman next to is him who looked to be the one who would be officiating the event looked at least in distant range to be of my age… or perhaps that is just a youthful appearance.

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Leaning on one of the columns is a distinct man, looking old enough to be my father…no… don't think about him… he's not here.. He can't do anything now…. Not a concern The foreign looking man is very tall, and didn't look remotely Japanese, broad shoulders and pale skin… he looked like the type of person who would drive the pick up truck I had seen in the parking lot.
On the opposite are two elders, who looked like they could be anywhere between seventy to their mid nineties, though the old man ,looked like he would have no issues running a katana through my chest…. maybe it was just me as the kind l kind woman standing next to him was talking away to him and smiling. He didn't seem to particularly mind. "it is good that so many should up" I heard the woman comment,
"pah, " the old man grumbled. "I bet most of them have no real interest in the town or its heritage… I swear, the young of today have no patience or understanding."

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wherever the conversation would go I have no idea, the pretty brown haired woman made her way around the desk, starting the event. "Welcome everyone, I am Mayumi. I am a member of the Sunny Side city council. Thank you for coming." The woman sounded like she wasn't exactly comfortable with her position but resigned to the fact that it will be starting the auction in just a moment. "We appreciate your patience" brown-haired already? I hoped that I would at least see the property beforehand.
"wait…" a man's concerned voice rings out from somewhere ahead of me. "don't we get to see the property first?" the man asked. "How will we even know if we want the property or not?"

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"The property tour was conducted yesterday. As listed on the advertisement." the bespectacled black haired pressed, he had moved to the front now as well.
"And who are you exactly"
"This Hiro, another member of the city council." Mayumi replied with a smile.
"So you're expecting me to buy property un seen…" though if I understood currently that exact predicate was the man's own fault… and my own, for not arriving yesterday… and not reading properly.
Following the interruption Mayumi continued, explaining the details of the auction. My stomach churned as I realised I was about to bid on a property I had never seen. When the bidding started, my heart raced. I raised my hand, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

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“300,000 yen!” Mayumi called out. I held my breath, hoping no one would outbid me.
“350,000 yen,” a man called from the back. My heart sank. I hesitated, then raised my hand again.
“400,000 yen!” I blurted out, my voice trembling.
“450,000 yen,” a woman with a stern face countered almost immediately. My heart pounded in my chest. I looked down at my trembling hands. Could I really afford this?
“500,000!” the elderly man from earlier chimed in. He gave me a polite smile, but I was too nervous to return it. I felt the urge to shrink into my coat and disappear.
“550,000 yen,” I said, my voice wavering. My face felt hot, and I could barely look up. What am I doing? I’ve never even seen this place. What if it’s a total dump?
“600,000,” the woman shot back, her tone firm. I bit my lip, glancing at the sheet of paper clutched in my hand. My budget wasn’t much higher than that.
“610,000 yen,” I squeaked, feeling the eyes of everyone in the room on me. My hands were shaking now. Just stop already. Why did I have to open my big mouth?
“650,000,” the man in the back called, his voice steady and calm. I looked at him—he was older, with a confident air about him. He’s probably done this a thousand times.
I hesitated. Should I go higher? Was it worth it? My stomach churned. What am I even doing here?
“675,000 yen,” I said, barely above a whisper, my voice cracking. I was sure they could all hear my heartbeat, loud and fast in my ears.
“700,000,” the stern-faced woman snapped. I could feel the sweat beading on my forehead. This was insane. I should stop. I should just—
“725,000 yen,” I heard myself say, even though I was screaming inside. My palms were sweaty, and my heart felt like it might explode. Why am I doing this?
“750,000,” the man from the back said, almost casually. I stared at him in disbelief. Is this a game to you?

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Silence filled the room. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting for my next move. My vision blurred. My breath was shallow.

“775,000 yen,” I choked out, my voice barely audible. My entire body was trembling now, and I felt like I might faint. This is it. This is how I die—of embarrassment.
“800,000!” the woman declared, her eyes fixed on me like a predator sizing up prey. I stared at her, my mouth dry, my brain screaming at me to stop, to give up.
“825,000 yen,” I whispered, my voice breaking. I was shaking so hard I had to grip the edge of the seat. What am I doing? I can’t afford this. I’m going to regret this forever.
Silence fell over the room again. The man in the back hesitated, then shook his head. I couldn’t breathe. Is it over? Please let it be over.
“850,000 yen,” the woman said, almost as if she didn’t care anymore. She looked at me with a shrug.
I hesitated, then nodded. “855,000 yen,” I whispered, feeling like I might collapse any moment.
Silence. My head was spinning, and I could hardly see straight. Please, let this be enough. I’m at my limit.
Slice meet my bid. all I could here was heart thumping loudly in my chest.

“Sold!” Mayumi declared, her voice ringing out like a bell. at least it is over. Then, my legs colpased like jelly as I realised what I’d done. I’d just bought a property in a town I knew almost nothing about... what if the land is next to dump... or is dump, I had no way of knowing.

Looking up from my chair, where had spent that last minute with my face buried my hands. I found the foreign looking man looking down at me, his eyes, disinterested and exhausted as if there were a lot of things he would rather do than be here right now.
"My name is Gabriel, When you are done with the paperwork up front, let me know and I'll show you the way to your new plot."
*Plot? *

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#Sunny Side Adventures of Miyu Makitano.