I eventually make it back to my house, overstimulated with emotions I never knew existed. As I enter my house, the slight creek from closing the door is all I hear. My mind is blank. I slowly slide down against the door and onto the cold floor of my house. This is bad, this is bad, this is REAL bad. As the thoughts of today and consuming ones of kuroo in particular flood my head, a single tear falls down my cheek. I haven't cried in years, so why now? When I finally get tired of resisting, a pained sob leaves my body. Then I slowly drift into a not-so peaceful sleep. I open my eyes, immediately wanting to go back to sleep. I almost do, until I remember I have work today. and I have to meet kuroo. "dammit" I say as I reluctantly get off the couch I somehow managed to end up on, and went to take a shower. I start to feel more awake, as I finish getting ready and start heading out the house. I check the time as I start walking. 7:57am. Shit! Im gonna be late. I give a huff out of frustration as I start borderline sprinting to work.
I sit at the counter at the convenience store, resting my head on my hand. I was about to die of boredom waiting for my lunch break. A ring goes through the store, indicating someone came in. As I was about to but on my VERY superficial customer service smile, I look up only to spot that dammed rooster. I stand confused, as he approaches me at the counter. I'm guessing he can sense my confusion when he asks, "You forgot didn't you." With a dead-panned expression. Remembering our previous arrangement, I get a bit flustered. "n-no... well.." He laughs deeply which makes me more embarrassed than I already was. Turning away, I quickly go to the back to get my stuff. I go out, and kuroo motions for me to walk with him. Walking out he asks, "is there anywhere specific you would like to go?" I shake my head to that and softly say, "anything is fine.." After wandering for a bit, we settle on a cafe. As long as it's cheap, it tastes good. (at least that's what I think) As we sit across from each other in the comfortable environment of the local cafe, a waitress comes to acknowledge us. "what drink would you like sir?" she asks facing kuroo. "black coffee" she nods and looks me "and for you ma'am?" embarrassment takes over me although, this happens more often than you would think. I look at kuroo to see him struggling to hold back his laughter. For some fun, I push a strand of my hair back, and conjure a sweet, girl-like tone. "waters fine, thank you!" she then walks off to get our drinks. It doesn't take long for kuroo to burst into laughter. "I guess we should get down to business now.... My lady" kuroo says smirking. "oh shut up." I say covering my face with my hands. "Why did you get water..? There's so many other options." Kuroo suddenly spoke. "erm.. it's the cheapest to get here..." I said embarrassingly. "You don't have to worry about that kenma. It's my treat anyways." Kuroo says with all certainty. "but-" I try to argue before the waitress cuts me off, arriving with our drinks. "Enjoy!" she smiles at us then walks away. I take the straw and start poking at my water, anticipating the inevitable. Kuroo takes a sip, then looks at me seriously.
"Kenma." I almost flinch at his tone of voice. I look up and see an expression I can't explain. "Why did you leave?" I knew this was coming, but now that I have to face it, I grow speechless. "I mean we've been friends since we were little, then after high school you just......disappeared." Kuroo continues. "I know you're more reserved about personal things, but damn.. I think I deserved at least a heads up." He's right. This dark voice somewhere inside me says. Look, you pushed another person that cares about you away. Stop. Soon enough you're gonna end up all alone. That's not true. It's all your fault ke-nm..a... ke-nma... "KENMA!" My head snaps up to see Kuroo with a worried expression. I only notice I'm shaking when I see Kuroo's hand placed on top of mine. I stare for a moment and slowly take my hand back. I muster up a small "....sorry" and take a sip of my water. "Are you okay...? Look, I'm willing to listen to whatever you feel comfortable with sharing. Sorry if I pressured you." Kuroo says sympathetically. I harshly grip my glass, as I feel tensions rise between us. I try to calm down and give kuroo a small smile, "I just.. needed to sort some things out.." Kuroo seems unconvinced by my half-assed answer, but doesn't press on it any further. I then jump when I hear my phone ring, and I answer to hear my co-worker on the other line. "Kozume! Where are you man?! Your lunch ended like 15 minutes ago!" Oh shit. "uhh, I gotta go.." I say to Kuroo. "Work?" I just nod in reply. As I get up to leave kuroo stops me, "I..um.. I really enjoyed this kenma. For real. I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but I still care about you.. so just take care of yourself, okay?" My heart warms up to the concern, but I quickly suppress it. "You too.." I try to say happily as I scurry off to the convenience store.
After being lectured by my boss for 30 minutes, all to just sit at the counter to daydream for 3 hours, I finally get to go back home. Though the comfort was short lived, as I had a shift at the nightclub today. Hopefully we don't get any creeps today... I grab my duffel bag and make my way down the alley towards my job. I left the house earlier today skipping my usual nap, unable to fall asleep with so much on my mind. This gave me more time to get ready when I finally arrived at the nightclub. Avoiding my boss erm.. manager? Who knows. At all costs, I scurry to the back changing room. My friend Akane waves me over and hands me an outfit. I look at her questioningly, she beams, "Oh, boss said to wear this, were doing a theme today!" It baffles me on how enthusiastic she can be. I nod and turn to go change. I put on my given uniform and look in the mirror to notice something. It's a fucking maid outfit. And a revealing one at that. I finish the fit however, with fishnet leggings, and glittery winged eyeliner. Really living up to the name "kitten". As soon as I finish changing, I hear someone on the mic as I tie my hair up and apply some lip gloss. I hurry into position, and wait until they dim the lights, giving me the signal.
Next thing I know, im already on stage with music blasting and tons of people in the "audience". Most people are trying to get some ya know, while the others are dancing along, blackout drunk. I swing my hips and grab at my dress cutely, as I wait for the money to fall around me. After the lengthy performance, man is it hard to dance in a dress.. I start collecting the money and catch my breath. Then I stand idle and walk around occasionally to entertain customers. The most anticipated moment comes around after a few hours, saying its finally time to go home. Good. That last group was getting handsy. They were probably teenagers exploring their wild side. Though I always wonder how they manage to get into a nightclub? After changing quickly and returning the clothes, I say goodbye to Akane and clock out, finally going home. Pay was good today, those scums always like the themes. When I finally get home, I walk in only to be reminding of the hot topic of today. Kuroo.... I should make up for leaving so suddenly like that. And like I called it into existence, as I was getting ready for bed, I get a text.
Kuroo: Hey kenma... I know our meet was cut short, so I was wondering if you would like to hang out instead? We don't have to talk.. and I can even invite bokuto if you want : ] Just tell me when you're free.
Speak of the devil.
I bite my lip anxiously and type a reply
Me: Yea I know...um.. im free Saturday? And bokuto can come too. Is that okay, or...
Kuroo: Sounds good! I'll let him know. I'll give you the deets later. Goodnight kenma :)
Goodnight... I mumble as I put my phone down and turn over.
Its closing in on me..
