different beginning
“I think we need more flour…” I lifted a brow, looking up at the standing woman. “I can go to the store quickly.” Her brown curls swayed on her shoulders as she giggled. “I don’t even know if I need it.” My mouth gaped open. “Pancakes need flour, Beth!” She rolled her hazel eyes. “Okayyy, go ahead. The corner store opened an hour ago- make sure to get the yellow box.” I nodded, standing. Grabbing my wallet, I noticed the one next to it. It was used. I wouldn’t call it broken, no I’d call it well-loved. The edges were slightly worn, showing what was underneath as the case had little rips with sticky patches to cover them up. But it still worked. “Be back in fifteen or else the batter will spoil.” I hum at her words, making my way to the door. “Stay safe!” “Love you too!”
The sidewalk was slightly wet, covered in rain from Friday night. My shoes splashed in the shallow puddles; it was healing in a sense. I let the jacket on my back shrug down my arms as I turned the corner. It was a slightly thin material but somehow provided so much warmth. It was supposed to be a fun Saturday with my roommate off from work. It was supposed to just be me and her all night, watching movies until she passed out, making me watch everything by myself with her snoring in the background. Sadly, last week I forgot to make a list and Bethany had to shop without knowing what we both needed in bulk. So this was a given, something would be missing. Stopping in front of the tiny store, I take my phone out of my coat. “Ten more minutes.” Walking forward, the doors split open automatically and I heard a voice greet me.
“Hello, tell me if you need any help.” “Of course. Thank you.” Walking down the aisles, I browsed each shelf already knowing where everything was. Then I spot a rustic brown wallet, just like the one back home. Perfect, I thought, leaning down and picking up the folded item. Just as I stood, I heard the doors shut again, someone’s voice booming, “C’mon, we’ll be quick, Rin.” I paid no mind to the voice, getting the hint that I shouldn’t be here for longer than I needed. Walking down the last aisle, I found the medium-sized box of flour. Rubbing my thumb over the slightly dusted container, I smile. I’d have a good Saturday, finally. “Oh, sorry,” I hear a similar but deeper voice speak, knocking you to the floor. Out into the open, the flour and wallet fly slightly further than I predicted. My eyes widen, grateful that the flour and wallet aren’t ruined. Scooting over to them, I inspect further, remembering someone is behind me. “Oh… It’s okay, but thank you.”
Looking back, I notice one has bright blonde hair while the other has dark brown hair, both with similar features. They both seem around the same age as me. I stand, brushing my pajama pants off and bending to grab the two items. “I can pay if you-” “No, I’m good, but thank you again-” “What’s a matter?” Looking to my side, I notice a man with warm brown hair who’s a bit taller than the two behind me, ask this question. He also seemed around my age, and he looked familiar- so did the two before. “Oh, Suna we accidentally bumped into this girl.” “Yeah, we apologized-” “And offered to pay but she said no.” My brows slightly furrowed at their worried words, spewing them out like he was a dangerous man. “Are you okay?” His voice was soft, eyes swarming with something I couldn’t tell. I nod. “Yes. They did nothing wrong though, it was my fault. I should go.” I pivot, making my way to the counter. As I place my necessities onto the surface, the woman starts scanning them with a light smile. “Find everything you needed?” I nod, pulling the wallet out of my pocket. “Yes, I did, thank you.” “Good, your total will be-”
As I gave her the cash, I couldn’t help but feel eyes on me. I don’t know where they were coming from, but I felt them with intent. “Have a good day!” “Thank you,” I utter, rushing to get out of the shop. Breathing in the chilly air, I zip up my jacket more, fumbling with the bag. “Everything is there so-” “Hey!” I blink, looking behind me. “...Hello?” “Here, as an apology for my friends.” I let my eyes drag down his tall frame, noticing the chocolate bar in his hand. “Oh…” We didn’t always have chocolate in the apartment, substituting it for chips and gummies, but we could use it for pancakes. It was all about pancakes as I let my fingers graze his, my eyes drinking in his pale skin, warm hands, and clipped nails.
“Thank you…” My eyes find his again, and I notice they’re shaded differently, a soft yellowish green that radiates kindness. “I’m Suna Rintaro.” I nod. “It’s nice to meet you, Suna. My name is-” A ring sounds, and that’s when I realize, a five-minute walk home will have to be two. “Excuse me, Suna.“
I never told him my name, but I would soon.