Back to December || Izana Kurokawa

Chapter Nine

Days had passed again, and (y/n) still didn't make progress on Izana. Adding to (y/n) 's thoughts is what Mikey told her the last time.

"Because you're my favorite person, (y/n)-chin,"

Is that a confession? Well, (y/n) doesn't know the answer to that. Mikey immediately dismissed the conversation when (y/n) asked him to clarify his statement. Also, (y/n) didn't want to assume things. But, it is still bothering her whenever she remembers that.

"Miss? Miss? Are you okay?"

(Y/n) snapped back to reality when she heard someone call her—it was one of her customers. Apparently, she spaced out again while working. (Y/n) lost count of how many times she spaced out at school and her work.

"Y—yes, ma'am. I'm fine. Just lost in my thoughts,"!(y/n) chuckled as she punched for the price of her customer's purchases. The lady, who was in her mid-fifties, chuckled softly at (y/n)'s retort to her.

"That would be ¥4500, ma'am," (y/n) said as she put the groceries in a paper bag.

"Ma'am, you've given too much," (y/n) said as she handed the excess ¥500 to the lady. Instead of accepting the excess ¥500, the middle-aged lady waved her wand."No, take that ¥500. That's my tip for your hard work," the lady said kindly.

(Y/n) chuckled awkwardly. ¥500 is too much as a tip for her."No, ma'am. I-I can't—"

"I don't accept no as an answer, young lady. So, take that. You'll need that more than I do," the lady convinced (y/n). The young girl had no choice but to accept the customer's generosity.

"Have a safe trip going home, ma'am!" (y/n) bid farewell to the customer as she bowed ninety degrees.

Once again, the whole convenience store became quiet. It is no surprise to (y/n) since it is the store's dead hour. (Y/n) decided to take a break since her time-out from the store in three hours.

Many people were intrigued by how (y/n) can balance her work and study life. And honestly, (y/n) doesn't know the answer to that. There are many things in her life that (y/n) cannot answer.

Most of the time, (y/n) found herself doing her home works and reviewing for examinations while waiting for a customer to come in. She could finish almost all of her academic workloads while on her shift. When she got home, (y/n) would immediately sleep for a few hours and then wake up early to finish her unfinished tasks. That's how (y/n) do her things most of the time.

While eating her snacks, (y/n) received a text message from Mikey.

From: Mikey

(Y/n)—chin, I cannot take you home tonight. We have an urgent meeting tonight. Take care and stay safe, (y/n)—chin. Text me when you're home already.

(Y/n) puffed her breath as she read Mikey's text. Ever since they took a ride around Tokyo, Mikey is the one who keeps on bringing (y/n) home. He also always accompanies (y/n) to school and work. Of course, (y/n) felt like she is becoming a burden for Mikey. It doesn't sit right with her to see Mikey going out of his way for her. Even if it is a chance to be with her "crush." So, she tried to convince Mikey to stop what he was doing. But the blonde guy is a stubborn one.

(Y/n) entertained a few more customers before her shift ended.

"Take care, Ayi!" (y/n) said to her workmate before leaving the convenience store. If (y/n) is going, to be honest, she felt different now that Mikey is not with her. She can still go home alone, but maybe she was used already to Mikey picking her up from work.

It is already a quarter-past ten when she rides a bus. Her apartment is a ten-minute bus ride from her workplace. So, she will still have time to take a short review before sleeping. When she saw a familiar landmark, (y/n) got off at the nearest bus stop. From the bus stop, she will now walk to her apartment. Although she's already used to it, (y/n) can't help but feel anxious whenever she's walking the way to her apartment. She feels like she's the main character in a horror film whenever she's walking alone in their street. The street lights were dim, and the residential houses weren't opening their guard lights. So, it would be no surprise for (y/n) if she's going to see a scary entity.