Work Text:
The morning did not start quite as usual for the young psychic. Getting up at seven o'clock is not very pleasant, even when your job is to be a waiter. But when you suddenly need to replace someone, you can't turn away here. At least you can try to ask for additional payment for work. Stretching lazily, Tristan gets up from the soft bed, heading to the bathroom in his froggy slippers. His eyes were still just getting used to the room light, and his face looked as if someone had not just woken him up, but forced him out of his comfort zone. Tristan sleepily touches his face, caressing his cheek a little.
Tristan: God, how do people even wake up so early? And I didn't even surf the Internet until morning. At least not this time. This is what investigations about mediums are doing to you.
After splashing water on his face and brushing his teeth, the psychic headed to the kitchen for his morning cup of coffee, still wearing his nightshirt. While the coffee was brewing, Tristan picked up his phone with the help of the telekinesis and checked for missed calls or messages. Fortunately for him, there was nothing like that except a list of things that needed to be done for today.
Tristan: It seems I won't have time to do everything. The sale ends today, and I won't be able to buy the hair dye until next week. I have to change my plans a little. But if I receive an additional payment, I may be able to buy hair dye with a spare. Washing clothes should also be postponed today due to the replacement of the employee. Well, at least I should have time to buy groceries for several days. Unfortunately, I have to postpone the search for those psychics as well. Maybe it's even for the better, because they change the meeting place very quickly, and I, as always, arrive late. I wonder if there is some other way to track them down.
The sound of the coffee machine interrupted the young man's thoughts, announcing that the coffee was ready. Taking a cup of coffee with him to the room, he opened his closet with light movements. It was full of colorful clothes. But if magenta hair was still acceptable, then the clothes should be decent. Although if desired, even here it was possible to experiment with colors that would not distract either customers or employees. After drinking some coffee and placing the cup away from the closet, Tristan began sorting through his clothes. Suits weren't exactly his style, especially when the heat was raging outside, but what can you do when the job demands such sacrifices. It's good that there is an air conditioner in the world. After choosing the right things and drinking some more coffee, Tristan was almost ready to go. Now it was the bag's turn. Since the plans were destroyed by a sudden replacement of the employee, the purse also became smaller. Suddenly, the phone rang. A familiar melody played.
Tristan: Ayame calling so early?
With a surprised face, the young man answers the call, drinking some coffee before doing so.
Tristan: Good morning to you, Ayame.
Ayame: And to you too, Tristan. Sorry to call so early, but are you very busy?
Tristan: A little yes, because I have to replace a colleague at work. And what happened?
Ayame: Nothing special, I just thought maybe we could go for a walk together with friends, but I see that things have put a damper on the wheels themselves.
Tristan: And that's why you decided to call me early?
Ayame: It's me to plan the next steps. Sorry if I woke you up.
Tristan: It's okay, I woke up a long time ago. To be honest, I would really like to go for a walk today instead of work, but we've got what we've got. How are things with Shinji?
Ayame: Everything is fine, we have forgiven each other, so we hope there will be no further misunderstandings.
Tristan: I hope so, but if anything, I'm always open to conversations.
Ayame: Thank you, Tristan. Listen, maybe my friends and I can go to your restaurant? We were planning a walk anyway, so maybe we won't completely ruin it.
Tristan: Of course! I will only be glad. By the way, I'm sorry, but it's time for me to run. I'll meet you there, okay?
Ayame: Okay. Good luck at work. And don't scare the visitors with your antics.
Tristan: I won't, don't worry.
Smiling, they finished their conversation together, just as the psychic finished his cup of coffee at the same time. Ayame was one of those who knew about the existence of psychics and about Tristan's powers, although it was hard to believe at first. It was the same with the twins Mikado and Mikade, Nebi and Shinji, Ayame's boyfriend. I don't know why they didn't turn their backs on the psychic, but the boy was glad to have such friends, albeit with their jokes. After fixing his hair a bit and checking to make sure everything was off and in place, Tristan finally went to his work. The road to work did not take much time, on the contrary, walking was even useful. Only if your boss doesn't require you to be at work right before the opening. Or maybe it's because it's not exactly Tristan's shift that he's taking his time so much. Morning is a time when there is not yet a large crowd of cars, but at the same time, minibuses have a high percentage of being overcrowded. The way to work on foot would probably take listening to three songs, and maybe even four. Finally getting to work, Tristan knocked on the door. One of the workers who came much earlier opened the door.
Employee: Oh, you're so early, Tristan. Did you hear that you need to replace Karina?
Tristan: Yes, I heard, that's why I'm here. So what? Already wanted to replace me, Ryan?
Ryan: I could fill in for both of you, but thanks for coming.
Tristan: Well, I couldn't leave you here alone to be sad.
Ryan: Just don't start your flirting here.
Tristan: Oh c’mon, I would never. Only if I'm a little bored.
Both boys smiled back, then Tristan entered and headed to the staff room to leave his things. After adjusting his uniform and hair, he headed to the hall with the tables to help with the opening. Ryan was already wiping down the tables, while Tristan was setting up the chairs. Certainly not with the help of psychic powers, because that would be a little dishonest. And why should employees know? How will they react? And will they react and treat him the same way as his friends? Better not to risk it.
Ryan: Listen, don't you somehow know how long Karina will be gone?
Tristan: I'm not sure, but if I have to, I'll replace her a little longer.
Ryan: I understand. And yet, you work so well, I can even say you are one of the best employees of this restaurant. Maybe the boss can pay you a little extra for this work?
Tristan: That's if he's in the mood. I thought about it too, but you have to be very careful with it. Because I already asked once, he didn't talk to me for almost a month.
Ryan: Oh yes, I remember. You haven't used your charisma very well either.
Tristan: What's wrong with my charisma?
Displeased, the young man crossed his arms while Ryan only smiled.
Ryan: But I didn't mean to offend you, it's just a joke.
Tristan: Not a good one, I'd say.
Ryan: Okay, let's not talk about the bad, it's better to go and see if we have kitchen equipment ready.
Tristan: Okay.
And the medium quickly directed to the kitchen. It's nice to be there in the morning, because nothing is working yet and you're not in an oven 24/7, constantly turning into fried bread. While Ryan was in the other room, this gave Tristan a chance to look around the kitchen, using his powers secretly. Yes, it was not fair, but if no one sees, why not make things easier for yourself. Somewhere he fixed the shelves for dishes, somewhere he removed excess dust, somewhere he made the mop dance to wash the floor. Meanwhile, Tristan checked the stove, dishwasher, coffee machines, air conditioners and other appliances for work. After making sure that everything was clean and working, he returned to the hall, where Ryan was already meeting the other workers who were responsible for preparing the food. They did not linger long in the conversation, because it was already time to open the establishment and receive visitors.
Usually there are not so many visitors in the morning, but nevertheless, there are those who can afford to have breakfast away from home. Even some families do this. And business people. But if the morning is a little easier to endure, then closer to lunch, people started to come a lot. Of course, most were here to at least hide from the terrible heat for a few minutes. The heat did not escape the workers either, despite the fact that the air conditioners were working at full capacity. Tristan took orders one by one as best he could. Normally, the hand would be begging for mercy, but not in the case of a young psychic with the ability to write automatically. It was the only thing he could use to make his job easier, because bringing food and drink by telekinesis would be "weird".
Ryan: I'm still amazed at how quickly you can write down orders. Did you specially train your hands for this?
Tristan: Well, if some players practice their hands before a cyber tournament, why not do the same here?
With a smile, the young man continued to work, waiting for his friends. Sometimes music played in the background somewhere, and sometimes current news passed by. Some of the visitors, mostly girls, couldn't take their eyes off Tristan and Ryan. If this was normal for a psychic, it was a little uncomfortable for Ryan. When the boys had time to fill out all the orders they had for that hour, Ryan called Tristan over to the bar.
Ryan: These girls seem to be interested in us.
Tristan: So what? You understand that we can't flirt with clients at work. Besides, you know that-
Ryan: That you are not interested in girls romantically, yes, yes, I remember. But you can't help but admit that we are becoming more and more popular here.
Tristan: Or it's just a slight infatuation with looks. I have nothing against it, of course, but I don't want to disappoint them.
Ryan: There you are again with your peaceful attitude towards things and people. I'm not forcing you to approach them and talk. I'm just stating the fact that you and I can attract customers by doing almost nothing. Not all restaurants can show off like this.
Tristan: I wouldn't consider it a reason to show off. Okay, there are still clients on the way, so I'm going to continue working.
Leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts on fame, Tristan walked over to the table where his familiar friends were sitting.
Ayame: Tristan!
Tristan: Ayame, Nebi, Shinji, you're all already here. I didn't even notice.
Nebi: How can you, with such abilities as you have, not notice us?
Shinji: He took a lot of orders today, Nebi, give him a break.
Tristan: It's okay. I was really taking too many orders that I didn't have time to notice you. And where are Mikado and Mikade, by the way?
Shinji: They've got some business, so they'll be free sometime in the evening. Why are you working today, by the way? I thought you had the day off.
Tristan: My colleague got sick and asked to fill in, so I'm here. So what will you order?
Nebi: Pizza!
Ayame: So early? We agreed on pizza for evening.
Tristan: In the evening? And what are you planning to do at such time?
Shinji: We wanted to have a movie night, but we still haven't been able to choose the movies for it. By the way, can you join us? After work, of course.
Tristan: With pleasure. My plans are ruined a bit anyway, so I don't mind.
Nebi: Hooray! Are you going to show all those tricks of yours again?
Ayame: Nebiiiiiii!
Everyone started laughing until Nebi looked nervously at Ayame, who told him not to bicker with just one look. Ayame has always been, let's say, the voice of reason in the group, although out of all of them, Nebi is more nagging than the others. No boy was able to communicate properly with Ayame except Shinji. Guys still ask him for the secret, but it's just a simple human attitude towards each other.
Nebi: Well, I won't ask. Then I'll have Bolognese and Pepsi.
Tristan: Okay. And what will the others do?
Ayame: Just a Pepsi, preferably cold. This heat just kills me.
Shinji: Maybe some fries? You didn't have time to have breakfast. I will pay for the food.
Ayame: Honey, how many times have I said that we pay for everything together? And I don't want to eat yet, just drink.
Shinji: Okay, then I'll order fries and a Pepsi too.
Tristan: Okay, fries, three pepsi and Bolognese. The order will be in a few minutes.
Nebi: Great! By the way, have you heard the latest news with psychics?
Tristan did not expect such a question from his friends, although they know about his abilities. Moreover, he did not expect that any of them would be interested in such news, because usually people will simply not pay attention to it, they will consider it someone's invention in order to gain more readers, viewers and listeners. He wanted it to be his business alone.
Tristan: Well, I heard a little. Are you talking about those that were, or have there been any new ones?
Ayame: I've heard of them too, but today there's another one. It's not as serious as it was a few days ago, but we still thought you should know about it.
Tristan: Really? Or maybe it's just someone's prank or something?
Ayame: You know better than I do that we wouldn't joke about it, given that we know about your powers.
Tristan: Understood. Well, I'll pass on the order and then get back to you, okay?
Friends wanted to add something else, but Tristan managed to quickly go to the kitchen, despite the fact that he was on heels. As he passed the order to the cooks, he locked himself in the staff room and pulled out his phone. Quickly connecting to the Internet, he started scrolling through the news. After a few minutes, he came across the right article with the title - "They made me do it: was the theft deliberate?". Of course such headlines hurt, but that didn't stop Tristan from reading it in its entirety and cringing.
Tristan: Do they now use people for their pleasures? But this goes against their idea! Or maybe…they recruited the necessary number of "disciples" to teach the psychic's powers, but someone of the “disciples” took it too far. It must be stopped somehow. But who will believe me? I still don't know where they are. Maybe if I meet at least one and try to talk, I can come up with some kind of clue.
The young man would have continued his thoughts, if not for his colleague Ryan, who knocked on the door, startling the psychic a little and almost losing the phone.
Ryan: Hey Tristan, are you okay?
Tristan: R-Ryan? Yes, yes, everything is fine. Need something?
Ryan: It's just that I saw you quickly going into the room and thought something happened when you were talking to the customers. Is everything okay?
Tristan: It's okay. Just… had to check the message. I will be back to work soon. Give me a few minutes.
Ryan: Well…okay. If anything, you can leave work early, I'll manage somehow on my own.
Tristan: No no, I can still work, don't stress yourself.
Ryan: If you say so. But the offer still stands.
And with that Ryan went back to work while Tristan tried to regain his concentration. After doing some breathing exercises, he put the phone in his bag and left the room. Meanwhile, the order was almost ready, so Tristan grabbed the drinks and walked over to his friends. They were already discussing what happened a few minutes ago.
Nebi: What if all these events with psychics are related to Radio Oculus?
The unusual name caught the ears of the psychic, still holding the drinks. Radio Oculus? What kind of radio wave is this? And most importantly...does anyone still use the radio in modern times?
Shinji: God, you're with that channel again, or a radio wave or something. Don't you think this is too much?
Ayame: I agree. In addition, this channel is so delusional that even I did not understand anything.
Nebi: What if the broadcast of this wave took place before these psychics started their activities? At the same time, it happens every time, I counted.
Tristan couldn't believe his ears. Of course, he could just tell himself that Nebi was making things up as usual, because somewhere he read an article from some self-proclaimed fortune teller or someone else. But at the same time, what if this was the way that would help Tristan to find those psychics who are making a mess in the city faster? Just in case, he took a tablet and a pen to write down everything Nebi tells, and with careful movements brings drinks.
Tristan: Here are the drinks.
Ayame: Tristan, are you okay?
Tristan: Yes, I just had to step back a little.
Shinji: You just turned a little pale when we told you the news. Is everything okay?
Tristan: Absolutely. Now we have to wait a little longer and I will bring food.
Ayame: It seems that we offered you a movie night for a reason. You definitely need to rest.
Tristan: Maybe. But everything is fine.
Nebi: Listen, my friend, maybe you can at least convince them that I'm right?
Tristan: Um, what are you talking about?
Ayame: He just started talking about that radio wave called "Radio Oculus" again.
Tristan: Really? Never heard of such a thing. And who still uses the radio today?
Shinji: Uuuummm….me sometimes?
He smiled nervously, making Tristan feel a little awkward, like he'd offended him, but not on purpose. It's not bad to listen to what you like and what's convenient, it's just that with the development of technology, radio seemed like something from the past.
Tristan: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend.
Shinji: It's okay, I know you didn't mean to. But let's return to the essence of the conversation.
Nebi: Yes, thank you. So, there are rumors about the so-called radio wave, which is broadcast mainly in the evening, and sometimes in the morning. It would seem nothing surprising, but the person who leads this wave constantly emphasized the absolute freedom of psychics and the freedom to study the knowledge and powers of psychics. He sometimes said something like “Society will never understand you better than you do yourself. And with us, you will reveal your inner potential to the fullest."
Tristan was writing down everything Nebi said as quickly as he could. Every detail, every little thing was important.
Ayame: I also heard that this wave has become very popular since the first news with these other psychics started. Nebi claims it appeared before that, but I believe it happened after that, because then who would have guessed that people with supernatural powers existed?
Nebi: But then how could they adjust the meeting places or something? Hmmm?
He looked at Ayame with a look of mild condemnation, but Ayame's steady cold gaze let him know that maybe Nebi was wrong somewhere.
Ayame: Nebi has been trying to get the police to take this radio wave into account, but the problem is that to them it's all the tales of sick people or high people. Even more strangely, when Shinji contacted the broadcasting studio, they said that there was no such broadcast.
Tristan: What do you mean “doesn’t exists”? Is this someone's private broadcast?
Shinji: Not sure if it's possible, but if one has the resources and equipment to do it, why not?
Nebi: Oooorrrrrr…..they have their own radio players that only have this wave!
He smiled as wide and proud as if he had solved a mystery, but the looks of Shinji and Ayame brought him back to reality just as quickly. But it was also important for Tristan, any theory, even a ridiculous one, could be a reality.
Tristan: I see. Maybe I'll take a look at this radio wave.
Ayame: Better not. It could just be someone's slightly unusual hobby of scaring people with such stories. You know like one YouTube channel where a person tells scary stories.
Nebi: Seriously?? And we will leave all this like this??
Ayame: You want to play detective – be my guest, while I have so much to do. Only then do not be surprised if the police fine you for some illegal actions.
Nebi just crossed his arms and Shinji just smiled. Meanwhile, Tristan finished recording. He would like to ask more about this radio wave, but he was feeling a tense feeling, so he would just talk to Nebi alone later.
Shinji: Let's focus on something pleasant for now. We can always return to this topic.
Nebi:….Okay, I agree. Sorry, I just thought that would be important for Tristan to hear.
Tristan: It was really important, but I understand all your positions on this. And besides, I'm still working, so maybe we'll talk more later. So you plan to be here all day?
Shinji: We were still planning to go shopping for food for the evening, but we can stay a little longer here.
Nebi: And more games in case the movies are boring.
Tristan: And where will the evening be held?
Ayame: The twins proposed their house. Their apartment is a bit bigger and they have controllers.
Tristan: Wow, that's cool! Didn't they accidentally change their address?
Nebi: No, they haven't changed it and they're not going to, so don't worry.
Tristan: Okay, I'll come then. Maybe I will also bring something interesting.
Ayame: Okay, we'll wait.
They all smiled at each other and Tristan went to see if the food was ready. Meanwhile, Ryan collected more orders and worked as usual. When Tristan brought the finished meal to his friends, they chatted together a bit more before starting the meal. Tristan was still reeling from the news he had read and what he had heard from Nebi. While his friends were enjoying food, he went back to the staff room and picked up his phone, opening the notes. They were filled with various names of places where these psychics had been and marked as "verified". To these notes he added "to find out about and check the Radio Oculus radio wave and find the person who controls it." Then, he opened the maps, looking for places he hadn't yet checked out.
Tristan: Okay, this one is a little far from my place, but that's okay. If the weekend isn't busy, I can check and maybe find someone. I need to know where
Ryan: Tristan?
Another knock on the door startled the psychic so much that he jumped a little. He hurriedly put his phone back in his bag and opened the door.
Tristan: I'm sorry Ryan, did you want something?
Ryan: Are you sure you're all right? I brought some cool drink.
Tristan: Thanks Ryan, but will it affect the payment for the ingredients?
Ryan: It's okay, I put a little into the restaurant's budget, so the boss won't notice much. Besides, the heat is too annoying not to take something cool.
Tristan: You're right here. Thank you very much.
Ryan: You're welcome. You know? I suggest we all finish a little early so we can all go home and relax under the air conditioning or in the pool.
Tristan: This still needs to be agreed with the boss.
Ryan: Leave it to me. He wouldn't mind doing it anyway if we all agreed on the decision. What do you think?
Tristan: Okay. I do not mind. Thanks again Ryan.
Ryan: Always. Now excuse me, I'll do some more work. Your drink is at the bar.
Tristan checked his phone again while Ryan went on with his work. But he no longer had a strong desire to do anything and browse there, so with a quick flick of his fingers he scheduled a date and place to check. Then he put the phone in his bag and left the room to the bar table, where a drink was already waiting for him. Tristan looked at the drink, then at Ryan working. He was a little uncomfortable that his colleague had to use ingredients from the restaurant to make a drink, so while he had time, he decided to make him a drink as well. A few orders later, Ryan also decided to take a break.
Ryan: What a work. How are you?
Tristan: Better. By the way, this is for you.
He pushed the drink over to Ryan, who was surprised.
Ryan: Tristan, you didn't have to do that.
Tristan: I know, but I'm a little ashamed of my behavior today, so that's my apology.
Ryan: C’mon, it happens with everyone. But thanks anyway. By the way, I talked to everyone and they agree with my decision, our boss also agrees, so if you want, we can leave later.
Tristan: I don't mind. Will you go back home?
Ryan: Not really. I want to take a little walk in the park. If you want, you can join.
Tristan: With pleasure. Then I will probably go home because I have plans.
Ryan: Good. So are we going now?
Tristan: Why not.
They talked for a few more minutes and finished their drinks, then cleaned up and closed the place for the next working day. Tristan was still apologizing for his behavior today, but Ryan assured him that everything was fine and that it could happen to anyone. They strolled through the park for several more hours before the sun began to approach the horizon. Saying goodbye until the next day, Tristan headed home to get ready for a movie night with his friends. Maybe it will help distract from bad thoughts at least a little.