[Chapter 13] A new job
As a trained assassin, one must learn about many things to get by in the profession. Being sneaky, precise, quick, and confident were the basics to survive and achieve the final goal. And to do that, she had to endure insanely difficult training, outrageous tasks, and uncountable traumas, but nothing prepared her for this.
We don't have apple juice; it has to be orange or nothing.
The sight from the counter was something else. One could think that serving the tables would make her change her brash personality at least to some extent, but they were wrong. The teenage girl behaved the same way as always and without a care in the world. The look on their faces spoke without the necessity of words.
I can't believe she's actually doing it. I was hoping, you know as common sense, that she'll be a little more expressive or sympathetic with the customers. I mean, any waitress out there has that fake smile for the job.
Yep, me too, but at the same time, I saw this coming.
Dewa and Izumo were commenting on the current situation from the counter. They kept quiet once the new employee walked towards them with the order of the table.
They want two large glasses of orange juice. She told the bartender, almost complaining with her voice. Seriously, getting all the way here for fricking orange juice...
They watched her go with troubled expressions as she didn't bother to hide her indignation insulting them under her breath.
Yeah… are you sure you want her to work here? I mean, with that attitude your clients will start complaining any minute now.
Since that (un)fortunate day, it´s been a whole week that Eri started working in the bar. And as expected, she didn´t adjust her character. Her face was stiff and she didn´t smile or change her tone of voice, but at least she was polite with the clients and didn´t call them "assholes" like with them.
Oh, don´t worry about that. Since I employed her, male customers have started coming more often. I´m happy with the outcome, in fact I´d be delighted if I could have her after she finishes paying me.
Dewa watched with skepticism the economic whishes the owner had. It was painfully obvious she despises the idea of being there with all her soul. He was realist and could see that. But overall, it was kind of funny to see; it reminded him of his own experience when he first met the clan and how reluctant he was back then. Who knows, maybe this girl would go through the same things
After another busy workday later school, Eri watched the clock on top of the wall expecting the time to move faster so she could go home. It wasn´t over yet, but at least there weren´t any more civil customers, only the regular idiots of the red clan; that meant she could drop the polite act and be herself again.
She sat on the counter and her rest her upper body on an unfeminine way.
Arisawa-chan, take my order please. Seating two stools away from her, Chitose playfully waved at her.
Do it yourself.
Eri-chan, be polite with the customers. Kusanagi lightly scold her, overall enjoying her grimace.
I´m only polite with people who can pay.
Man, you sound like any multinational. Dewa reacted to her heartless words.
By the way, why are you the only one who can call her by her first name, Kusanagi-san? The Casanova pointed that out under suspicion.
It´s called privilege. He kindly boasted.
It´s called employment. She skeptically corrected.
Not only the man knew about the type of person she was, but he also was her boss now, so when he started calling her that, she couldn´t say anything, despite her personal disagreement about this sudden, close companionship.
The unhappy Eri couldn't have started working in a more chaotic time than this. Midterms were just around the corner and this stupid job took valuable study hours from her. But at least the worst part was over. That nightmarish week where she had to work every day to decide her schedule was hell. It gave her a headache just thinking about it.
A week ago…
Monday
Can you explain me once again, um… you know, HOW?
He made me spill my drink. Even the collected Eri who always looked composed despite her apathetic nature, appeared to be throwing a tantrum and didn´t bother looking at the confused Shohei after answering. She was too fixed in ignoring the commotion she created. But that didn´t stop her from offering her most sincere view of yesterday´s events.
So, the part about throwing you to the ground didn´t bother you? Totsuka found himself genuinely curious about that detail, especially since that hit was really rough and she had to heal them both.
He did that once before. She commented with no context at all rising all sort of suspicious and mocking smiles towards the boy. But I was looking forward to taste that drink you boast to me about, she looked at Totsuka.and he ruined it. Her glance fixed on the culprit.
On the other hand, the skater, accused of all this incident, couldn´t believe how she deliberately ignored her ridiculous reaction. But then again, only a crazy girl like her could break a window over a spilled drink. And the same conclusion was reached by the rest, who had various looks that reveal they couldn't believe this either.
Inside the bar, the whole group gathered around to talk about the latest news revolving the antipathetic girl and the vandalism she caused, which she affirmed was "justifiable" and "a normal reaction". Even their leader himself was present, and next to him the youngest and only female member. It was a huge event that assemble all the members who didn´t seem very bothered by the damage to their base and looked at it under a humorous tone. But that wasn´t the reason behind this meeting.
Okay everyone, thanks for coming. With a clap of his hands, the owner greeted his clanmates with an especially chipper smile.Today we´ll be holding a rehearsal for my new waitress. He proudly presented the schoolgirl who was wishing she could be dead. As you can see by her apron, this will be her training period before she starts for real. And so, I´ll need your cooperation during this week to act like real customers and let her practice all she needs to do.
Now that they were there, nobody refused the request. Everyone accepted to help, even the reluctant short guy acceded; partially because in some way it was also his fault the window got broken, if you skip the vicious reaction of the real culprit.
All around the bar, the members of the red clan positioned themselves. Some took the couches, other the stools and other the tables. One could even affirm they looked like normal civilians and not gang members.
The task the teen had was rather simple, she just needed to take their order and serve them. Basic waitress duties. Just simple and intuitive work anyone could do without any kind of special thinking. But for HER it was going to be troublesome.
I don´t know if we serve that. Never saw the menu before.
I don´t care if it´s cold or not. It´s what you ordered.
How about you go screw yourself?
Thank god, this was only a rehearsal. The owner was currently behind his hand slapping his face. This girl was going to be a handful. She was the worst thing it could happen to his business and yet… she was good. She remembered everything. Every single detail of their eccentric orders was recited by her perfectly. Her balance when she walked with the tray in hand was also satisfying and she didn´t waste time, always attentive to the rest of the clients. The only problem was that sharp tongue.
It´s so cool to be served by a cutie with schoolgirl uniform and an apron no less. Kusanagi-san you´ll be swimming in money. Chitose gave his blessing to the owner with a thumbs up. Some encouragement he needed right now.
Gross. Arisawa passed by clearly unenthusiastic. But now that he mentions it, was that your plan all along?
Eri-chan. I´m offended. The owner put a hand on his chest and a perplexed look. Do you really take US for that kind of persons?
She didn´t mention us. Dewa told the man dragging them.
Coming from a gang who likes to spend time with a little girl and a teenager, of course I´ll think you´re a bunch of perverts.
Yata was getting tired of those unceasing accusations. Again with that, we are not perverts!
Shut it, kid. Remember YOU were the one who was hoping to get lucky with me at the alley, and the worst part of all, for free.
His face flushed deep red at her impassive vulgarity. H-Hey! I told you already. It was a misunderstanding!
Now, now, there´s no need to lose your composure, Yata.
The interruption came in handy, and the joyful Totsuka was the one who saved the young boy embarrassment. But when they turned around to see what got him in such high spirits, the young girl was the one who showed concern about the lens directed at her.
What´s that? She quickly expressed her comfortless.
My hobby. The young man behind the lens cheerfully boasted. An old camera was pointed at the new "provisional member" to capture this special memory, or at least that was his intention.
In reality, he couldn´t have pick a worse time to say that while pointing his camera at the disgusted girl. Hopefully Eri would be tactful when rejecting him.
PUT THAT THING AWAY, OR I´LL SHOVE IT RIGHT UP YOUR-
The lens was covered thanks to Kamamoto´s quick reaction. It was a close call; the gullible idiot almost got himself killed by the demonical red eyes girl. But his best efforts didn´t pay off when she walked towards them asking to see the footage he´s recorded of her.
This wasn´t going to be end well.
The owner observed how a simple practice provoked an imminent chaos and a real-life proof of the young girl´s lack of customer service, but even though, that wasn´t what was consuming his thoughts.
She´ll need a uniform too
Tuesday
By the way Arisawa-san, how come you´re so strong? Bando asked.
I train every day. Also, don´t bother me when I´m in my break. She briefly replied without taking her eyes out of her book while she ate a snack.
Oooh. The young man easily got impress by her simple answer; him being the only one who didn´t hear that one before.
That doesn´t explain where the gorilla strength comes from. The short guy who disliked her said under his breath.
Unfortunately for him, she heard him and set her bloody colored eyes on him. When he noticed those especially icy orbs on him a chill ran down his spine like whenever he meets them. That look was terrifying, did all schoolgirls nowadays have that glare?
She resumed her studies, deciding to ignore why they had to be on the back of the store with her.
Yata was cleaning his skateboard a little far from the table, since he didn't enjoy being in the girl's company, and he could dispense from the that and rest his skateboard on his lap. While Bando, decided to seat at the table like any normal human and chat with the girl who didn´t want to chat. Yata could see where this was going, and if he kept pushing, it would end with his eye blue.
You know, Arisawa-chan, I´ll like to see for myself how strong you are.
'Are you asking for it!?' The skater couldn´t believe the suicidal behavior of his clanmate and looked at him horrified.
Do you want to arm wrestle? The sunglasses-wearing guy proposed.
Not interested. She showed her exact words with her eyes fixed on her book.
Save it, Bando. It´s better if you don´t get involved with her. Yata said loud enough to erase that idea of his head while he still got time.
But his wise words held no meaning to him, since the young man rose from his seat and moved next to his late bloomer clanmate to talk secretively about how he wasn´t helping. Don´t get in the way, Yata. I´m trying to make a move on her.
Yata, of course, was disgusted with the sole idea of anyone coming onto her knowing how putrid she was on the inside. His friend was an idiot through and through, or extremely blinded by his horniness, one or the other.
Whatever you say. He told him, untangling his arm around his neck.
Hey what´s with that face? You don´t think I can pull it off?
You know that she doesn´t stand us and how bad tempered she is. Worst case scenario, you´ll have to buy another pair of sunglasses. He reminded him his last interaction.
C´mon, that was different. I deserved it. Now I´m ready to start again with the right foot.
And you chose to use arm wrestling? He questioned his pathetic choice to flirt, truly confused.
I don´t want to hear that from you. You can´t even look a girl in the eye. He mocked him putting a coy smile on his face.
He hit the nail on the head and as expected, made him bashfully talk back at him.
Why do you even want to date her in the first place?!
Cause she´s pretty, of course. And I know deep inside she´s the same angel who saved me.
You don´t even know her!
I can take care of that after we start dating.
Are you serious? She broke your face.
Small details.
Yes, he was definitely blinded by his horniness.
The two red clan members kept quarreling in silence. But those constant whispers made her frown every time her patience touched its limit, until finally she reached it. The book on her hands closed quickly and she got up from her seat with her hands hitting the table hard, interrupting, and ending their heated discussion. If I match you, will you shut up?
Both opponents moved closer, face to face, with their elbows on the table. It was going to be one match alone, but the atmosphere felt a little heavier since it was something quite amusing to do. Bando felt excited that she acceded to do this and even Yata felt intrigued to see the competition and put all his attention on it. Eri was the only one who looked bored, but that was to expect coming from her.
Their hands held to kick off the game. Bando noticed right away her grip being pretty strong which showed how committed she actually was to this, and he wasn´t going to let her down. But his mind was focused on something else. Her hand. It was so tiny and slender, but surprisingly rough although not dry. Quite a weird mix. It wasn´t what he was expecting to feel from a young girl, but he didn´t give it much thought in his head.
This was a cunning way to touch somebody with their consent and although he was planning to impress her with a great show of his skills, the primal reason for this was to close the huge gap between them.
Now the moment of truth had come. When it comes to this game, he was oddly good, since it didn´t require sharp reflexes or constant motion of the body; only a few muscles got involved and the trick was using them correctly. He was confident he could show off his ace in this match.
Done. Now stop talking.
After his defeat, Bando was baffled at that display of speed, and strength. He kept staring at his hand while she returned to her studies as if nothing has happened. Then a pat on his shoulder made him turned around to find Yata wearing a compassionate expression.
Told you, she´s a demon.
HOW? How´s she so damn strong? The young man exclaimed dumbfounded.
Well, maybe you aren´t as good as you thought. The shortest proclaimed, sounding a bit rich coming from someone who had lost to him in the past more than a few times.
Are you saying you´re better than me? Bando quickly noticed his taunting tone.
Apparently, his pride was hurt by the result of the match and not her cold shoulder. Yata felt he should be feeling some sympathy for him, but he did not. Instead he added fuel to the fire. Well, I´m the vanguard of the clan, so… He boasted cockily.
Then how about giving it a go? The guy running out of patience proposed.
Skip it. We both know he doesn´t stand a chance. Unexpectedly, it was the teenage girl who replied.
And it didn´t took him long to the hyper reactive guy to see the implications of the teen on the other side of the table. Are you saying HE is stronger than me?!
Yes.
'She didn´t even take a second to think, she just said it!' His teeth clenched in anger, knowing exactly where this was going and willingly accepting it.
We´ll see about that, woman!
Bring it on, kid. Her book closed on her hand a second time.
She got positioned and he did the same, only taking a little extra to evaluate what he was engaging in. Now that his head cooled down, he realized what he was about to do. A big gulp was heard before he finally steeled himself to grab her hand. The thought of touching a girl so deliberately like this flushed his face. And he did everything he could to not look affected.
Why is your face red? She rose an eyebrow.
But failed miserably.
He´s just having a mental breakdown for touching a girl. Bando kindly ridiculed him, causing a frustrated glare towards him.
Well, concentrate or I´ll beat you even faster.
Her cool chide made him snapped at her even frustrater. Why are you so sure you´ll win?!
Defeated. He couldn´t even grasp about what just happened. Just in the blink of an eye the back of his hand touched the table. The teenage boy stared at it perplexed.
Eri resumed her studies once more in the same fashion ignoring them, but it wasn´t going to that easy.
One more time, Bando distracted me! Using a lame excuse that she saw right through, he desperately asked for a rematch.
Her face only showed regret for access to do this with him in the first place.
I-I wasn´t concentrated!
My elbow wasn´t right!
I didn´t hold your hand correctly!
Sure, let´s go with that. Having lost her interest already, the teen returned to her homework and ignored the boy.
Wednesday
Another day, another way the red clan´s members showed her a new reason for hating them.
On this occasion, they had a quarrel with a client, or at least that´s what he was when she served him. But after paying, he engaged himself with the local idiots and they started having a serious argument that quickly turned physical. Evidently, she didn´t do anything and stared from the counter with an exasperated look.
But at least she got to see something unexpected she´s never seen before. A bright red aura poured from their bodies and it looked like flames. Just like in the little girl´s memories she saw. Even she could feel the hot.
'So those rumors were true.' She thought impressed under her emotionless face.
In the end, the noisiest and shortest of them threw him out of the door to the street.
And don´t you even dare coming back!
When he got inside, he was received by the sighing of the teenage girl.
That´ll be bad publicity for the bar, and if you delay my repayment by scaring customers away, there will be dire consequences. Her eyes turned darker at him.
Her casual threat went by unnoticed by the guys. Probably they were getting used to them now.
You don´t seem very surprised by his red aura, Arisawa-chan. Isn´t it the first time you´ve seen it? Shohei wondered curiously by her lack of reaction.
I´m someone who can heal wounds like magic; nothing surprises me anymore. Besides, I´ve seen something similar when I visited the blue clan´s base.
The blue clan… Totsuka repeated pensive.Now that I think about it, you never told us how it went that day. What did they make you do?
Having an unwanted tour inside their base. And then they kidnapped me to participate in one of their missions chasing a magical horse. But now they have my number and will most likely bang on my door for another stupid meeting with them, but I have myself to blame for that one. She remembered her silly prank to the glasses jackass.
So they´re still in contact with you, huh?
Sadly.
But you said you don´t want anything to do with them, correctly? Then…
She knew where this was going, so she turned off her brain for a second.
If you join, they will stop pestering you.
She couldn´t believe he didn´t consider himself a pester. What audacity.
It´s the perfect solution. He gleefully proclaimed.
For you. She highlighted that fact.
But Arisawa-san, now you work here, so why not? You proved how much you despise the blue clan, so this solution comes handy.
I also despise you.
And of course, your presence would be very much welcomed. The light brown-haired man paid no mind to her negative remarks.This place has an immense lack of femininity, oh! except for our princess, of course. He bowed down and held the little girl's hand. And only the feminine touch of a woman could fill it. Each second, he got more dramatic and worked up.
So Arisawa-san, what do you sa-?
Not in a million years.
He stared at his hands on the counter detached. It looked like her constant coldness finally worked.
Boowoo… you could have been the second female member of the crew. You broke my dreams, Arisawa-san. He lamented in the corner, trying to appeal at her pity, but having no result.
I have no reason to join either Scepter 4 or HOMRA. She finished him while cleaning the tables.
Don´t get discouraged Totsuka. You can still enjoy her company for another three months. The blond polishing wine glasses encouraged him.
Are you trying to cheer him up or discourage me? The girl sent a confusing glare at him.
The first one, of course. He cheerfully replied at the pessimistic one. Here in HOMRA we don´t let our comrades get depressed… without a drink in their hand.
With that said, he placed a small glass of juice for the unhappy idiot who now turned his frown upside down. She though he was talking about alcohol.
The girl rolled her eyes at the sight of so much stupidity but decided to ignore them and concentrate on putting the dirty glasses on the tray. 'Scepter 4, HOMRA, who would want to be part of an organization named like that, anyway? Mine was the most awful group it could ever exist, but even WE had a decent name.' It was then that something popped on her mind.
By the way, how did you decide the name of your clan? She asked to bartender on the other side of the room.
After the bar. He simply replied.
No, seriously.
After the bar.
… you called this infamous clan after your business… She deadpanned. She had to say it aloud to hear how dumb it really sounded.
What´s so weird about that, Eri-chan?
I thought it was a joke.
At first it was. He laughed, for her grievance. You see, I got this bar from my uncle when I was still in high school and after I became the owner, Mikoto, Totsuka and I started hanging out here. We were the first members of the clan and after very little thought, we decided to call ourselves after the bar´s name.
The short anecdote brought nostalgia to the two veterans at the counter.
I thought you were smart, Kusanagi-san. She cut out the cheesy atmosphere with her sharp tongue. Seems I was wrong.
I don´t follow. He teasingly faked ignorance.
She had to stop working to face him for good. No wonder you barely have any customers. Any normal person would avoid going inside the place which´s called like the freaky gang with the fire powers. Now her deep disappointment sounded visible.
Not for nothing you can keep the business afloat with just one employee; you barely have clients. And that´s why these assholes can get together here whenever they like.
Everything was coming together.
How do you make profit with so little? Do you sell drugs? Is this a facade for your real business?
Alright, alright, stop with the conspiracy theories. The bartender hurried to stop her paranoid babbling.
Thursday
Eri.
Munchkin, what did I tell you about calling me by my name? You´re going to make the others believe we´re friends, and I´m NOT your friend.
Eri, I want a piece of chocolate cake.
As always, she was ignored. Does her deathful glare not work anymore?
It stings, but she couldn´t refuse the child´s wishes… because her boss told her not to. Anna was the only person from the clan she couldn´t diss, by contract. It was the weirdest policy she´s ever agreed to, but she didn´t have any other. So, she did as she was told and served her.
Aww, you have a soft spot for Anna. Totsuka sweetly commented, seated next to the kid.
It´s in the contact. Her strange reply left him confused while she went to prepared other tables.
It was still early before the rush hour so there were no clients yet. But some pesky members of the red clan were there to make her company as usual.
We're back. The bell on top of the door rang at the arrival of the "unlikely duo": Kamamoto and Yata, as Eri called them.
Oh, it´s her again. The moment the skater exchanged glances with the girl in the apron his excitement disappeared. For a moment, he forgot he´ll be seeing her during all week. But he thought he could enjoy a little more without her presence. It´s so late already? He looked at the clock. How come you´re so earlier?
I had to run here to get on time. She expressed her bottled up feelings of hatred towards her boss and his strict schedules.
You´re so diligent, Arisawa-chan. Kamamoto who also walked to the door gave a compliment to the hard worker.
Thank you for noticing. She didn´t waste effort faking modesty and accepted the compliment.
The young boy of chestnut hair rose an eyebrow from afar. Everything appeared to be harmonious between the teenager and the guys. It was strange change of atmosphere from the earlier days that week where they almost ripped each other's limbs. And the sight of his clanmates getting along with the ruthless woman provoked a light feeling of insecurity.
It was evident she did not want this any more than him, however it was also visible how quick everyone warmed up to her, despite her icy nature. And that was the reason of his bad feeling. From the beginning he was opposed to this idea because it forced her to interact with them closely, and the thought of an alien girl inside his sanctuary felt uncomfortable.
Unlike the rest, the aloof girl was a serious threat. What it used to be a place he called home, now was the space where that chick worked. And, although it killed him to admit it, Bando was right about not being able to look a girl in the eye when he speaks. Of course, this gorilla was some sort of exception.
So, what do your parents think of you hanging out with a clan? He tested the waters in order to calm himself down and hopefully get rid of that pesky feeling.
Eri stumbled with this subject. It came out of nowhere. But she was rational and quick to find an easy, vague reply to clear any potential informative answer. I live alone. They weren't aware of her real identity and past like the blue clan was, and she wanted to keep it that way since having too many people knowing increases the chances of her old group finding her.
His couldn´t hide his surprise. Her serious conviction when she said that caught him off guard, so he avoided her, fearing having brought a touchy subject to the table.
Insensitive as always, lousy chihuahua.
Hey!
Siting on the couch, the foreigner of the clan nonchalantly exposed his guilty conscious. Even though the girl in question looked unbothered.
On the other hand, the dramatic story of the new waitress he created on his head, softened the heart of Totsuka who took pity on her. And his eyes watered as he put a hand on his mouth to stop the incoming sobbing. Ooooh, Arisawa-san, you know you can always call this place your hom-
Cut that cheesy crap. By the time Tatara reached his argument, the waitress was far away serving the order she had, with the little kid following her like a baby duck.
Munchkin, did I do or say something to make you so attached to me? Cause I definitely remember NOT doing so. The venomous girl remarked, having no reaction out of the small child at all.
Here. She placed the drink on the table. You sure drink a lot of coffee, Fujishima.
How about you? Did you decide yet? Her head moved to the foreign boy sitting next to him.
Hey! What´s that? Why do you act nicely to those two? Tatara stepped up and questioned her violently pouting.
Fujishima actually pays for his drinks. And badmouthing with Eric about the chihuahua is my only delight in this job.
An overwhelming dark aura was surrounding the skater the moment she shared that so carelessly, though it looked like it didn´t affect any of the involved
Friday
Another of her tasks was sweeping the floor. She did this when there were no customers and after her shift. This was another thing she personally found quite odd: being paid for sweeping and cleaning the tables when she used to "swept the floors" with others and "clean" other things. She could never have guessed this would be her very next job.
Broom on hand, Eri finally finished. To be honest, she disliked doing this because she spent more time inside the bar and wasn´t able to leave earlier. The faster she gets out the better. Now thanks to this job she couldn´t study as much as she wanted, and all her routine fell apart.
But the other thing that was delaying her this day was the clock. It wasn´t 19:00, so she couldn´t leave yet. This caused her great boredom and a scowl while her chin rested on the broom she was holding.
There was nothing else to do, and on top of that, her boss was out at the moment. And she couldn´t think about fleeing. No. Kusanagi Izumo made sure to leave someone to keep an eye on her while he was gone. And he purposely picked the worst candidate.
Her eyes spied him from the opposite side of the room. The redhead man was casually resting on the couch, with his hands behind his head, looking at the ceiling with eyes closed. Overall, unbothered by her presence and the weird look she was giving him.
That mischievous bastard knew what he was doing when he chose the King to stay. He knew she was bad at handling him. Or perhaps he just left knowing the drowsy leader would stay there no matter what.
The former assassin was experienced in dead silences. Many times, she didn´t speak a word during a mission; not liking any of her co-workers being the most common reason why. However, this scenario was different. All this time and even after messing with his subordinates, she´s never have any solid interaction with the red king. He didn´t even acknowledge her presence inside the clan he was the leader of. It was a little awkward to attend this place during all week but never exchange word before. And it was pathetic to feel that way about it.
Therefore, the teen took a deep sigh before doing something that shouldn´t be that exhausting.
I guess they´ve never introduced us to each other. I´m-, I go by Arisawa Eri.
The firm, yet casual voice of the new worker caught his attention. The amber eyes of the tired man on the couch followed the sound source. And his expectations weren´t disappointed. She was standing on the other corner of the bar and using the same facial expression she does every day. There was no change on her, which meant there was nothing significant to say on his part.
mm.
He only nodded and gave a small groan. That was all his reply, as he returned to his comfortable position. The teen was fairly offended, but she kept her composure. She was expecting some sort of reaction or the normal thing any person would do.
I believe it´s good manners to say your own name during an introduction. She passive-aggressively pushed him.
Too lazy.
Eri´s face turned possessed the moment he said that. How much of a lazy-ass this man could be? She couldn´t even picture him fighting for his life let alone using his red aura like the rest.
Suoh Mikoto.
Her expression turned normal when she heard his reply. And as it was expected, his eyes kept closed and his demeanor calm as ever, but that wasn´t important to her. Now they were officially acquaintance, which didn´t amuse her, but at least they wouldn´t ignore each other like the other one didn´t exist anymore. Then, Souh-san.
Mikoto is just fine.
I´m afraid I don´t want to call you that. It´s too risky for a regular student to be seen so friendly with the leader of a gang. She explained, avoiding giving herself away. In all truth, it was risky. She had to avoid letting anyone know she had any contact with the red clan, or there´d be troubles.
The man in question didn´t look offended at all, or any other emotion she could grasp. He just went back to the old position, resting his head on his hand behind it. But he didn´t close his eyes.
If you call yourself a "regular student" …
'Wha-?' Eri´s face turned towards him in shock.
Hesitating at first, she controlled herself to not say anything suspicious, but the curiosity was killing her. If HE, the red king, knew about her identity, then she was hopeless.
It was a hard choice, but given that they were alone for the moment, this could be the only chance to clear her doubts.
How much do you know? Her clear, soft voice spoke in the empty bar.
The king perceived no irregular tone in her voice, but her quick reaction rose his suspicions. At this point, if she decided to pry further, he expected one of her typical menaces, since she was known for being unfriendly and never open about her private life. But due to her calm reaction, he decided to not make her wait any longer. Nothing actually. But enough to notice that you act more like a thug than a normal student.
Bad habits die hard.
It turned out her own behavior gave her away. His words only proved she was on his radar all along. But if so, why did he never do anything? Are you not worried about me? She felt she need to ask.
Should I?
It was weird but even when knowing the exact answer to that question, she still took a pause to think about it before answering him. No.
Then it´s fine.
Eri stared at the stress-free man on the sofa. Not only his muscles were relaxed, but he also closed his eyes ready to rest once again. He was going to let her off the hook just like that?
Not only that, his speech and his voice were extremely confident for someone who was the leader of a clan and suspected she was someone who appeared to be something she was not. He was too untroubled in her opinion.
He was the epitome of sloth.
But that aspect of him was something she was oddly enthralled about. In all frankness, he was truly the only one person on Earth who would never pry about her previous life. He had the lack of intrigue and the energy shortage necessary to never invest his time in something so meaningless to him as her.
And she liked that.
It made her peculiarly comfortable. And that´s was the trigger that impulse her to talk to him again.
So, Suoh-san. Her call made him open his eyes swiftly and look from the side at her. You think you can do me a favor?
He ignored what kind of thing this mysterious girl could ask for him. He noticed right away her close trait and her calm demeanor while talking to the man behind all those urban legends. That was another thing he quickly grasp about her that only added to her suspicious background. But he was too lethargic to investigate her, besides, she said there wasn´t going to be any inconvenience with her in the future.
Could you tell Kusanagi-san I left earlier since there are no customers left and I already finished cleaning the bar?
Her petition sounded fair enough and it wasn´t the crazy things he was thinking about, which presented as something easy to do and didn´t require having to rose from the couch. However…
No.
Uh? Her blank face, although expressionless, hided a murdering feeling after that quick negative.
You are his employee now. You have to do what he says. He explained from his spot.
Her longing to kill him were rising briskly, but there were many variables that stopped her.
While she controlled her volcanic anger, the man commented aloud. Also, you can´t ask me another favor when you still didn´t pay me the previous one.
Wait what? Her confusion was justified this time, since she couldn´t imagine what he was talking about.
I recall having one of my t-shirts used under an "emergency" a couple of weeks ago.
't-shirt? What t-shir-? Oh.' She felt like face slapping herself. That smiley dork, always pulling her into troubles. When he lent her that white t-shirt to wear that disastrous day, she thought it was his, not someone else´s. And their freaking king´s, no less. All this time she was in debt with no other than the red clan´s king. 'That stupid Totsuka.' This couldn´t get worse.
Totsuka showed me a picture and sent it to me. He showed it to her from his PDA. She was sitting on a chair next to a window, reading a magazine. Under it, his text message "Sorry, your clothes were the only ones I found XD."
She was going to make sure he paid for that, but first. Mm, Sorry for the inconvenience. She turned her eyes away from him. I´ll pay my debt.
But despite her minor awkwardness for the topic, he wasn´t mad. It´s fine. I don´t care. He resumed his nap, laying on the couch.
Sluggish, quiet, unenthusiastic, yet he was the only one inside this noisy clan who didn´t push her around. She wasn´t sure how to feel towards the red king yet, but she felt he wasn´t going to be so hard to deal with as she thought.
But I still won´t let you leave earlier. He reaffirmed.
Saturday
So, how was your first week at work, Eri-chan?
The friendly, laid-back owner put a refreshing glass of juice in front of her in the counter where she was sitting.
Let me go home. The girl in front of him with dark circles around her eyes and a grim look ignored the question and pleaded him to let her leave. But the clock on the wall said the contrary to her wishes.
I take that our guys exhausted you. Let me congratulate you for not killing them. He joked with a daring smile.
Stop joking about that subject. She complained visibly annoyed. Her head rested lazily on her arm, staring at nothing in particular now that her mood got worse.
… So you know about it. Although she had no proof, she had no doubts either, and she could tell he was currently aware of her past in more details.
The blond man didn´t beat around the bush now that they were alone in the immensity that was his pub. He was longing for having this chat with her, and the opportunity presented itself. That´s right. His mysterious smile didn´t vanish from his features.
At least she didn´t perceive any sort of judgment over her. Do you have something to say? She decided to be the first one to introduce the topic.
Well, I wasn´t expecting my hunch to turn out to be true. He carelessly scratched his nape to get rid of any awkwardness he could have left. And before you ask, no, I don´t know the explicit details of your past. I just got a few acquaintances informed me about the type of "work" you did before we met.
It would be a lie to say she wasn´t offended by his snooping in her private life. What right did he have to do that when she was a normal student to the world now? But her peeved feeling was suppressed by her equal understanding of his intentions. Anyone who suspects there was an assassin interacting with their friends would do what he did. Except for Suoh Mikoto.
Anything to share? Her eyes casted down as if she were expecting a reprimand.
He observed how bad she got about this but judging her wasn´t what he was planning. I don't approve what you did before, but I'm no one to judge you. His eyes behind his sunglasses waited hers to look at him, but they never did. He thought his calm nature might influence her to see he wasn´t mad at her. This was the meekest he´s seen her before, and coming from her, was a huge difference. It almost made him want to ruffle her hair a little.
And based on your current life as a high school student, I assume you left everything in the past, right?
For a brief second, her red eyes rose from the counter and watched him. He was more relaxed than she could think, and his gaze matched the sound of his tender voice from before. So, she wasn´t making it up. Now that she felt more loosened, she responded his question with a silent nod.
At last, his words reached her, and her tense shoulders relaxed. He still had many things he wanted to ask, but one look at her was a remainder of her sullen character and he found himself aborting the mission. Maybe another time she´ll talk to him about it herself.So, I guess the blues know about it too. He changed the subject stretching his arm above his head.
Yes. Since the beginning. Her voice started recovering.
Classic Munakata.
The cunning blue king was probably the biggest obstacle to Totsuka´s dream of getting the short haired girl in the clan. For his part, the blond man had no personal interest on that idea, but he sure enjoyed teasing the cold girl and tormenting her a little with these opportune meetings that she hated so much. Thus, in conclusion, he was willing to play along.
Anyway, it was a long week, but you did great, Eri-chan.
I used to make people pay the ultimate price, now I make them pay the bill… life got darker.
Her eccentric reflection in life didn´t surprise him. That´s what he was expecting from her after having to work all week together and seeing her usual pessimism about this plan every day. But regardless of her clear disgust, she behaved like a model employee. She never came late to work, helped every time he asked her and used all her self-control to not curse the customers in their faces.
They finally decided to organize her schedule so that she works 3 times a week after school and on Saturdays
Now, now. It´s not so bad. Your clients didn´t seem to mind your serious exterior and I even saw two or three guys who might become regulars thanks to you.
How much did I earn with my work? She skipped to the only part that matters.
Knowing she meant the windows repair, he calculated. Mm, just with this week you completed 15% of the total. Considering, she did this in 6 days, this was a huge exceeded of his expectations.My, at this rate you´ll repay me in less than three months.
I wish.
Aww, c´mon. I actually like the idea of you working here.
You just like the increase of male customers.
He laughed at her spot-on answer. Nothing escapes from her.
Then, what are your thoughts about my management? I´d like some feedback or honest opinions.
To be fair, I was expecting exploitation, but you were pretty down-to-earth.
Your expectations of me were on the floor, Eri-chan.
Don´t make me mention the fact I thought my uniform was going to be scanty or Lolita like your youngest member´s outfit.
I´d never. Although I did considerate it.
His frankness was on par with hers.
But I took your comfort into account when I chose what you´re wearing right now, and it was a great choice if you ask me.
Her eyes stared at her new uniform. Like he said, it was comfortable, allowing her to move freely. It was also simple, so it was of her liking. A simple button-up white shirt, black pants, a little tighter than her sweatpants, but comfortable, nonetheless. And a long, black waist apron.
I wanted you to look good to gain more male customers, but didn´t want you to stand out so much that you get paranoid.
She looked at him quite shocked by his accuracy. Did he just guess her fear of standing out based on their limited encounters alone? He wasn´t cunning, he was omniscient.
She had to say something or she´ll make her astonishment obvious.Thanks for your consideration. She whispered under her breath with her eyes somewhere else. It still bothered her that he was so perceptive.
How about you? Do you have any feedback for me? She casually asked looking through the window.
This caught him off guard. He would never expect her to be so serious about a job she dislikes so much, but there she was. It really showed how committed she is, and he found it oddly funny. How about smiling mor-?
Something I can actually do. She fixed her cold eyes on him.
He looked at the ceiling pensive while resting his index finger on his lips in search for an answer. Mm. Not really. Now that you have this new uniform you´ll catch more customers than you did this week and your general attitude, although far from perfect, it was good enough. You remember the orders really well and you learn pretty fast, so I don´t have anything else to ask for.
It was a strange feeling to be praised so simply by her boss. Her chest wasn´t filled with pride because it was THIS job, but deep inside, she felt a sensation that sprung up and made her turn her gaze somewhat humble. Obviously, she acted normally in front of the perceptive man to not get caught.
Do you have something to share about your experience? Her boss wondered.
Calmly, she got ready to answer.Yes. If I only focus on the real customers and ignore your clanmates I´ll be fine.
That was another answer expected from her. But with that kind of unapproachable demeanor one quickly got used to it.
Well, I don´t have anything else to say, you can go ahead and go hom-
God! It´s raining like crazy out there!
The loud sound of the front door opening cut off the blond in midsentence. The two of them turned around to see who was doing such scandal. It was the obnoxious skater, drenched from head to toe and shaking his body like a dog; another reason for Eri to pair him with a chihuahua. But his reckless act was making a pool of water under his muddy feet on the just cleaned floor she made sure to let shining.
Yata-chan, wipe your shoes before you enter; we just finished cleaning. The benevolent blond asked him.Geez, none of you guys pays attention to the maintenance of the bar.
Well, that´s your own fault. Isn´t it, Kusanagi-san? Yata simply replied paying no mind to his complains.
Her eyes couldn't get any more murderous. How dare he? She was about to do something about that insolent dwarf when the least expected person went ahead of her.
A quick hand jacked him by the collar of his shirt while he was walking by and slammed him onto the counter with a loud sound.
The victim opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times when the terrifying smiley face of the owner stared at him from above.
Well, I wasn´t the one who soiled my floor, isn´t it, Yata-chan?
Y-yeah…
The new waitress observed in place how the short guy was violented by her boss and did nothing to stop it; instead, she met his eyes. I like you a little more now.
Her cruel implication brought a smile to his face.Thank you, Eri-chan.
Their small concord didn't last too long before she decided to cut it out with her coldness. Remember you can only call me that when I´m working.
He felt a freezing breeze on his shoulder, but his smile although troubled, didn´t vanish.