Edogawa Nishiguchi Ayakashi Clinic - Chapter 1
The clinic is a 10-minute walk from the west exit of the Edogawacho Station.
As I passed through the quiet residential area on my way back to my apartment, I noticed the establishment for the first time.
“We are looking for receptionists…”
Now that I’ve just failed my 57th job interview, the job posting seemed to be calling to me.
The clinic’s facade looked like it was just renovated, but there was no hiding the age of the building itself.
It seemed to be the first floor of a single-detached house that had been extended and made into a clinic, which is a style that is common in the countryside. However, the trees in the small yard had been carefully trimmed, giving a sense of cleanliness.
“A receptionist at a private clinic, huh.”
As a person with no qualifications or work experience, I jumped at the chance to take a clinical assistant course that could be completed in four months.
The most appealing thing about it was that it was a course that didn’t need a national qualification, so there were no practical skills or special exams involved even though it was in the medical field.
However, I was turned down at every place I went to for job hunting— from the Hello Work office[1] to job recruitment websites.
I guess it can’t be helped since it’s a world dominated by big job dispatch companies, and I’m sure there are a lot of people who think the same way.
“Are you an applicant?”
“Eaah!?”
Anyone would be surprised if someone suddenly talked to them.
Before I knew it, a bespectacled doctor in a white coat appeared at the entrance of the clinic. He was a handsome man who looked out of place in downtown Edogawacho.
My training to look people in the eye went out the window and my gaze swam suspiciously.
“No luck with job hunting?”
“Oh, umm…”
When I looked back at him, I saw a beautiful face framed by short, black hair. The effect of his white coat made up for his rudeness when he asked if I couldn’t get a job.
But how did he know that I was job hunting?
Oh, it must be the suit.
And how did he know that I failed to get a job?
Hmm, it must be written all over my face.
I guess I looked too eager. How embarrassing.
“Wait.”
“Yes?”
After our brief exchange, I was suddenly left alone as the sun started to set on the horizon.
What’s up with this development?
I wonder if he’s giving me something.
No, no, I shouldn’t receive food from strangers.
Ermm, why is it food of all things?
The doctor came back after a while and stared at me as he approached. The thing he held in his hand wasn’t food or candy, but a piece of paper.
“Here.”
“Wh-what’s this?”
“It’s an application form.”
“Eh…”
When I looked up from the paper he handed me, he was still looking at me coolly.
It’s unsettling, so please stop looking at me like that.
“If you’re interested, then please give us a call.”
“Ah, yes…”
And without another word, the handsome doctor disappeared back into the clinic.
Why do I feel like I’ve just been pushed away?
No.
Up until now, I’ve been told to “go home” 57 times straight, so suddenly being asked to “come” must have flustered me.
As I was standing there looking at the application form, my smartphone vibrated.
The vibration pattern alone was enough to make me not want to answer.
But if I didn’t take it, then they’ll just call again, so I decided to bite the bullet and touched the screen to answer.
“What is it, papa?”
“How did you know it was me?”
“Because I registered your number.”
“I see, so you think dearly of me.”
“No, that’s not the case. So, what is it?”
“Have you decided where you’re going to work yet?”
Even though I was expecting it, it still left me at a loss for words.
“… No, I’m still looking. I even went to two interviews today.”
“How many companies does that make now? Just give up on it already and come home after graduation.”
Translator’s Notes:
[1] Hello Work
Is the Japanese English name for the Japanese government’s Employment Service Center. Source
