Of Speakers and Alleyways
Sitting in the dark in an alley behind the town's most popular bar, Risa Harada had to let out a sigh. She didn't know why she was so mellow. Perhaps it was the fact that her friends had done something stupid like sneak inside a bar, underage, in order to try and obtain a table decoration for some scavenger hunt. She had never wanted to be a part of this absurd outing, but she was dragged along because she was the only one who could drive. Heaven forbid they'd ask her inside the damned joint. Although she couldn't exactly blame them.
She was from a small town and had just recently moved into the big city. She always wore sweaters or jeans and never ceased to be embarrassed when she would arrive at school in their uniform (short skirt and all). She wasn't fat or unattractive, but was rather pretty if one took notice. She didn't want people to notice though. Ever since that awful mishap with her ex in her last town, she didn't really feel like dressing up a whole lot. That was probably why her friends didn't bring her into the club. It was loud and extravagant and she... wasn't.
Risa took a moment to check her mirrors to see if the girls were coming. The alley was still empty, save for the large equipment truck outside the loading dock. Hence how her friends snuck in; stuffing themselves into a speaker case. She sighed, sticking an arm out the open window and turning up the radio just a bit. How much longer would those girls be?
The two men who had been loading the truck stopped, the elder telling the younger one that he had to take a bathroom brake. The younger man seemed a bit frustrated that his buddy had left, especially since he was trying to move two large boxes up the truck lift. Risa checked the back doors again and decided that she had some time.
"Hello!" she called once she was out of the car and closer to the young man. "Need some help?" The young man looked at her as if she were crazy, although she wasn't sure why. It wasn't that big of a deal to her. She was used to helping others at her old school.
"That won't be necessary," the young man said, managing to finally reach the lift button. "I wouldn't put a young lady like you to work." Risa wasn't sure if she was flustered or a bit peeved. He continued to speak when he was moving the boxes into the truck. "I don't mean to offend you, but what kind of gentleman would I be if I let someone like you move around these heavy speakers? Not a very good one, mind you." She watched as he relaxed for a minute and sat on the edge of the lift and looked at her for a moment. "... Did you need to sneak in?"
"What? Oh, no! No, I'm just waiting for my friends."
The man brushed the unique hair from his face. "It's dangerous for a young lady to be waiting in a dark alley at this time of night." She never really considered herself a young lady, but this stranger seemed to think she was. She almost liked it; it was charming, you know? "Why isn't a friend with you?"
She blinked. "Well... because I can handle myself, I suppose."
No laugh, but an merely an amused expression. "You suppose?"
Risa decided to change the subject. "Um... why are you talking to me?"
He seemed confused. "Well, you were the one who approached me."
"I know that," she said, twiddling her thumbs. "But whenever I approach a guy in this town, they either walk away or ask me to hold open a door or something..."
"You? Open a door?" This seemed to be beyond the young man's comprehension. Risa nodded as a response, and then the two were stuck in silence. After a minute, he stood, moved the last box into the truck, closed the door, and hitched up the lift. When he was finished, he turned to Risa with an intrigued spark in his eye. "What's your name?"
"U-umm... Risa... Harada."
He nodded, taking it in. "I'm Satoshi Hiwatari." He gently took her hand and held it, as if he was going to kiss it, but didn't. "And just so you know, I'd never ask you to hold open a door."
This time, Risa could feel herself blush. She really wanted to speak, she truly did, but a squeal and loud laughter came from the back door, and before she could blink, she had been grabbed away by her friends.
"Drive! Drive! Drive!" They all shouted, piling into the car. Risa didn't really have time to look back at the young mysterious blue-eyed man as she started the car and gunned the engine.
"Oh, that was so much fun!" Ritsuko said one they were safely out of the alley and down the street.
"Yes, you should have been there, Risa-chan!" another girl said. "It was great!"
"I was fine by myself," Risa replied calmly as she concentrated on the road.
"In that dark, boring alleyway?" her friend sitting in shotgun asked. "Ugh! I highly doubt it."
"Next time," Ritsuko said confidently. "You'll be coming in with us. That way you won't have to suffer all by your lonesome self. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet a great guy like we did." She winked and nudged Risa's arm.
Risa stole a glance at her right hand, which was strangely warm and tingly. "Maybe... maybe..."