After Hours (Gundham x Hajime)

Chapter 1

Hajime's POV

I was fresh out of high school. Summer had just begun and I was trying to earn money for tuition and my apartment (Sorry if this isn't a real thing people do). It was sad seeing my friends all go their separate ways but we made sure to keep in touch. However, there was one person I knew from high school who was still by my side (not in the way you think). You see I still have my minimum wage job I've had in high school because I'm saving up. I work right next to a pet shop that another classmate of mine worked at.

His name was Gundham, and he, well, he was an interesting one. I don't remember much because he usually hung out with Kazuichi and Sonia from our class.  However, his personality was unforgettable. Introducing himself as "THE GREAT GUNDHAM TANAKA, THE SUPREME OVERLORD OF ICE!" as he carried his 4 hamsters that he called his "4 Dark Devas of Destruction". He also addresses everyone as "Mortal" which I still haven't figured out why. I don't know how, but with all his quirks I kinda like him. He's very entertaining and I would be lying if I didn't say he trains his animals quite cutely. He trains them to be like his disciples or whatever. 

Well, I would pass him now and then like during my break or closing shop. I didn't think we'd bond, but I was proven wrong. 

I was closing shop just like any night. Doing dishes, cleaning tables, stacking chairs and tables, then locking up shop. I was in the back doing dishes when I heard the door open and loud footsteps after. Okay, something's not right. I clearly turned off the lights in the front as well as the light sign that said "OPEN". I heard rustling and an inaudible mumble. What could they be looking for? I quickly darted to the light switch to turn off the lights.

I decided to hide in a storage closet for a while until I finally mustered up the courage to see what was going on. They were still looking for whatever they were looking for so I decided to take my phone and turn on the flashlight. I was able to quickly locate a knife block and pull a short serrated knife. I slowly crept towards the front of the cafe phone and knife in hand. It was the last door between me and whoever the hell is breaking into the cafe. I counted 3.... 2...... 1......

BAM!

I burst open the door with a sharp kick. I immediately move my flashlight to the silhouette inside the cafe. And...

"Gundham?" I said in disbelief, "What the hell are you doing here?". There he was. Gundham in his deep black trench coat, boots, and signature magenta scarf. Gundham fell back from the shock of my entry.

"I never took you for the criminal type," I said lending out a hand with a slight smile on my face.

"Your eyes must have been under the persuasion of an illusion Mortal! One of my devas scrambled in and is now hidden in this labyrinth!" Gundham expressed in disbelief. I lent out a hand and helped him up.

"I do not need help from a mortal," Gundham said.

"Whatever, just find what you need so I can leave, please," I said as I wanted to get to my apartment and fast.

"Well, I would be out of here faster if I had some help," Gundham sassily replied.  

"Fine," I admitted in defeat, "Where have you looked?" 

"Only through the maze of never-ending confusion!" Gundham shouted pointing to the stacked chairs.

"Fine, I'll search the counter," I said in a dreary voice. I began searching until Gundham's voice shifted into a serious tone and caught my attention.