wounds that never bleed | h.ran

chapter four

"y/n, the bar is a bit slow at this hour, so you can take your break now," Chifuyu said as he wiped the glasses with towels.

"Okay. Then I will take my break." You excused yourself and went to the back of the bar. You leaned your back against the wall and lit yourself a cigarette.

"He's smiling at me. did he really forget everything? Did he forgive me?" You mumbled as you puffed another smoke, remembering the last time you saw him seven years ago. "I mean, it's seven fucking years. Maybe I'm the only one who hasn't moved on."

As you continue to finish your cancer stick, your eyes catch Ran stepping out of his car. He unbuttoned his coat and walked towards the bar. Wow, that's hot. you thought but quickly shook the idea when you remembered something. You puff another smoke and run towards him.

"Ran, wait!" You shouted, earning the attention of the young lad. He came to a halt, and you stopped in front of him. "Hi!"

"Yeah?" He coldly replied, eyeing the cigarette in between your fingers. You noticed it and hid them behind you.

"Can I—can I talk to you?"

"We talked already, y/n."

"Please?"

Ran sighed and looked away. "Fine, after your break, go to VIP and bring whiskey." He didn't wait for your response and proceeded to walk inside the bar.

"Thank you!"

After your break, you went first to the comfort room to wash your hands then, A girl came inside, quietly stood beside you, and reapplied her make-up. You unconsciously looked at her. She seems to be your age and she looks and smells so heavenly. You then looked at yourself in the mirror. Your face felt like it aged ten times, your hair is dry, your hands are rough from working, and you smell like cheap laundry detergent.

Then meeting Ran again after high school. He wears nice clothes, smells so expensive, and owns a bar with his friends for fun. This makes you realize that he is now beyond your reach. I should know my place. you said in your head.

You went straight to VIP carrying a tray of whiskey and glass. You knocked on the door and opened them to greet Ran who's on his phone, talking to someone. You then slightly bowed and proceeded to put the drink on the table, patiently waiting for him.

"Bring the files tomorrow. I'll review them myself. Yeah... Okay," He ended the call and looked at you.

"What do you want to talk about?" He asked straight. no hi, no hello.

"How are—"

"Time is important to me, y/n. just go straight to your point." He poured himself a drink and rested his back on the couch, crossing his legs.

"Ah, yeah. I'm sorry." You awkwardly chuckled and took something from your pocket. You laid the wrinkled white envelope on the table, pushing them towards him.

"What's that?"

"That's uhm—The money you left seven years ago. I just wanted to return them to you."

"Why?"

"What, why?"

"Why are you returning this? I gave them to you. it's yours."

"I don't need it."

"Why? Clearly, you need it more than I do. Just keep it."

"No."

Ran silently scoffed while drinking his whiskey. "You planned all of it, to used me for money, right? then take this. You've earned it." he pushed the envelope back. You feel burning in the corners of your eyes as you stared at his stoic face.