So I wrote this for fun to try and get back into writing, then after reading it a few times I decided to post this. This story is going to take the evil clown route with a twist. It also includes mention of self harm, abuse, and possibly suicide in later chapters. It will flow alongside the manga. Sorry for lack of dialog.
I had a feeling today wasn't going to be an ordinary day. It was nice and comfortably warm outside as I made my way to work in the 14th ward. People gave me strange looks as I walked down the street, but it wasn't something I wasn't used to. People always gave me weird looks… I wasn't exactly considered normal. My outfit defiantly wasn't helping anything. Seeing someone walk around, almost completely covered in head to toe in warm weather screamed unusual. Jeans and boots would be normal, but a long sleeved sweater in warm weather? If that didn't draw people's attention then the hat and medical face mask would.
The only visible part of my body was my eyes. I knew I was asking for trouble going out dressed like this every day, but what other choice did I have? I rather go out looking like a suspicious then having people take photos and call me a freak. Picking up the pace I tried to hurry along. I was only ten blocks away from my job.
"Excuse me." A large hand landed on my shoulder halting me. I let out a sigh as I turned and came face to face with a pair of police officers. Both of them had suspicious looks on their faces. The kind that said 'Just try to do something funny… I dare you,'. "Would you mind having a word with us?"
The tone in the officer's voice suggested that I had no choice in the matter. So far this has been a completely normal day for me.
I let out a silent prayer once I got to work. It took a good half hour to convince those officers that I wasn't a criminal. But having them interrogate me in the middle of the sidewalk didn't help matters. It was a good thing I made a habit of always leaving for work as early as possible. Life at home with my parents wasn't much better. But I could easily forget all of my other problems when I was working.
Per usual the front door was currently locked, so I made my way around to the back. I let myself in with my copy of the key. Locking the door behind me I smiled as I looked around the shop. Kenta's Creations was a typical art supply store despite the name. It was a pretty decent size and carried the most common of materials. Fabric, supplies, tools, anything you could think of. Whatever it didn't have, we wouldn't hesitate to order. It was owned by an average middle aged woman and her daughter Akemi who, as usual was not here. The only other employees were me and a friend of Akemi's, who I try not to interact with at all.
"Kukiko-san, is that you?" Mrs. Kenta came out from the supply room carrying a box. She was of average build and height, with bright red hair and striking green eyes. "You're here early as usual, but later then your usual time."
"Good morning Mrs. Kenta-san. There was a slight issue on my way here but everything is ok. We may not open for another hour or so but that doesn't mean there isn't anything to do. " She set the box down on the counter before speaking to me again.
"How are things at home dear?" I flinched at the mention of home, which she caught onto immediately. "You'd tell me if something was wrong right? I know you must have to deal with a lot…"
"Don't worry Mrs. Kenta-san, I'm fine. Things are getting better." I hated lying through my teeth to her, but I really didn't want her to pry me for the truth. It was better if she didn't know.
She gave me a look like she didn't believe me, but luckily she didn't press any further. Instead she went back into the supply room and came out with another box.
"Kukiko can you give me a hand with these once your settled? Akemi was supposed to be here but she said she had a few things to take care of."
I nodded and hurried off to the work room. It was where we made all the displays and other little trinkets around the store. It was also my own personal work room at the shop, which meant it was locked whenever I stepped out. Other then Mrs. Kenta's office and the supply room, there wasn't another space like this. It contained many of the items and materials we sold at the store. There were multiple shelves and storage boxes filled to the brim with supplies. It was once a break room at one point, so there were large counters along with a sink and microwave already installed. In one corner there was a small fridge that was put in later. In the center of the room was a large table and where I usually worked.
After unlocking the door and shutting it behind me I quickly began to remove my hat, mask, and sweater, and dumping them on the work table. The building was air conditioned luckily; having to cover up so often was tiring. However because of my condition I didn't have much choice. Underneath the sweater was a thinner, long sleeved shirt. It was thin enough that I wouldn't be sweltering in it, yet not so thin that the bandages on my arms would show through. I hated having to do this everyday.
Staring in the mirror I gathered my appearance. My bandages were securely covering my bruises and cuts, my shirt covered everything up nicely. The makeup on my face hid the black eye I was sporting. Which was a miracle in itself because of my unusual skin. But I made it work, because it was necessary. I already gathered enough unwanted attention with my face alone... no one needs to see the rest. The only skin that was showing was my face, neck and hands. Perfect.
After a quick once over, I left the sanctuary that was my workshop. There was still time before the shop opened and it was time to get some of the new stuff on the shelves. I smiled as I began putting up new signs for prices and specials. It was somewhat early to start celebrating Halloween but it was one of the busiest days of the year. I loved how it brought out the creative side to people, and showed their true colors. The one day a year where it didn't matter how you looked.
Mrs. Kenta and I worked together making idle chit chat as we prepared for the day. It wasn't much but it's never too early right? It was 10 am when we opened, right on schedule. As per usual, Akemi arrived late with her friend almost an hour after the store opened. They both ignored me and gossiped while I worked until Mrs, Kenta came in and snapped at them. Akemi and her friend, Ami, both got to work but continued to gossip.
Throughout the day customers slowly started to filter in. Some of them wanting to get an early start on the holidays. Others here for their own personal projects. I handled the customers along with Mrs. Kenta while the others pretended to work. She handled the register while I helped customers with fabric. As usual, many of them were uncomfortable around me because of how I looked. I continued to smile and act cheerful while making sure none of my bandages could show. Soon Mrs. Kenta had to leave to take care of some delivery trucks outback. Ami took over the fabric counter while I handled the register. Things were going smoothly the first few hours.
"Hey freak, where are those displays?" a voice called out. The customer I was currently helping at the counter paused in their movements to look between Akemi and I nervously. I let out a small sigh and continued to smile and act like nothing was wrong.
"Here is your change Miss. Have a wonderful day." She nodded at me and left in a hurry. I had customers to worry about, not Akemi's teasing. "Next in line please."
"Don't ignore me! Those displays need to be up pronto!" She snapped. The rest of the customers looked curiously at the two of us. I bit my lip holding back a hot retort and turned around to face her.
"Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me. Here you can handle the customers right?"I walked away without awaiting an answer. Her face started to turn a nice shade of red from her anger before she composed herself. If there was one thing I knew about her is that she didn't like working.
Akemi Kenta and I didn't get along, at all. She only pretended to be nice, especially when her mother was around. But the second she left the room she turns on me calling me a freak just like everyone else. The textbook definition of manipulative. She's the one who suggested I stay in the back away from the customers. It seemed mean at the time but I didn't mind. I actually preferred it most of the time.
I knew at the time she would do something to get back at me later, but I didn't care. Whatever she thought of couldn't be as bad as what my parents do to me. I could feel her glaring daggers at my retreating back but I ignored it. While she and Ami handled the customers I went back to my workspace. I was in the back doing enjoying my time alone for the most part. Each day was spent making little trinkets, mostly seasonal and holiday inspired decorations. Even the occasional outfit or costume was made and put in our display area. Each display had several pamphlets listing the materials used and how to make the item. It was tedious work having to keep up with them but I found it fun. When I wasn't working on a project, I spent my time managing inventory.
With Halloween nearly two months away it was that time to get started. Currently I had some decorations, easy food ideas, and three costumes ready to go. The food was currently in the small fridge i had inside my workspace. Some of the pamphlets were ready to go but I would need at least twenty copies of each just for today. Right now I was working on a total of six costumes. I usually stuck to some of the most common choices but tried to change it up a bit every year.
I spent the next few hours working on the costumes. At some point I took a short break to set out food trays filled with the Halloween inspired treats and recipes. Customers loved them, and as expected Ami and Akemi ate a majority of them alone, but I made plenty. Soon after I finished the final costume and set half on display with their pamphlets along with a few of the decorations.
Seeing the customers faces light up at them always made me happy. I loved it when people admired my work enough to do the same. Moments like those made it easy to pretend that i had a normal life.
Around 5pm things winded down which is when we prepared to close. Sunday was our shortest day. The other girls ducked out early, claiming they had homework to do which I knew was a lie. Mrs. Kenta and I worked in silence, occasionally snacking on the leftover treats from today. They were small cake balls decorated to look like both human and monster eyes.
"Kukiko?" I paused in what I was doing and turned. "I'm going to go over our inventory. Can you handle things for the next hour?"
"Sure thing." I replied.
She patted me on the shoulder and went to the back. I continued about my business fixing up shelves and putting things back where they belonged. I was so engrossed in my work I barely heard the door open and someone walk in. I didn't even notice them until I rounded a corner and saw them looking at one of the displays. Their back was to me but I could tell it was a man. He was observing one of the three costumes I made. One was a steampunk inspired dress, the second was a fairy costume for children. The third, that he was so focused on, was a black masquerade dress with a red corset and silver and red designs along the skirt. Each costume had their own accessories, including masks. Silently the man lifted the mask from the mannequin sporting the masqurade dress. He studied it a bit before walking away from it, the mask still in his hand.
"Excuse me sir, please don't remove things from the displays."
He paused and turned back at me.
My breath instantly caught in my throat. He wore a loose grey shirt with an odd design on it with a black jacket and harem pants. He had a undercut, part of it was tied up in a short ponytail. He had several piercings in both ears, including anchors next to his eye and one in his lip. He was also wearing a pair of sunglasses hiding his eyes from view. I immediately got an uneasy feeling. He didn't say a word to me, just continued to stare at me.
"S-sorry sir, but you have to put that back on the display."
He still said nothing, just continued to stare at me. He didn't scream danger, but something about him made me nervous nonetheless. The man started walking towards me until his face was barely a few inches from mine. My breath caught in my throat as he looked me over...
Welp that's it for now. What did you guys think? Not sure when I'll update again but the next chapter is already underway and will hopefully be up within the next few weeks. Review if you like