We walked as if the day were casual, half-mindedly paying attention to our surroundings, simply talking about things that probably wouldn't matter in the future. I can't complain, though. There wasn't really much of anything to say these days... Although, I was content with the fact that Jonouchi seemed to be having a decent life. In fact, everyone else's lives seemed to be normal. I wonder why mine turned out to be so different..? When I glanced over to Jou, he looked eager to speak. Or maybe he was waiting for my reply - I wasn't paying attention, so he could've said something, right? "So..." I said unsurely, looking up at him. His hands were in his pockets, blinking as he looked down to me. "So, I ran into Mai the other day..." His tone was casual, but I knew he was actually pretty excited. Everyone knew he liked her. Even Mai seemed to respond to him the same way. "Oh, yeah?" I said seeming surprised, yet casual too. Following along with his nonchalant act would be interesting, especially if he came to the point that he just couldn't hide his feelings. I looked at my feet, wondering if I would end up spilling everything in the long run... I frowned to myself. "What'sa matter?" Jou asked hesitantly. Straightening my face, I shook my head. "Oh, it's nothing. So, how is she?" I took the subject off of me. It was awkward, especially around this time... Thank goodness he shrugged it off. I don't know what my excuse would be. Thumbing his nose, the ranting began. "She's doin' good. I heard she got a place not too far from Domino." When he smiled, I couldn't help but find it was contagious. Jou was such a goofball. From the looks of things, I could tell his perverted thoughts were surfacing. "I'll uh... Stop by sometime and check it out." I quirked a brow, huffing a short laugh. "What... The place or her?" I shook my head to myself, watching him tint a light pink across his nose. They needed to get married already.
"Time ta' chow down!" He changed the subject obviously, food fully on the mind. But then again, wasn't it always like that? For the hell of it, I tried to draw an imaginary chart on Jou's forehead, labeling one side - 'Mai', and the other side - 'Food'. It kept me occupied once we went inside the restaurant and sat on the cushioned table seats. While Jou scanned the list Even though he always picked the same thing..., I folded my arms on the table and slouched lazily, looking around. There were several other people here, but not as I would have expected. Maybe they were still sleeping... What time was it? I turned to look at the clock on the wall. It was broken. "Hey, what time is it?" "I'll have uh... The triple cheeseburger with extra toppings, fries, and a large milkshake." I almost mumbled a 'What?', but it occurred to me that my voice was overheard. Hey, if his brain was programmed for Mai, and Food, where did I go? I'd have to remap everything later, it seemed. "So, what're you gettin'?" He asked, spinning the chair in my direction. "Well... I'm not really hungry. I'll just sit." My eyes flickered in front of me, fingers rotating on the counter in random order. "Eh... If you say so..." He sounded cautious, and I knew he sensed something wrong. Hopefully, he'd shrug it off, I thought.
When the food came, Jou chomped down on his meal like he always did, and I found myself dazing out the window. Nothing interesting was happening outside, except the few leaves that tumbled across the sidewalk from the wind. From the distance, I could see the dark of night tainting its way across the sky, and somehow it reminded me of myself. Or maybe I was the one tainting people? This triggered my thoughts to something important - Grandpa. It wasn't bothering me a while ago, and yet at the same time it did. My conscious nagged at the back of my head, causing slight irritation; like a toothache that refused to go away. Things I never really thought about before suddenly came to mind. Things like... What Grandpa was doing now, how he felt, what he liked to do...? Actually, I've never seen him actually go out with friends. Did he have any? I know he's told me about friends when he was an archeologist... But, maybe they already passed away, or something. Now all he does is keep a Game Shop, and take care of me... Keep a Game Shop... I frowned to myself bewildered. The shop wasn't open today. "The shop wasn't open today..?" I muttered, averting my eyes to the floor tilings. That seemed a bit odd. "Ah! That was good. I'm all full now." Jou exclaimed satisfied. "Huh?" I blinked, sitting straight and looking to him. For a moment I forgot where I was. "I said I'm full. We can go." He put the cash on the counter, and headed towards the door, holding it open for me. "Alright." I said, jumping down from my seat The ways of being so short... Now we were unbalanced. He felt full, while I on the other hand, felt empty. I admit I wasn't hungry, but there was a feeling at the pit of my stomach that made me feel like crap.
"Alright, I'll see you later, Yuug'!" I waved to him as he headed down the street towards his house. I walked quietly to the Game Shop - The lights were out. The store wasn't open all day..? I found myself running, and grabbed for the door. To my surprise, it was open. I imagined the worst. Stumbling inside, I left the lights out, tip-toeing my way to the back room. Cracking it open, I peeked in, stammering with my words. "G-Grand...pa..?" No response. My heart began pumping hard against my chest, and soon I couldn't control my breathing. What happened to Grandpa, and where did he go? Did someone kidnap him? That pit feeling in my stomach tore at my skin, until a shaky hand raised to flick on the light. Violet hues widened, my body taking a shock. "..Grandpa!" I ran into the room and dropped to my knees at his bed. To see my Grandpa so pale and lifeless made me become guilty. I lowered my head, moisture hanging for dear life on my lids. Digits tugged at the rug until I shut my eyes tight, the tears dropping, and leaving warm spots in the material. I stopped when I heard something. "Yuugi..." Shooting up, I realized I was on my feet, leaning over the bed. "Grandpa!?" He groaned, sweat trickling down his forehead. "I'll...I'll go call the ambulance!" It took extra effort to reach the phone, or even find it due to my now blurry vision. What would happen now? I dived for the phone, hanging on the wall just like it did. I eagerly pressed the buttons, growing anxious with each ring. When someone answered, I was hysterical. "I need an ambulance right away! My Grandpa is sick!" The receptionist on the line tried to keep me calm, but I only had the sudden urge to curse her out... I didn't though. I'd regret it later, I knew. After giving her the address, I hung up and went back to Grandpa's aid. There wasn't a moment I could sit still, fidgeting with my hands and looking down. Words of apology were clogging the back of my throat, immobilizing me from speaking. The sirens up ahead could be heard.