Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha ^^

A/N: Started writing again! Things have calmed down and ur girl has finally graduated + working stable job. Still got to find a permanent position but anyways, I will be updating more consistently. It's been awhile since my last update so I've started re-editing my works, too (cringey). So if you find some things different in the first few chapters, I've edited it.

Every weekday since his 'generous but imposing' offer to think about dating, Inuyasha's been consistent at waiting for her before class and getting a spot for her late ass in the morning. He's never been a morning person so even she is astonished by his efforts.

'Eh, he'll get tired eventually'

What she finds unexpected was that she does not mind his touch. Maybe in her eyes, he's still that chubby kid from grade school.

'Maybe I don't see him as a man?'

She shook her head. ' Yeah, right, who are you fooling?' A flashback of her observing the veins in his strong big hand pulse, as he holds her coffee in the morning, which looks very much like a man's, stand against her. Her cheeks felt hot.

Okay sure, she found a guy she can date, she still can't let her priorities go. Besides, he doesn't really love me. He doesn't know what love is. She doesn't even know what love is.

Kagome gave the table a quick wipe, before turning her back from the weirdo in table 10. She met his gaze, gave her usual customer-friendly smile and then led them to their table. That part was fine. The issue was his obvious interest with her, and the snide comments and non-subtle whispers by his group.

Most people would say she should be flattered but they must not have been in this kind of position themselves.

Maybe she's overthinking this. Maybe she's just super sensitive to these kinds of attention. Maybe she's just over-reacting. But she can't deny the surge of fear and uneasiness triggering her heart. Despite this, she's so used to it, that she's been able to hide it, deep deep down the drain.

'Let's just stay away from that table.'

Nevertheless, this resto-bar had been a safe space for her. Most customers are well-off and rarely does she experience disrespect or egotistical remarks, like now. Also, the atmosphere is warmed with some dim lights, glasses and chandelier, soft music, grand bar, and servers, like her, dressed in black fitted clothing.

If it wasn't for Sango and her connection, she probably would not have gotten this job. Kaede is such a great boss, and her staff are respectful and supportive. Really, she can't complain about anything at all.

Besides, its payday today for her two jobs. If she sends half to her mom and the other half for her tuition, she won't have that much debt. That's a good plan, except she had to live in an apartment with bills that takes up most of her pay. Being the only one in the city, it had been lonely.

Dating appealed to her to some degree, but she's never been good at expressing herself. She's always been awkward with opposite sex. And when she did try, she's been burned after accepting the attention of her psycho-ex/stalker who's out to haunt her. She can't be intimate with anyone. She finds their touch disgusting. She finds their affection difficult to accept.

She piled the plates together and sighed. She is exhausted but she has to keep going. As soon as she's able to work, she saved to go to university and study pharmacy. When her father died from stroke, they had to leave the city and stay in the province where Ji-chan lives.

Everything changed so quickly. Her father was the sole provider of their family, and her mom being pregnant with Souta at the time. There was no way for her to make money.

Inuyasha would be devastated if he hears her dad passed the week they left. Dad has also been his father figure, since he only lives with his mom. He doesn't need to know. She can save him the heartache.

She gave a bitter smile. 'Oh... to be young and happy. '

She placed the wine glasses on the tray, getting ready to return to the kitchen. She glanced at the clock. 'One more hour.'

"Miss, we're ready to order!" the table 19 hollered.

"I'll be right there!" She responded.

Thanks for reading! ^^