It’s heavy.

"Miaw, miaw..."

A cat's voice? Ah, that's right, Pushi must be fed!

"Ughhhhhhh~"

It felt heavy.

"Miaw, miaw~"

He's right under my feet. This time I can see him in full.

"Hello, good morning, Pushi. I will feed you, but for first, jump twice!"

That's right, this cat is unique. Somehow, if I gave him an order or whatever I said when he asked for food, he would jump.

"You're a weird cat, but somehow you're cute~ Now it's time to feed you!"

My first activity in the morning, feeding the kitten.

...

It's six o'clock in the morning. I woke up late because I was tired.

"The aches on my body. I have to make food for breakfast and- oh,"

It's written on my door.

[Hey Yuki, it's me, Taki. I saw you were exhausted from working hard yesterday. Therefore, I will replace you for the cooking task. I've made the food downstairs. Don't forget to have breakfast. -Taki]

"... Well, the morning's task is completed. Tanaka has also gone again with Haruka, time for work!"

Yes, I have work to do. That is preparing the land.

......

...

No zombies are coming. Only the clanging of iron and wire could be heard from my left side.

"Hey Haruka, do you think it's healthier to have moldy food or expired food?"

I ask her. To be honest, I'm bored.

"What are you asking, idiot. Obviously neither of them are well!"

"Ahhh, I mean, if you had to choose between them, which one would you choose?"

Haruka, she's currently laying barricades as well as some wires across the street. I killed the zombies and now my job is just idle.

"... Moldy food!"

After some time, Haruka finally answered.

"Yeah, right! It's true that moldy food will be the one to choose. I don't know why, I thought like that too!"

That's right. Mold is better than expired one.

"Nii-chan, if you really have free time to think about such useless things, you'd better help me put this up. It's heavy!"

The cutter wire was pointed at my face. It's a long way, but I know what I have to do.

"Fine, fine! Sixty-nine!"

I went towards her. Out of pity, I helped Haruka wire and various other things. Well, this is also my actual duty. It's just, since I won a jankenpon with this girl, I have no obligation to help, actually.

[Bzzt, Ta-- Tanaka... Tanaka, hello!]

While helping Haruka, suddenly the walkie-talkie in my pocket rang. This is Taki's voice.

"Tanaka is here..."

"And Haruka too!"

I replied back and Haruka added on as well.

"What is the problem?"

If Taki had contacted me, there must have been something to talk about.

[Yeah, actually I just wanted to ask you to bring some more stuff. You know, some of the available devices are a bit outdated. I want you to go to the shop across the street, the location is... wait... Ummm, basically the one near the hospital to the left from there!]

Instructions are not clear. I quite understand, to be honest. Actually, how bad was Taki's experience at memorizing addresses.

"Okay, what do you need?"

[Ummm, look for a parabolic antenna and take all the BG branded stuff. They usually have the parts needed!]

"Okay. It might take a while since you didn't tell me the exact address!"

[Mooo, master, it's not my fault. It's the country's fault for creating such a complicated address naming system!]

this woman's... Did she forget that I was still beside Haruka? This nosy girl was also holding back her laughter.

"Fine, fine. Then I'll continue to work!"

[Yeah, back to the job! Bzztt--]

"Pfft, master~"

"Stop it, you're no any suitable to speak in that tone!"

Haruka tried to imitate Taki's voice earlier. She tried to mock me.

"Let's get to work!"

I returned to my focus on work. This time, it was Haruka who kept pestering me.

......

...

"Everything is working!"

Hydroponics really works. It's really effective.

"The water will eventually come in here and be pumped back up by different channels. I've planted green mustards and they're still in good shape. I hope it stays like this forever!"

Yes. These are peaceful days.

"Hey, Yuki. How about your project?"

"It's working!"

Makise, she is a girl the same age as me. She was saved by Tanaka on June 13th and she has been here for three days. She really familiarized herself quickly. I envy her abilities.

"I made some chocolate cake. Would you like some?"

"Humu, I want too!"

She is a good girl. Only, she's a dangerous girl too.

"So, Yuki, I really like Okata. He really saved me during those times. That's why, I can't let anyone else get him!"

She is a dangerous girl.

"Humu, calm down, I won't take your Okata anyway! I only work with him because we're both in the same division. I'm with Tanaka and Makise is with Okata!"

"Huhu, then let’s work!"

"Yeah, let’s work!"

So, she warned me about not getting too close to Okata, right?

[Pfft, just like you were with Taki!]

"Shut up!"

This person finally appeared as well. I haven't heard its opinion in a long time.

The days seem to be getting better. I am now assigned to agriculture and food. Yes, I work with

Okata in agriculture because he is more skilled than me.

"Good morning, Okata!"

"Yes, good morning Yuki-sama!"

"I told you to get rid of '-sama' right! Forget it, so, what are we going to do now?"

"Alright, Yuki-chan, just take a look at these!"

I am currently in front of a large field. It was outside the boarding house walls, a place that could be considered unsafe. However, since Tanaka has barricaded and taken care of the zombies around, this location is practically as safe as being inside a boarding house. It's really comfortable to be able to see this fairly large area with direct eyes.

"Are there other things you need?"

"Well, to be honest we need a tractor and some other tools anyway. The land still needs to be plowed and smoothed more. I've asked Rai and Kanji to help. Maybe Makise will come too!"

"So, our agenda today is to plow and smooth the ground?"

"Yes, this job is too heavy for both of us. Therefore, I need another help with this matter!"

"Humu... Wait, we're going on a motorbike?"

"Yeah, because we don't have a tractor, we just use what we can. It was just so coincidental that Rai and Kanji found a motorbike that can be used for something like this. I'm waiting for Taki-sensei's answer too to work with this motorbike!"

"Have you got the answer yet?"

"Not yet. I don't know why she's been quiet after that time. Maybe I'll go there again to recheck!"

"No, just let me go there!"

"Okay!"

Head to room number two, no, she's in the basement at this moment!”

“Taki?”

“Ah, Yuki, you're awake!”

“You think I'm kind of lazy or something, huh. By the way, how's your radio?"

"It's done. It just needs some additions and updates. The signal can only be as far as two kilometers. Of course I need more than that. And why are you here, Yuki-sama?”

“Well, about Okata's plan to plow with a motorbike. What's your answer?"

"Ah, I've asked Tanaka and he allows it as long as the motor used is not too noisy. He said that there are still some zombies in the house that hasn't yet he checked!"

"Okay, and, how did it feel, last night?"

"Yuki-sama... ummm, I'm sorry I didn't wake you last night!"

"No, I didn't ask for that. This is the first time you two have done that alone without me, isn't it? Hehe, well, I'm also in a bad day to do it. So, for this week, it's completely your time!”

“Yuki-sama, stop it. What if someone else hears it!”

“No. Then, bye!"

"Yeah!"

I went out. It's still very early in the morning. Honestly, it's still 7:34 and everyone is already working. This atmosphere feels both new and nostalgic to me. With mom and dad.

"I'll check the fertilizer!"

I went to a tub next to the hydroponic place. It was a container of liquid compost that I made according to Okata's directions. Yes, it is fertilizer to be used in the land to be plowed later.

Because it will be very smelly, I use a mask and cover all of my body so they don't smell and stick to my body. The fertilizer is ready. It's just a matter of time when the land is ready to be used.

"That's why I prefer hydroponics. It's a hassle!"

Troublesome but bigger and more varied. Some plants are more suitable if planted in the ground, but some are more suitable to be planted in the water.

"Okata, the fertilizer is ready!”

"Yes, by the way, what about the answer of Taki-sensei?”

"She said OK, as long as it is not noisy and potentially invites zombies ... Wait, why are you looking at me like that?”

"Well ... Rai, turn that on!”

The sound is very loud. Shit, it's not the kind of relaxed voice motorbike.

"Aren't there any other motors?"

"There are, it's just that this one is the only one around that is strong enough to pull this plower. Well, I hope there won't be zombies coming!"

"Hopefully Tanaka will ease up on this one!"

Alright, time to get to work.

The first stage, wetting the ground with water. Before plowing, we wet the surrounding ground with water from the faucet and bucket.

"Hey Makise, stop it! I'm getting all wet!"

"Ahahaha, taste this!"

They're just playing around.

The second stage, plowing. Me and Makise, who is in charge of wetting the fields, rest and watch the boys working.

"Hey Kanji, after this it's my turn. Don't snatch it!”

“Hey, I won from you once so it's my turn!”

They were fighting over who was riding on that noisy motorcycle.

“Hey Yuki, boys are unique creatures, aren't they!”

No, they're just like us. Anyways, why is Makise suddenly saying something like this.

“Yes,”

I answered agreeingly to avoid unnecessary conflict.

“Fufu, you are just as interesting as them, Yuki. Everyone is interesting, yes, everyone is unique!”

This was getting weird. Did she somehow read my mind?

“What are you possessed, Makise!”

“No, it's just that I was thinking about a few things that happened. Well, everyone changes, doesn't it!”

“…Yes, everyone changes. Moreover, if we look at the current situation. A lot of people will change, whether it's for the better or maybe for the worse!"

"Yes, but, if someon

e who leads others is a good person, then the people who follow him will also be good too!"

I did not understand what she was saying. But I think I agree with her.

"Humu, you're right,"

softly replied because I didn't quite understand.

"You know, I think that everything that exists outside it would be very cruel and full of criminality. That's what I saw on the internet while in the stuck. I said to Okata, 'would things get better if we managed to get outside', and so Okata replied, 'yes, that's for sure'. I didn't believe it at first when I saw Okata's unconvincing eyes, however, he was right. There is still hope outside and now I see it. Hehe, Yuki-chan, thanks for having received us in your camp!

"This Girl. So, this is what she meant. She wanted to say thank you in a professional manner.

"Makise, honestly I'm also glad to see you here. Honestly it's because Tanaka, and I just… Hmmm… How should I put it, well, basically, thank you too!”

Aghhhh, what the heck am I saying, stupid. A person who hasn't had friends for six years doesn't need to mess around to make complicated words that only high-level extroverts can do. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

“Pfft, you really attractive Yuki. I like you!”

“You are more attractive, Makise. Honestly, I'm confused with you!"

Cold suddenly hugged my shoulders. I don't know what mystical feeling I was feeling right now, but it was as if something had slipped from my body. What was the missing thing?

Sitting on a wooden bench that seemed to have been in this place for a long time made me feel very comfortable. Seeing the boys there working and playing is also a new thing for me. Honestly, I've never enjoyed life like this. It's an irony because I enjoyed this apocalypse, a time where many people suffered. I was one of them, back then.

"Hey girls, do you want to give it a try?" (Kanji)

Kanji, the guy yells at us. He's an easy going guy, similar to Makise only if I may say he's quite blunt about what he knows. I can tell he's not a trustworthy person if the topic is someone's secret or disgrace.

"Go on yourself you guys, we are fine here!

Wait, why do I think so? They're not bad people, Yuki! This is my bad habit. It is not good. Stop it.

That's right, they are my friends. They live in the same area as me and they're not bad people... They're my friends... Wait, they're my friends, right?

"Hey, while we're free, how about we just make some food for them?"

"Humu, that's a great idea!"

That's right, I'm not alone. And they are my friends. I don't know what a terms of ‘friend’ really means, but in my opinion, a friend is someone with whom I feel not alone. I'm not living in the past, I'm starting now to live a new life!

...

These kids!

“Oiii, follow the line, goddamn it!”

"Rai! Don't be too quick dammit. After this is my turn!"

They don't listen to me.

"Aghhhh, I shouldn't have asked you guys!"

I said it.

"Oh, come on Okata. Let's have some fun once in a while. Haven't we been through some bad times back then-- Ah, sorry... I didn't mean that!"

Kanji, he's right. Maybe I took them too seriously. We just got out of that 'hell' and maybe they just want to have fun. It was my fault.

"No, you're right. But don't forget that you have to follow the line!"

But still this is the task that Tanaka-sama gave me! I can't ignore it!

"Okay, oi Rai, it’s my turn!"

Currently, the land project is being worked on. Previously, since my legs were still not strong enough to stand for long, due to the actual tingling, I asked Yuki-chan to prepare the fertilizer I recommended. I know how to make liquid fertilizer because my parents are both farmers and ranchers. Like it or not, I have to learn from them as a child. To think that this experience would be something useful.

"Okata, after we plow all this land, what are we going to do next?"

"After that we will harrow the ground!"

That's right. This is the time of plowing. Honestly, the land is not good if it is used as agricultural land. Soil nutrients are lacking, but the pH is just right. I'm sure this place used to be farmland that was not treated and eventually turned into a field. I can still fix this, it's just that it takes quite a bit of work to do.

"I'm confused about harrowing the ground. Can we do it with this trail bike?"

"Well, we actually have the tools for it. It's just that, it's hard to do. We actually need a tractor and discs for the harrowing... Ah, those tools are like saws or if what we have are those like giant forks!"

Kanji took an object that is usually used to grind rice. I showed Kanji the correct thing.

"Ahhh, this one. So this is what it's used for. I thought that it was used by the farmers as weapons against the incoming beasts!"

"It used to be like that, but now there are rifles and it's better to use them!"

Weapons huh, I remember that my parents had some. Even I remember they also have one like that sniper.

"Ahh, I see. So we just have to comb the ground using this thing, right?"

"Th

ere's only one tool. And the land we're going to plow is this large... This is the problem. How long will it take?"

The area of this field is approximately 40 by 50 (40m x 50m) and requires three to five times of refining for such a soil. It will not be finished in one day if you use this tool and a trail bike. It would take about three days at the most if that was the case.

"That's right... Oi, Rai, now it's been five minutes you said. Time to change!"

He left me. I haven't even gotten my turn yet and these two are the ones working instead. Well, so be it. I also have to prepare some other things.

Fertilizer, that's the thing I have to prepare. The nutrients in the soil are still lacking and I can say it can't support the plants to grow unless it's just grass. Right now, we already have a pool of liquid fertilizer that I asked for. Thanks to Yuki-chan, I was able to save some time.

"Not too mushy and smells bad. Good, this is what I asked for!"

The texture is like mud which is not too runny. I will add water to this fertilizer and allow it to seep into the soil. It's perfect. I really have to thank Yuki-chan. Honestly, even if it's me, it's still a tough job. Though because the smell of this thing is very strong.

The babies are ready too. The technique Yuki used when making this hydroponics is wall planting. There are five port levels and each level is planted with different crops. Green mustards, cabbage, spinach, celery and potatoes. Wait, why is she growing potatoes with water? I've never heard that potatoes can be grown hydroponically!"

I checked the hydroponic area created by Yuki-chan. There are already hundreds of baby plants that are ready to be planted in large areas and several plants that are often grown through hydroponic media. Except for the potatoes.

"Hello, Okata-san, why are you here?"

Someone came and tapped my shoulder. I know her voice and intonation, it's Yuki-chan.

"Ah, Yuki-chan, I was checking the amount of fertilizer!"

That's right, my goal was just to check the fertilizer. Hydroponics is just out of curiosity.

"Have I made enough?"

"Of course. This is more than enough. You must have worked hard with this, I shall say that I thank you very much!"

I did it. I thank to other people. I'm a person who rarely does it, but to be honest this effort definitely requires a thank you, or even more than that.

"Okata-san, you are too much. Hey, I made a meal with Makise. Do you want to try it?"

Yuki-chan patted my shoulder and lifted my head gently. That's right, I was lowering my head because I sincerely thank her.

"Of course... Ah!"

Makise.

"What's wrong? Ah..."

Yuki also turned around and looked at her. Makise.

"Hey, you guys are so affectionate to touch each other like that!"

I remember, she is a girl who gets jealous easily. Yes, she is my girlfriend and to be honest this is going to be a bit of a hassle.

"W-wait, it's not like that, Makise!"

I have to divert her mind. I'm sure she already thought that Yuki and I were joking and making out. Even though all I did was bow my head in thanks and Yuki-chan was the one who touched me.

"Yeah, it's not like that!"

"Ohh, really. Then explain what it really is!"

In the end, it was Yuki who explained everything. Well, from the start this misunderstanding was because of Yuki anyway. No, it was also because of me because myself was there too.

"Alright, the point is now you guys should rest and eat! Yuki-chan and I have already made lunch! Okata, call the other boys!"

"Yessir!"

And I go. Went to eat with the others while holding back the glares from Makise. I think she's asking for more explanation tonight. Dammit.

...

"Well, let me explain. It's noon now and we've only plowed half of it. Yes, our target is to completely plow this land, so we have to divide the work!"

Yes, it is time for revolution.

"Well, you know, Okata, plowing turns out to be a bit difficult!"

"It's not hard if you guys don't play around!"

"Sorry!"

"Okay, I'll take the motorbike and you two will dig the West and the East. Can you do with these hoes?"

"Of course, I once helped my grandmother plow the fields with a hoe... that was six years ago anyway!"

"I have experience too. Don't worry, I can be careful not to hit my hoe!"

"Wait, don't tell me something that can make me ticklish, Rai. Alright, then it's been decided. We will work now even if the heat of the sun strikes!"

"Wait, Okata, what should we do?"

Yuki, she's beside me, no, beside Makise who is slightly protruding behind me. She asked about what Yuki and Makise should do.

"Ummm, you two can do whatever you like. Maybe you guys can play in the watering the land that's about to be plowed. Some are getting dry again!"

"Okay!"

Ughh, I hope this girl does not get angry. Even though I've only known her recently, I know she's quite troublesome when it comes to feelings of jealousy. Well, I still love her though.

This time, we are working on a divisional basis task. During the day, we

all wore hats to avoid getting sunburnt. It's also approaching summer, so the weather can be said to be 'deadly' during the day.

I work with motorbikes and plows. Honestly, we were lucky because there were no zombies coming towards the source of this sound. Maybe Tanaka-sama really did kill the zombies around in one night. That's crazy even for a blessed person like him.

Rai and Kanji, they get a share of the West and East areas on the North side. I'm the one who plows on the south side as a whole and I have more parts because the ability to use this motorbike engine is more than their manual effort.

Makise and Yuki flow the water that somehow still appears from the faucet towards the land to be plowed. They use a hose and are near Rai and Kanji. The hoe way really needs water more than me. So they've done the right thing.

I also just realized after almost finished work. Taki-sensei is near the boarding house door. She carried a bow and seemed to be on guard in case any zombies came. That's what she used for zombies, right? Not me?

Well, all in all, our plowing job is done. It was 03:20 pm and we were resting. Yuki, however, was still excited and tried to harrow the ground manually. I just look at it and occasionally replace her sometimes. For some reason, she seemed happy doing it. To be honest, farming is a tough thing to do, especially for a typical city girl like Yuki.

"Huff, done!"

"Yeah!"

Yuki and I were left behind. There was Makise watching, but since she was invited by Taki-sensei to come inside, she left.

"This is fun!"

"Yeah, work is fun!"

Honestly it's not fun if you have to work because you are told to. However, currently, we are working on our own initiative.

"Working with other people is so much fun!"

This girl... I don't know why I have feelings for her. Is it possible that I like her? No, even if I like her, I already have Makise. Besides that Yuki-chan already has Tanaka-sama, so I don't have to think about anything weird.

"That's right. Tomorrow we will continue again!"

Yes, there is still unfinished work. This land has just reached the stage of refining, and even then it is still not entirely. We still have to continue again tomorrow and the next day. Tomorrow with Yuki, work as the agricultural division. Yes, she and I are co-workers. I shouldn't take it too far into thinking that I like it.

"We'll continue tomorrow! By the way, can you stand up, Okata-san?"

"Sure, do you need help?"

Yuki-chan, she's lying down and looks exhausted. She must be really tired.

"Yes, please!"

I pulled her. Slowly, she finally got up and tried to balance.

"Ahem!"

This voice, Makise.

"Makise, no, this is--"

"Yeah, I know. I'm just a little jealous about the fact that you two are touching. I'm not mad, I'm just jealous!"

My words were cut off and Makise explained. Yes, she is my girlfriend and it seems she is starting to understand how my relationship with Yuki-chan is.

"Hehe, sorry, Makise-chan, I just had a hard time getting up earlier!"

Yuki said. This girl drew closer to Makise while scratching the right side of her head.

"It's okay, I've been watching you guys for a while. You guys look just like normal co-workers. So it's fine!"

So, she's been looking at us. I thought she was with Taki-sensei. Damn, luckily I didn't mess with Yuki-chan.

"Humu, me and Okata-san are just working together. I won't take him away from you, Makise-chan!"

Yuki, this girl might just be too innocent. Luckily she was with Tanaka.

"Hmph, I knew that you wouldn't snatch him, Yuki-chan. It's just that, Okata, this man is something that I should look out for!"

Uh, me!

"Ehhh, why?"

"Where do you think I went to school, Okata. I know about you, woman-hunter Okata. Yes, one of my girl friends was your victim who you peeked at and proposed to!"

Wait! Why are there rumors like that about me? It's true that I've been rejected by tons of girls, but I've never even heard of a peeping rumor. Could it have happened when I accidentally saw the girl changing clothes in the back room!

"Ehh, wait, is there really such a rumor?"

Yes, even if I peeked, I was never caught. I'm just looking for a girlfriend back then.

"Obviously there is. You're the one who didn't care about your good name at school, back then!"

I'm not the culprit. Ugh, how should I explain it?

"Pffttt!"

Yuki burst out her laugh. I don't know what happened, but Makise and I stopped and watched the girl.

"You two really are a perfect match huh!"

What Yuki said felt a bit true. Yes, for some reason Makise and I feel compatible. Hopefully it's not just me who thinks so.

"Of course, this guy has to be with me because if he doesn't, he'll have more than one girlfriend. He's a woman-hunter after all!"

Damn, this girl... is kinda right. I remembered that my goal was to make a harem at school.

"Ughh, come on. Let's go back. It's getting late!"

I feel shy. For some reason, hearing Makise's words, my face heats up. My face must be red by now.

"H

umu!"

And we went inside. I locked the back door of the boarding house so that no zombies would enter if the barricades around were breached. Yes, this is a three meter high fortress that keeps us from the zombies. This is the safest area in the city. Kurokami's boarding house.

...

"Hey, which tractor do you think is better?"

Damn, this man. He's a bit of a hassle.

"I think they're both great. They're just different colors!"

The two of us were at the farm machine shop. This is a place a bit far from the base area. Pretty dangerous place.

"Well, I prefer blue, anyway!"

"That's up to you, ughh, nii-chan. We should head back soon since it's getting late!"

Yes, my watch says 04:50 PM. It was soon evening and it wouldn't be good for a human like me to be outside.

"Okay, harrows, plows and dividers disks. I don't know which one Okata meant, but I brought them all. Hey, you can really drive a four wheeler, right?"

Yes, yes, please just hurry up!

"I can. I drive the truck because I don't want the zombies pulling me out of the exposed tractor. That's fair enough, isn't it?"

"Yes, then... Let's get ready to go!"

Finally, this man, no, this uncle got on the tractor too. I have to be at the boarding house at night. I had to take a painkiller and a few things. Night is the time when my hand hurts. That's right, my hand is infected.