Riku walked down the street to the plaza, whistling to himself as he thought about the lyrics he still had yet to write down. It was colder now that it was later in the day, and the fog from the ocean seemed to have covered the other island entirely. He wondered how Axel and Namine were, hoping they stayed on this island and stayed safe. He sighed, not knowing why suddenly He was the father figure of the group. Sora should be the one that worried, instead of playing on the beach all day. Riku didn't mind working at the library, knowing there was no way the others could support themselves without him. He kicked a rock as he walked, trying to go back to the calm level headed kid everybody else knew. He rounded the corner into the plaza, walking past the liquor store, strolling in front of the bakery, and hurrying past the gym. At the very end was the bookstore, small and almost hidden the the corner. He pushed open the door, ringing the small bell on the top. He went over to the desk where a small man was hunched over, tying his shoe behind it. "Hey Boss."
"Riku! Good to see you! Do me a favor and run this to Ms. Lemon, the bakery lady, while I print out your schedule." The old man went into the back, leaving the book on the counter.
"The Cold Side of the Pillow"
Riku laughed, knowing the book to be a popular mushy romance. He walked back to the bakery, waving at the kids on their way to park. As he entered the bakery the familiar smell of peaches overwhelmed him. He gritted his teeth, realizing he hated this smell. He smiled though, putting the book down on the counter. "Ms. Lemon, Its Riku from the library. I'm leaving your book here!" Ms. Lemon came out from the back, smiling as she thanked the young man. She gave him a small basket in return, full of sweets for the boss.
"and here is an extra for you!" she laughed, handing him one of the little chocolate kisses she gave to everyone. He bid her farewell and walked outside. As he left the peachy bright pink little shop he almost got knocked out from a blitzball. He dodged immediately, his razor sharp instincts kicking in.
"I told you he was fast!" Wakka said, telling someone Riku didn't recognize. Wakka was always trying to recruit Riku, testing him whenever he could. It was quite annoying, but secretly he loved being tested every once in awhile. It felt good to pretend he was a badass sometimes. Riku laughed and shrugged, waving at Wakka and the stranger, and continued on his way. The stranger just stared back, looking at Riku intently.
When he entered the bookstore, Boss gave Riku his schedule for the week, and took the basket with a nod. Riku thanked him and left, anxious to get back home. It looked like a storm was coming, and Riku was in a hurry to curl up and write. He finally had a song coming.