It might have the word ‘antique’ as its name, but surely the antique shop looked quite modern, more like a furniture shop. The antique goods that were displayed didn’t have the creepy feeling, unlike what Kinnosuke has thought all these times.

Kinnosuke, accompanied by Inagaki, tried to find the owner of the shop, but no one was there. Even after Inagaki sang a song to attract the owner’s attention, no one answered.

“YOU!”

They jumped hearing the voice from their back. An old woman with white hair walked toward them. She wore all black. Kinnosuke bowed a bit and then introduced himself. He asked about the antique mirror that was bought by Mr. Matsuoka.

“I honestly don’t know what you are talking about, Young man. We sell many kinds of mirrors. If you don’t have the picture, I can’t help.”

“Ma’am, we need your help. The owner is Mr. Matsuoka Shingo, an old bald guy. You don’t remember? His look is so distinctive.”

“I don’t recall having a buyer like that.” She told Kinnosuke.

“Please, try harder to remember. Mr. Matsuoka asked for the mirror to be sent to our school, Ogasaki High School. Could you please check your receipt?” Kinnosuke was so desperate, he bowed down. He really needed the woman’s help.

“Why do you ask about that wooden carved-frame mirror?”

“AHA! Finally, you remember it!”

The woman huffed angrily after she blurted out information about that mirror that hasn’t been mentioned by either Kinnosuke or Inagaki—the fact that the mirror had the wooden carved frame.

Kinnosuke was pissed. The woman kept it a secret even though she knew that Kinnosuke needed her help so badly. She took out a big book from the cashier’s drawer. It was a polaroid photo album as an inventory of all antique goods. She showed a polaroid picture of Mr. Matsuoka’s antique mirror. When she wasn’t looking, Inagaki took a picture of that polaroid with his phone. Kinnosuke smiled proudly—he knew that Inagaki would do whatever it takes to help him.

“Is it the mirror?”

“Yes, Ma’am. This is the mirror.”

Only five minutes later she showed the polaroid picture before she put it back to the album, “So, what’s with that mirror?”

“Um, after I saw it, something weird happened to me. I started to see someone else’s reflection, not mine. What’s happening to me? Do you have any idea?”

A strange smile appeared on her face, she then answered, “So, you’ve been cursed?”

His body stiffened hearing the word ‘curse’. It was worse than being humiliated by Mr. Daisuke. His legs trembled, and he almost fell down. Inagaki held his arms.

“What curse?”

“That person will also see your reflection.” She explained, “You must find that person or....”

“Or what?” 

Instead of telling the truth, that woman gave a vague answer, “I don’t know. You have to find the answer by yourself. As far as I know, no one could find their reflection ‘till the end of his life.”

“The end? Is he dead?” Kinnosuke panicked.

“Probably. I can’t contact him anymore.”

Kinnosuke fell to the floor, still trembling. He didn’t know what to do anymore. If he had to die, at least he died after he got his reflection back. He didn’t even know why he was the one who got cursed. He did nothing wrong!

Inagaki begged, kneeling in front of the woman, “Please, please help my friend.” He also didn’t want his best friend to die young. He had already imagined Kinnosuke as his best man at his wedding. If Kinnosuke died, who would be his best man? Damn, why would Inagaki think about his wedding?

“No. I can’t help you.”

“Please, I can pay. How much money do you want?” Kinnosuke took out a credit card from his wallet. His father gave him, in case something urgent came up. This was something urgent, so he could use it anyway.

“Young man, don’t be so arrogant. I don’t need your money.”

“But I really need your help. Please, whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.”

“I need nothing.”

Inagaki was so mad that his best friend was being treated like rubbish. He helped Kinnosuke to stand up, “Kin-chan, let’s go.”

“No, no. Let go of me, Inagaki. Please.” He still begged her. He left his phone number on a piece of paper, “If you change your mind, please call me.”

The woman didn’t say anything.

“Come on, Kinnosuke, we’ve gotta go.” 

They left the antique shop with no results.