The store was calm that afternoon.
Nyx stocked drinks in the fridge.
Bella counted change at the register.
Vario guarded his cup noodles like a knight protecting treasure.
Goro the Oni carefully arranged snack bags on a shelf, trying to learn the mysterious art of retail.
For once, nothing had exploded.
Then the door chimed.
Everyone looked up.
A woman walked into the store with a young kid holding her hand.
The moment Vario saw the kid…
His soul nearly left his body.
"…No."
Goro turned slowly.
His legs immediately started shaking again.
"…Him."
It was the kid.
The Ball-Kicker.
The small warrior who had defeated multiple grown adults and one Oni at the birthday party.
The kid looked around the store.
Then he saw them.
His face lit up with joy.
"CLOWNS!"
Vario grabbed the counter for support. "He remembers…"
The kid pointed directly at him.
"That one cried!"
Bella sighed deeply. "Of course he did."
The kid's mom looked confused. "Oh! You guys were the clowns from the party!"
Nyx smiled politely. "Yep. That was us."
Meanwhile, behind the counter, Vario whispered urgently to Goro.
"Do not make eye contact."
Goro nodded.
"I understand."
Both of them slowly turned away like prey animals avoiding a predator.
The kid tugged on his mom's sleeve. "Mom! The horn clown is here too!"
Goro froze.
His back stiffened.
The kid broke free from his mom and ran forward.
Bella stepped in front of him instantly.
"No running."
The kid looked around Bella.
Then he saw Vario again.
His eyes sparkled with recognition.
"BALL CLOWN!"
Vario whispered, "That is the worst nickname I have ever heard."
The kid started walking toward him.
Vario slowly backed away.
Goro slowly backed away.
The kid kept walking.
Bella blocked him again.
"Nope."
The mom finally noticed the situation. "Oh my goodness, did he bother you guys at the party?"
Nyx smiled awkwardly. "A little."
The mom bent down to the kid. "Remember what I told you about kicking people?"
The kid crossed his arms. "But they were clowns."
Bella muttered, "That's not a legal defense."
The mom sighed and pulled him closer.
"No kicking people."
The kid pointed at Vario.
"But he falls funny."
Vario covered his face. "I hate everything."
Goro whispered beside him, "I understand your pain."
The mom grabbed some snacks and walked to the counter.
The kid stared at Vario the entire time.
Vario refused to look at him.
Finally they paid and started leaving.
The kid waved.
"Bye Ball Clown!"
The door shut.
Silence filled the store.
Vario slowly collapsed into a chair.
"…I survived."
Goro sat down beside him.
"…We survived."
Bella shook her head.
"One kid nearly destroyed two grown men."
Nyx laughed.
"Honestly, that kid might be stronger than the Oni army."
Vario stared at the door nervously.
"…If he comes back tomorrow, I'm calling in sick."