Chapter 3
Shock was an understatement.
Chishiya was not sheltered, although his family's status was way above middle class. But he never thought that it was possible for someone to work for long periods of time. Not just work, like food establishment kind of work.
In every fast food and cafes he went, you were there, working, either as a cashier or waiter. Every night he went to a 24/7 fast food chain, he sees you there, in your uniform, looking all cute and tidy. Yet in the morning, you never skipped or even arrive late to your first class, which you and Chishiya happened to share.
Then after class, when he goes to his favorite coffee shop after class, he'll see you tidying yourself up, and walk towards customers to assist them with their orders.
Even today, which was Saturday, he just saw you in a restaurant for lunch while he was with his father together with companions. Someone might even think that he's following you around. Or the other way around, depending on whose perspective.
This past month, you hustled with several part time jobs, lacking rest and sleep. You were high on caffeine, the only thing that keeps you from falling to the ground and sleep without care in the world.
You didn't know why you were doing this to yourself, but you aren't going to stop. The pain makes you alive. Ironically, your pain tolerance was very high and the only way you can have the throbbing pain in your body is if you stop having proper sleep. However, although you were on autopilot, you didn't fail to see the familiar cluster of blonde on top of Chishiya's head several times at work.
The food the places you are working in offers aren't something that ordinary people could avail. Well, except the fast food chain. You weren't being an elitist, nor trying to underestimate common citizens, you were one of them after all. But the food there are food of the golden spooned.
So when you see him at your work, ordering expensive food, the first thought that crossed your mind was “Huh, that man is rich.” (You just recently found out his name and who his family is, and you definitely didn't forget that he was the one you gave some of cookies to).
Right now, while you were taking his father's orders, you met his gaze, and as if programed, you gave him your best Customer Service Smile which displeased him.
It doesn't suit you.
They waited for their food to arrive, and Chishiya chatted his friend, not bothering to talk with the older adults he was with.
Ippei, who he was chatting was laughing at the other side of the screen, when Chishiya told him that he saw you again, working.
“Maybe it was fate? What if you were soulmates?” Chishiya deadpanned at Ippei's message.
The food arrived and the men dug in on their meal. The old men tried to talk with him, which he responded with short and curt answers. Seems that the old men can't read the room, and tried and tried to include him in their conversation.
He's now regretting actually coming here.
For people who claim that they have class, they ate loudly and messily. He wished he could plug his earbuds to his ears. After finishing his meal, his phone pinged and vibrated.
He opened the message and saw Kuina's message, asking him if he wants to hang out, which he replied with “yes, only if you call me.”
Kuina was confused, but still did. Chishiya excuses himself and went outside the restaurant. He started ranting about how terrible the lunch was, even the food was not even that good.
“Should I fetch you? Where are you anyway?”
“I'm fine, don't need to do that. I'll just bid farewell to the old hags, let's meet up at the park.”
“Kay, good luck dealing with your father.” and Kuina ended the call.
He entered the restaurant once again, bid goodbye to the old men, to his father, and thanked them for their time.
He started walking, when he heard someone call him.
Then he saw you, running, carrying something on your hand. You slowed down when you got close to him and panted.
“Are you going to meet up with Hikari? Can you kindly give this to her? Also tell her that I said thank you, and hi.” still panting.
First name basis?
He nodded and took the bag you were holding.
“Thank you, and uh, I'm sorry for the bother.”
“It's no problem.”
The you did something that he didn't expect that you'll do, at all.
You flashed him a bright smile. He can't see your eyes, as your cheeks rose up and showed your toothy grin. You bowed, then came inside to your workplace.
He was stunned there, absentmindedly continued to treading the pavement that leads him to the park. He saw Kuina on a bench and approached her. Kuina got startled when he soundlessly appeared in front of her, holding a bag.
“[Surname] told me to give this to you,” Kuina took the bag and looked inside. It was the make up kit she let you borrow, along with a box of something she didn't know. “Also told me that they said thanks and hi.”
Kuina checked the box, and she saw the brand of lipstick on its center. She was overjoyed, and she teared up a bit when she saw your note, thanking her, and telling her that the lipstick was a gift.
Not wanting to open it soon, she stood up from the bench. “Let's go to the newly opened food stall just some meters from here.” she giddily exclaimed as she led Chishiya to where she wanted to go. Chishiya smirked, his irritation from the lunch, gone.