* Name Reminder
Haphuco - The main character
Sanda - Haphuco's schoolmate
Haphumi - Ba's daughter and Barami's classmate
Mayo - The city major
Barami - Mayo's daughter who Haphuco is working as a Bodyguard for.
Jowi - The owner of the Orphanage where Haphuco and Biani lived during their childhood
Dorin - An university student who is a tenant inside Buido's house like Haphuco
New Character
Rika - Roku's childhood friends, an university student following psychology
Roku - Rika's childhood friends, studying in the Police Academy
Hakyo - The name of the city where Haphuco is living in
[ Hakyo Shopping Mall - Bowling Alley ]
Two Unlimited Daily Tickets !
With this ticket, you are free to play Bowling as much as you want until the end of the day. Of course, the price varies depending on the time of purchase in the day. Although they won't play that long.
Haphuco : I can pay for my own ticket, Miss Barami.
Barami : It's okay...
Barami ( Confidently point to herself ) : I am rich !
Seeing her behaving this confidently, Haphuco wonders how can this girl be shy when interacting with her classmates at school.
When playing Bowling, a mandatory requirement is to wear Bowling Shoes.
Bowling Shoes are different from the regular shoes people wear. Bowling Shoes have smooth soles that allow you to slide when throwing the ball, unlike normal shoes that have soles that grip the ground, makes you unable to slide.
They also have flat, non-marking soles to protect the lane inside the Bowling Alley so they won't leave any ugly mark on the floor after playing.
So, we can see that Bowling Shoes are specifically designed for Bowling. Wearing regular shoes to play Bowling not only risks damaging the Bowling Alley but can also cause injury to yourself.
Bowling Shoes here can be hired or you can buy a brand-new pair to make them your own. Hired Bowling Shoes have been worn by several people so they gets worn out and some people may not fancy the idea of putting their foots into them.
But that's not an issue to Barami. As the city mayor, her father is rich as heck so she is growing a hobby of going shopping. However, she is not a spendthrift, not someone who would spend money for no valid reason. Therefore, if she doesn't plan to play Bowling after today, it does not make sense for her to buy Bowling Shoes for her own.
Barami : Hey Haphuco, look at how wide the shoes are !
Oh yeah, Bowling Shoes are designed to be slightly wider than regular street shoes to ensure foot comfort and reduce restriction during motion.
Maybe because this is Barami's first time playing Bowling so she seems a bit excited.
But the purpose of this trip is not exactly to play Bowling but to find someone playing Bowling so that Barami can interact with them and fix her communication problem ( ? )
And here's they are.
A Target...no...I mean, someone who is planning to play Bowling.
A couple of boy and girl. They seem to be at least at the age of university as they look quite mature.
Haphuco : Miss Barami, you see the boy and girl over there. Let's go to them, shall we. I will start the conversation and you will ask them to play Bowling, okay ?
Hearing the idea, Barami suddenly gets frozen and her voice gets hesitant.
Barami : Uhm...okay...
Haphuco ( Approach the couple ) : Hello, you two !
Huh ?
That's reaction is reasonable as they are currently strangers.
Haphuco ( Look at Barami ) : Here you go, Miss Barami. Tell them !
Barami : Uhm...
Barami : Uhm...
Barami tried to use Talk...
But she failed...
To Haphuco surprise, Barami is unable to speak a word out when speaking with the couple which justifies the problem that Barami said to have earlier.
"Seeing is believing." People said
The couple looks confused as heck.
Barami : I...I...
Barami : I wonder...
Barami : Arg !!!
Barami ( Seem to want to hide behind Haphuco ) : You say it, Haphuco !
Haphuco : Oh come on, Miss Barami.
Guess I have to talk then, otherwise it would be so awkward.
Haphuco : Sorry for bothering you guys but we are looking for someone to have a Bowling Match with, would you guys like to play ?
"Oh, then, sounds good !" The boy speaks.
"And here I thought I am gonna enjoy beat this girl." The boy looks at the girl.
"I am not that bad, you know." The girl denies what the boy said.
The boy's name is Roku while the girl's name is Rika.
...
Rika : My name is Rika and this boy is Roku.
Haphuco : My name is Haphuco and this is Miss Barami.
Barami : Hi...
Don't froze yourself up like that Barami. Where's your behaviour right when you were at the reception.
Rika : Miss Barami ?
Haphuco : Oh, that's because I am Miss Barami's Bodyguard.
Roku : Did you just said "Bodyguard" ?!
Haphuco : Eh, yeah...
"Why is he worked up" Haphuco wonders.
Rika : Bodyguard ? Is it like a job where you protects the person you get assigned to ?
Rika : What's about it, Roku ?
Roku : You may not know but becoming a Bodyguard is actually a choice after my graduation.
Haphuco : Your graduation ?
Roku : Yeah, I am currently on last year at the Police Academy.
Roku : I got to learn a few thing about Bodyguard.
Roku : Like they has an Agency in each city, including Hakyo.
Roku : And the job of being a Bodyguard is to ensure the safety of the Client who they gets assigned to.
Roku : Although nowadays, when there is no Client to be assigned, Bodyguards may do some other work such as being a Guard for a public event, something like that.
Haphuco : ...
What he said is true...
but is he aware of the true danger that Bodyguard may have to face ?
Roku : Becoming a Bodyguard is an option for me but they said that the training would be really strenuous so I am still hesitaing.
Roku : Considering you are a Bodyguard, you must have graduated from the Academy, right ?
Haphuco : Oh, no, I didn't. I just got recommended from someone and that's how I became a Bodyguard.
From Uncle Jowi...
Roku : Oh, really ! So that can be a thing.
Roku : So Haphuco...
Rika : Where's your manner, Roku ? He is clearly older than us, you should call him as Brother.
When speaking to someone older, there is an unspoken rule to put Brother / Sister before calling their name. Senpai is another option, for someone who is your senior at work or you are familar with.
But despite being 22 years old on his ID, Haphuco is only 19 years old. He is even younger than Rika and Roku who are going to reach the age of 21 soon. Therefore, he feels a bit wrong when being called as Brother.
Haphuco : There is no need to be formal like that. I don't mind.
Roku : No, she's right, Brother Haphuco.
Roku : So how's the work as a Bodyguard, Brother Haphuco.
Haphuco : I actually only became a Bodyguard for like two months...
Haphuco : Although I have not got much taste of experiencing the job...
Haphuco : But I can say I like the job...
Haphuco : Because I like the idea of you protecting people from any danger.
Unlike being an Assassin who goes killing people.
Roku : That's emotional, Brother Haphuco.
Rika : You said you just become a Bodyguard for two months, right ?
Rika : Then you must be someone really special to be the Bodyguard...
Rika ( Look at Barami ) : For the city mayor's daughter ?
Sucking the ordered juice to mitigate the nervous feeling, Barami gets startled when her identity is "known".
Roku : Eh, what's are you talking about. Rika ?
Rika : You are the new city mayor's daughter, right, Barami ?
Rika : Your name and your face, they are the same as what I saw from the media about who is the mayor's daughter.
Barami : Uhm...
And then, Rika moves near Barami.
Rika : I actually follows Psychology in my university.
Psychology is the science of behaviour and mental processes. Learning psychology can help you anticipate the behaviour of people based on their mental state.
Rika : I read some tabloids about the mayor...
Rika : About there is no information about his wife.
About Barami's mother.
Rika : The spread of media is dangerous, you must have received a lot of not really nice talk about you.
Spot on !
Rika : So how are you feeling right now ?
Barami : ...
Barami : I...feel...okay...
Barami : ...
Barami : I don't even know my mother's face anyway.
Rika : ...
Rika ( Hug Barami ) : It's alright, Barami.
Barami : Eh !
Rika : You are a strong person.
Rika : But the thing about mental attack is that...
Rika : You never know how it affects you.
Rika : So feel free to tell me anything, okay, Barami.
To say Barami is indifferent with everything people rumours around her will be a stretch.
She used to wonder why she never meets her mother in her life but she then got over with it.
But now the rumours has brought the topic back to her mind.
She is kind of borthered with it.
So she feels appreciated when there is someone like Rika who seems to understand her.
Barami : Thank you...Rika Senapi.
Rika : ...
Rika ( Hug Barami ) : Oh dear, oh dear, gorgeus
Hearing the conversation, Haphuco sits here and thought
"So that's the story"
He could not care less about knowing these kind of information so he did not know about Miss Barami's situation.
But he could not sympathize with her.
After all...
He is an Orphan, supposedly raised to be an Assassin.
He never knows who his parents are ?
Roku : This is getting a bit tense. We are here to play Bowling, aren't we ?
Roku : The game has been set. So let's get start, shall we ?
...
Roku : Is this your first time, Barami ?
Barami : Yeah...
Roku : You too, Brother Haphuco ?
Haphuco : No, I played Bowling several times already.
Haphuco : But it has been a while since I last played it.
Roku : Got it ! So I should explain the rules of the game.
In Bowling, you will play a certain of frames ( Typically 10 frames but 7 in this case ).
In each frame, the goal of the game is to roll the Bowling ball into the lane which have 10 pins and knock as many as the pins down.
You gets two rolls each frame to do that.
If all 10 pins are knocked down in the first roll → it's a Strike.
Score = 10 + the total of the next two rolls.
If all 10 are knocked down in two rolls → it's a Spare.
Score = 10 + the next roll.
If not all pins are down after two rolls → it's an Open Frame.
Score = total pins knocked down.
Roku : Bowlers take turns frame by frame.
Roku : In team play, players alternate turns with their teammates.
Roku : Do you get it, Barami ?
Barami : Yeah...Roku Senpai.
Roku : Okay, the order will be Roku → Barami → Rika → Haphuco.
Roku : That's mean I will go first.
Rolling a Bowling ball involves three steps :
Step 1 : Hold the ball
Insert your middle finger, ring finger, and thumb into the holes in the ball. Don't jam your fingers in too far. There's a chance that they could get stuck, especially if you're using a ball that's on the smaller side.
Grip the ball loosely with your dominant hand. Try not to clutch the finger holes like you're holding on for dear life. Keep your hand firm but relaxed, using only enough pressure as it takes to maintain a good connection with the ball.
Use your free hand to help support the ball. Place your palm flat against the side of the ball close to the bottom edge. This hand is there to steady the ball during your approach. It will also share the load so your bowling arm doesn't get fatigued as quickly.
Step 2 : Make your approach
Stand on the approach area and line your body up with the center of the lane. The approach area is the open space just past the ball return where you'll make your walk-up. It serves as a kind of starting point where you can gather up the momentum you need to send the ball down to the far end of the lane, where the pins await.
Raise the ball up until it's poised just under your chin. Keep it in this position until you're ready to initiate your swing. This serves two purposes—firstly, it allows you to sight the pins over the top of the ball. Secondly, it prevents the ball from bumping into your legs during your walk-up.
Take 3-4 fluid steps towards the lane. Start with the foot on the same side of your body as your bowling arm for traditional 4-step approach. If you think you might be more comfortable with a short 3-step approach, lead with the foot opposite your bowling arm instead.
Swing the ball back behind you as you move closer to the pins. On your first or second step, lower the ball down from its ready position and let it travel back, up, and slightly out to the side. Continue lifting it until it's roughly at shoulder height. From there, you'll be ready to uncork a thunderous strike!
Step 3 : Release the ball
Lower your weight on the last step of your approach to get closer to the lane. Plant both feet firmly, bend the knee of your support leg, and lean forward at the waist slightly. Make sure your hips stay under your shoulders so that your whole body remains in alignment.
Curl your wrist inward or outward to compensate for varying lane conditions. In most cases, keeping the wrist of your bowling arm firm and straight is the key to a solid shot.
Let the ball slip off your fingers as it comes parallel with the lane. Simply uncurl your top two fingers and allow the momentum of your swing to carry the ball away from your hand. A delicate release will guarantee the smoothest possible transition to the lane.
Continue extending your bowling arm upwards for greater speed and precision. Rather than dropping your arm as soon as you release the ball, keep following through to generate even more power. End your throw with your hand over your head, palm facing towards you.
Roll 1 : 6 pins knocked out
Roll 2 : 3 pins knocked out
Score = 9
Roku : Arg ! Only one pin left.
Roku : So did you get the idea of how to throw the ball, Barami ?
Barami : Uhm...I will try...
It's Barami's turn.
Roku : You should pick out a ball that's roughly 10% of your body weight, Barami.
Bowling balls range in weight from 6–16 pounds (2.7–7.3 kg). If you're smaller in stature or don't have much experience bowling, it's best to start with a lighter ball that you can move around with ease until you get the hang of the basic technique.
"Then I will choose this 4.5 kg ball" Barami thought.
Rika : Go on, Barami !
Roku : Don't be pressured, just follows the steps.
Haphuco : I can go first, Miss Barami.
Barami : No, I think I got the idea already.
Barami ( Talk to herself ) : Okay, I got the idea of the steps.
Barami : Just follow the steps...
Barami : Just follow the steps...
Roll 1 : 0 pin knocked out
Roll 2 : 0 pin knocked out
Score : 0
Barami : Hic...
The ball kept falling in the side channel, the two sides of the lane, resulting in none of the pins being knocked out. People called the roll a gutter. A bowling ball falls into the gutter when it's poorly aimed, incorrectly released, lacks proper spin or speed, or is affected by lane conditions or an ill-fitting ball.
Roku : Don't worry, Barami. It happens to everyone new to the game.
Rika : You will do better next time, Barami.
Haphuco : Yeah, it happens to me as well when I first played the game, Miss Barami.
Now it's Rika turn.
Roll 1 : 4 pins knocked out
Roll 2 : 2 pins knocked out
Score : 6
Rika : Hehe, I still can not get good with this game.
Roku : Yeah, I would have beaten you badly if we play with each other.
Roku : It's your turn, Brother Haphuco.
Haphuco : Right...
Picking up the heaviest ball, Haphuco comments about the ball.
Haphuco : It's lighter than I thought.
Roku : Are you sure you want to go with that ball, Brother Haphuco.
Haphuco : Yeah, I think the heaviest ball is the best option.
Heavier balls hit with more force, but they can be difficult to swing and maneuver. On the flipside, lighter balls are easier to manipulate and roll faster, but tend to give up some accuracy.
"He seems confident" Roku thought...
But there is no way that he can roll a Strike, right ?
Roll 1 : STRIKE
Score = 10 + the total of the next two rolls.
Everyone is shocked.
Rika : Are you actually a pro in Bowling, Brother Haphuco ?
Roku : Wait, didn't you say that you got 0 for both of your first-ever roll, did you ?
Haphuco : Well, yeah, but...
Haphuco : Isn't the goal is just to throw the ball to the center of the pins.
Haphuco : After that, I just knew how to roll the ball.
The fact is that after the first two rolls ending up as a gutter. The rest of the rolls executed by
Haphuco until now...
All ended up as a Strike.
Rika : Wow, that's amazing, Haphuco Senpai.
Roku : Heh, I guess the game will be closer than I expected.
And the game goes on.
While the game goes on, Haphuco and Barami gets to know more about Roku and Rika, about something like...
Roku : We are actually childhood friends.
Rika : Yeah, apparently our parents know each other and our houses locate next to each other so I basically have to stick with this guy since young.
Roku : Hey, what's that supposed to mean ?
or
Roku : There is supposed to be one more person coming with us today but that guy took aditional shift at his work today.
Roku : I mean you should spend your weekends working instead of having fun, am I right ?
Rika : Only you think like that, Roku. If it's not you insisting, I would instead do my assignment at home today.
Roku : You don't understand, Rika. I got beaten up and down so much during the weekdays at the Academy. I am going to have my internship soon too so oh mind.
Barami, while still geting shy when speaking with Roku and Rika, but the friendliness of Roku and Rika, especially Rika, has made her open up a little bit. This is progress.
...
With Rika and Roku's level being around moderate-low and moderate-high while Barami and Haphuco being on the opposite side of the ability scale, the game is surprisingly balanced.
Roku : How's the heck did you keep getting Strike after Strike, Brother Haphuco ?!
Rika : At this rate, it may be better for you to become a Bowling Pro.
Haphuco : Don't praise me like that. It's not something big ( to me at least )
The last frame, Barami is the last person to roll the ball in the game. Roku and Rika are currently winning with 15 points ahead, meaning that they will only lose if Barami manages to get at least eight pins knocked out. ( Due to Haphuco getting a Strike on the previous frame, the point on Barami's frame basically gets doubled unless she gets a Strike which is unlikely )
Roll 1 : 2 pins knocked out
Barami : Urg !
Barami could not hide her frustration. She can see that she got more used to rolling the ball but the ball kept rolling to the two sides of the lane so she only got at most three pins knocked out until now.
Due to her weak body so she gets tired now.
It's impossible for her to win the game. She is so bad !
Haphuco : Miss Barami.
Barami ( Look back ) : Huh ?
Haphuco : Just roll the ball in the way you think is right.
Haphuco : It's not necessary to keep following the instructions.
Haphuco : That's what I did.
Barami : ...
He is right.
I should not stubbornly follow the rules when things don't work out.
I will roll the ball in my own way !
Haphuco said :
Haphuco : Isn't the goal is just to throw the ball to the center of the pins.
So all I need to do is to roll the ball to the center...
With all my might !
...
Roku : It's... a Spare !
Rika : That's mean you win, Barami !
Barami : Hehe...
...
Haphuco : Miss Barami !
Barami : Huh ?
Haphuco : Wake up, Miss Barami !
It was just a brief dream. Right when Barami rolled the ball, she got slipped and was about to fall over. However, with instant reaction, Haphuco swiftly went to Haphuco and catch her from falling. However, it seems she went through a brief unconsciousness.
Haphuco : It's good that you are okay.
Barami : If that's a dream, then what score did I really get ?
Roll 2 : 5 pins knocked out
Score : 7
That means Haphuco and Barami lost with just one point behind.
But 5 pins knocked out is a record for Barami.
Rika : My godness, are you okay, Barami ?
Barami : I'm okay.
Roku : You made my heart skipped a beat, Barami. It's fortunate that Brother Haphuco managed to catch you before you fell over.
Roku : By the way, that's really impressive, Brother Haphuco.
Looking at Haphuco who is still holding her in his hands.
This is the first time she got to be this close to another boy, not counting her father.
Haphuco : Are you really okay, Miss Barami ?
He is so caring.
His duty is only to protect me from any danger yet he is willing to listen and help soliving my problem.
And the fact that he managed to save me from falling.
That's cool
Barami ( Get up ) : I am okay !
Her face is a bit red.
...
Rika : It was nice to meet you guys today, Haphuco and Barami.
Roku : It's a shame that we could not have a meal afterwards.
Haphuco : Sorry but I don't think Miss Barami can handle anymore.
It seems that it's enough for the day for Barami to interact with same-height people.
She made a progress.
Roku : I know, how's about we keep the connection. We can then hang out some day.
Rika : That's a great idea. What do you think, Barami ?
Barami : I am...fine with that.
...
Roku : Is that Ephone X, that's the most expensive phone right now, isn't it ?
Barami's father bought her the phone for her birthday.
Roku : Wait, what's this, Brother Haphuco. What age is it for you to use the Lokia phone
AKA the indestructible electronic brick.
Haphuco : I am not good with electronic stuff though.
And this is a gift I received from someone when I was still at the School.
...
Roku : It was fun meeting you guys.
Rika : Let's meet again someday, Barami.
Haphuco : See you guys.
Barami : Bye...Senpai.
...
Roku ( After walking away ) : Let's go to LFC for lunch, shall we ?
Rika : The LFC where Dorin is working ?
Roku : Yeah !
...
Barami : Look at this Bowling Shoes, Haphuco. Isn't it cute ?
Barami thought bowling was fun so she bought herself a cute pink bowling shoe and a bunch of other stuff. And that was it, Barami had a great new experience today and she felt like her communication skills had improved a bit.
She thinks she can communicate with Haphumi and everyone in her class next week better now.
Haphuco : It's time for lunch, isn't it ? Where do you want to eat, Miss Barami ?
Barami : Before that, I need to go to the toilet first.
Haphuco intends to follow her but Barami tells him to just sit here and wait, explaining that it would be weird for him to stay near the female toiler.
Haphuco : But I am your Bodyguard...
Barami : No need, Haphuco ! It's not like I am going to have any danger inside the toilet.
And it's a bit embarrassing right now.
Barami : Just wait here !
And so Haphuco waits.
It's surprising that considering that she was fine when talking with some people including Haphuco but she got so shy when she spoke with the other like Roku and Rika.
I wonder what's the reason.
??? : Time's for the plan.
??? : Go !
After Barami entered the toilet, another girl enters the toilet as well. She seems 12 years old.
5 minutes passed...
And then 10 minutes passed...
Still no sign of Barami coming back.
Haphuco starts to get worried.
Maybe I should go take a look.
??? : Nice outfit you have, Haphuco.
A beard man suddenly came from behind and sit next to him. Right from when the man spoke up, Haphuco instantly recognized his voice.
How could he not ?
Haphuco : Sanda...
Sanda : Hi, buddy.
Sanda : It seems you are working, huh...
Sanda : Mr. Bodyguard ?!
Haphuco is a bit stunned, how did he know ?
Sanda : Considering that you went along with the mayor's daughter, I could not help but instantly figure out.
Sanda : I know you well.
Haphuco : ...
Sanda : But I am surprised though. You are an Assassin, why the heck are you being a Bodyguard ?
Sanda : That makes absolutely no sense.
Sanda : But I don't care though.
Haphuco : Then what do you want, Sanda ?
Sanda : You know the city mayor can become a Target anytime right ?
That's the constant threat since Mr. Mayo became the city mayor. It happened once on his inauguration when Haphuco reunited with Biani who was the assigned Assassin for the Assassination.
Sanda : You may not know but...
Sanda : The city mayor's daughter just became a Target, too.
Haphuco is shocked.
Sanda : Don't be that surprised, it's completely reasonable to target people close to you when someone want to break you down.
Haphuco : Sanda, don't tell me you...
Sanda : That girl Barami still has not came back yet, hasn't she ?
Sanda : You know what that means ?
Haphuco : How could you do that, Sanda ?!
Sanda : What's the matter ? You know, don't you ?
Sanda : We are Assassins...
Sanda : We take Orders....
Sanda : We could not careless about our Targets.
Sanda : Taking Orders is my daily job.
Sanda : But today, one thing is more important than that.
Sanda : It's the Duel between us, Haphuco.
Sanda : That's why I am taling to you.
Haphuco : ...
Sanda : So let's go somewhere...
Sanda : Private !
...
Sanda : This is the area behind the shopping mall, no one will come here for no reason.
Sanda : So how's about you have a Duel with me now, Haphuco ?
Haphuco : ...
Haphuco : Fine !
Haphuco : If you want a Duel, you will have it !
End of Chapter 13 : Let's go ( End of Volume 2 )
Next Chapter - Chapter 13.5 : Essay ( Bonus Chapter of Volume 2 )