Where The Stars Fade

Chapter 11

I laughed silently. "That never happened here before."

"Well you still have to be safe, you never know." He reassured me. "By the way, have you packed your lunch?" He asked.

I couldn't tell him I didn't pack anything, I am saving up food and money, I couldn't lose any more.

I looked down trying to avoid his question. I just nodded and lied.

"Well that's great to hear." He replied.

Minutes later we've arrived at the cafe, the sky was also lighting up a bit. Keito said his goodbye and took off. The others were already inside setting up the tables.

"I'll handle the tables, I just got here so let me help." Said Yuso, who was in a battle with Rie on who should do more work.

"No, I'm almost done with this. Go change into your uniform." She replied, taking the chair from him.

I stood far away from them, looking at them both, my face filled with judgements but I kept quiet.

Rie looked stunned as soon as she noticed me, as well as Yuso.

"Ahh, Haruto-san, you're already here, goodmorning." She said, fixing her hair.

"G-goodmorning." Yuso added.

I headed to the employee room to find him entering through the back door, carrying some trash bags.

"Goodmorning Haruto!" He greeted with a warm smile.

"Goodmorning." I replied, putting my things in side my locker.

"It felt nice that you told me 'see you tomorrow' yesterday at the store." He said, sitting on the bench.

I looked at him dead in the eyes, gripping onto my uniform inside my locker. "Can you get out please?" I asked.

He quickly got up, "sorry." He said before leaving the door.

I locked it behind him and I started changing my clothes. I quickly got out after that and went to the counter to help him set the pastries up.

"I noticed you're mostly with that guy." He said, putting the pastries inside the glass dome.

I took a glance at him, also placing the pastries inside. "We've known each other since we were little, this is the only time I get to see him again." I replied.

He stood up, removing his gloves after finishing with the pastries. "That's nice." He replied heading back into the employee room.

I followed my eyes to his direction, seeming looking confused. I blushed it off my shoulder and continued setting up the pastries.

It was getting really cold this time, customers keep coming in to buy some hot coffee. I admit it was tiring, but this is the only work that's filling up my pockets. The landlord's gonna ask me for my pay again this Wednesda. I just wish I saved some, or at least even a little.

"Hey, I bought two strawberry milks, I'm going to give you one." He said, gently leaning closer to my side with a smile.

I let out an unimpressed sighed and went back to my work. I guess he really wants to be friends even though I told him countless times to stay away from me. He's just never going to stop isn't he?

"If you didn't bring any lunch today, I packed two bentos again, I would love to give you the other one." He said with out even looking at me.

I ignored him, continuing my work. I was clearly unimpressed and I'm not falling for his tricks. I guess I could still take it if it's some 'coworker's support', but I don't see that in him, he wants to get closer to me.