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Text Version A written companion to this chapter — for accessibility, screen readers, and search.
A boisterous delivery driver strides in and greets Kaito like an old friend, thanking him warmly for a favor Kaito never did. It emerges the man has been visiting at odd hours and dealing with another clerk he also calls Kaito. Since Kaito works nearly every shift, he cannot account for when this other Kaito exists. Rin films the unraveling and cheerfully suggests he has been replaced. The man leaves happy, still thanking Kaito — and the security feed shows only Kaito, working a shift he does not remember.
Page 1
A dense seven-panel page. Late night in the convenience store. A burly delivery driver in a navy work jacket, cap pushed back and a clipboard under one arm, strides in through the glass door with a big warm grin and leans on the counter like an old friend. Kaito (name tag KAITO) stares back completely blank, not recognizing him at all. Rin (name tag RIN) glances over from her phone, mildly interested, as the driver claps the counter cheerfully. DRIVER: Kaito! My man! KAITO: ...Hello.
Page 2
A dense eight-panel page. The delivery driver gestures animatedly, thanking Kaito for a favor Kaito has no memory of doing, and mimes carrying something heavy to re-enact it. Kaito (name tag KAITO) blinks slowly, processing nothing, and opens his mouth to correct him. The driver laughs and waves it off good-naturedly. Rin (name tag RIN) raises her phone to start filming. DRIVER: You saved me last Tuesday! KAITO: I did?
Page 3
A dense seven-panel page. The delivery driver describes another clerk with his hands, nodding confidently with a thumb over his shoulder, entirely matter-of-fact about the man he deals with. Kaito (name tag KAITO) blinks slowly in horror, sweat forming at his temple, then stares straight ahead with one hand flat on the counter, counting shifts on his fingers. Rin (name tag RIN) smirks behind her phone. DRIVER: The other Kaito. Night shift. KAITO: I am the night shift.