The sun was barely over the horizon and sky was still dark. Colourful clouds were covering the sky as it was stained red and yellow. Birds were chirping in the sky announcing the star of a new day. The rest of the world was still fast asleep and enjoying their own dreams; unaware of the world until they rose from their slumber.
Ryou groaned heavily as she woke from her peaceful slumber. The rest of the world wasn't awake yet so why did she have to be? Damn her boss for making her start so early. She crawled out of her warm cave of blankets; her white hair bushy and wild. Her head was buzzing and her body was telling her to go back to sleep.
"Time to get up" she muttered crossly. Yet another gruelling day of waiting tables and annoying customers; she could barely hide her excitement. The only thing that would make it better is if she got tips.
Ryou Bakura; aged 18 and a college grad student from Domino city. She lived alone in a small apartment working a shitty job as a waitress. Place wasn't anything fancy just a local diner in the city. Her co-workers were jerks and always bullying her. Calling her out for being quiet, plain and having a cute face. They also teased her for the fact she had a baby face and had large well proportioned breasts.
She had developed early in life so her body had been quite an issue in high school. She still had self consciousness about it now. It's not like she asked to have such sizeable breasts. Sometimes she wished they were a bit smaller; then they wouldn't make fun of her; that and customers would look at her face when she took their order.
On top of that they harassed her for being quiet and keeping to herself. She wasn't much of a people person and was overwhelmed by big crowds. Due to this they called her a loser and a loner. A few times she had found notes pinned to her locker making fun of her; she was used to it but it still annoyed her. She had always hated popular girls; they were so stuck up.
To add fuel to her misery; her boss was a fucking pervert. He did sometimes fool around with a few of the other waitresses; but he loved to harass Ryou. Many times had she run away from him because she could feel his eyes on her back. She didn't have to look to know he was checking out her chest or ass. It was bad enough he once copped a feel of her butt while she was on duty. Fucking pervert
Ryou climbed out of her warm cosy bed still radiating her body heat. If she didn't have rent and bills to pay she would quit. But the job had ok pay and she worked hard; so she could deal with it until she found a better one. However finding a part time job in the city that didn't involve waiting tables or cleaning floors was hard to find; and she had no intention of a janitor.
She padded towards the bathroom and switched on the light. The sudden brightness blinded her until she acclimatized to the light. After blinking for a while she switched on the shower and climbed in. She shivered at first until the water ran hot; a pleasant sigh echoing through the room as she enjoyed the sensation. Being in the shower was her happy place; it was the one area she could be alone and forget about everything.
It was quiet and soothing; the simple sound of water rushing over her and the quiet gurgling of the drain. God she loved her early morning routine; it brought so much relaxation to her life. Slowly she began massing shampoo into her wild white locks. Her hair was a mutant gene that she had inherited from her parents. Not many people had hair colour like hers so she was a rarity.
The shampoo smelled like apples; one of her favourite snacks as a child. Her mother would make pies or tarts made from fresh apples with spices. Her mouth watered a little at the memory. It made her think of happier better times; even if it was bittersweet.
A short time later
Ryou sighed heavily as she exited the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy pink towel. She was using another to dry her hair before work. She had left her uniform for work hung up as usual. It saved time and kept her organised; less for her boss to harass her about later on. And the more she stayed away from him the better.
A white short sleeved blouse with small poufy sleeves, a black pleated skirt, white knee length stockings and black Mary Janes. Her pink halter neck apron from work would be waiting for her when she arrived. She knew the boss was a pervert; he made all the girls wear this uniform simply for the fact he could wank over them. But the job was good pay and she needed the money right now.
Ryou eventually relented and finished drying herself off. She then pulled on a simple pair of white laced underwear and matching bra. They were cute and comfy so she would feel a little better about it at least. While she hated to admit it; when a male customer caught a glimpse of her underwear he would leave a bigger tip.
She then pulled on the uniform quietly sighing heavily as she did so. The clothing left little to the imagination and was demeaning. The amount of perverse stares she got and how many customers would cop a feel was disgusting. She knew stares were not something she could do anything about;but they could bloody well keep their hand to themselves.
When she was done changing she brushed out her hair and tied it back into a ponytail with a band. It kept it out of her face and only left her bangs either side of her head. She wasn't one to enjoy fancy hairstyles; she just liked to keep it tidy and out of her way.
Ryou did a quick one over when she was done; making sure her uniform was clean and she looked presentable. She then grabbed her brown khaki jacket and hurried out of the door with her keys and phone. As she walked outside she felt the cold sting of the morning air. It was still early spring so it was rather chilly in the mornings. The fact that her uniform was so short didn't make things easier; her legs were freezing.
She wrapped her coat around herself and made her way to work quickly. Someone would have already opened up but she had to help set up. The only person who would be kind to her were the delivery guys or Marik Ishtar.
Marik Ishtar was an Egyptian transfer student who attended Domino City College. He and Bakura got on ok; but due to his temper and unsociable nature he tended to spend time alone. However he was protective over Ryou; and would defend her when the other girls would get too much. However usually he tended to keep to himself about such matters.
She hoped he was there now; it would give her a bit more peace until her more unfriendly co workers arrived. While she was not vocal about it; she truly appreciated Marik's friendship. It would seem strange to other people but Marik was the only friend she had. They had known each other since high school and had gotten along ok.
However she had lost contact with Yugi after he went abroad to study in Egypt. It had already been 3 years and she missed him dearly. However she was no less grateful for his letters and emails.
"Good morning Bakura" a familiar voice said from behind her. She looked behind her to see Yugi's grandpa.
"Mr Mutou; good morning" Ryou said politely her tone cheerful. He was getting on in years and was still running the game shop; however he was still sore and tired sometimes.
He smiled kindly at her "You look well Ryou; I haven't seen you since graduation. Are you taking good care of yourself?" he asked kindly. He was aware Ryou tended to keep to herself and was very shy; but she was a kind natured girl and good hearted. However he worried that she let people take advantage of her or didn't stand up for herself much.
Ryou smiled "Yes sir I am; I have my own place now and everything" she explained proudly. It was nothing big or fancy; but it was cosy and well kept. It was her own little space that she called home.
Solomon smiled at her; he was glad Bakura was doing well. She had not exactly had an easy childhood; what with the death of her sister and mother. She had been friends with Yugi and the other but tended to spend time alone.
She was a good girl; always helping others and being helpful. However he worried that she didn't look after herself enough; and needed someone to spoil her. The fact that she worked so many hours concerned him too.
"Well dear I won't keep you. I don't want you to get into trouble with that pervert again" Mr Solomon said sternly. He had heard Bakura complain on her way home about how her boss made her wear this uniform or about her customers. He pitied the poor girl for having to deal with such things.
Ryou chuckled at his comment "It was nice to see you again; take care" she said kindly before hurrying away.
Solomon watched her go smiling sadly; if Yugi knew about how she was being treated at work he wouldn't stand for it. He was aware of how much his grandson cared for his friend and found it admirable. He couldn't help but hope that Ryou would find someone to look after her. He was grateful Marik did from time to time; but she needed someone more reliable.
He sighed heavily and continued walking down the hill. Ever since Yugi had left Ryou had lost her light; she had lost her courage and become more timid. She was still herself but her fire had gone.
She was now more obedient and suffered quietly; she never spoke up and simply showed her frustration behind closed doors. He hoped that one day she would find herself again; the girl she used to be.
"Help her Yugi; send Ryou some luck from where you are" he sighed wearily staring up at the early morning sky.