wounds that never bleed | h.ran

chapter five

Ran is drinking his bourbon while resting his arms on the railings of the bar's second floor, where the VIP rooms are located. He's silently watching you, trying to figure out your motive why you're acting close with Koko.

While sipping his drink, Ran saw Koko gesturing his hands, calling you. You quickly put the glass on the bar counter and walked toward him. You and Koko talked for a quick while and then he patted your head. You smiled widely before going back to your work.

"They get along pretty fast, eh?" Rindou commented as he leaned his back against the railings, swirling his whiskey before taking a sip.

"I don't care." Ran averted his eyes and watched the other people who came in and out of their bar.

"Oh, really? Then why are you always here?"

"What do you mean? I am always here."

"Eh, don't you have office work? a company to run?"

"Are you telling me that I cannot go to my own bar to drink my own liquor?"

"I'm just saying, man... It's quite often as before." Rindou paused and drank his whiskey. "I also noticed that since she got here, you are more irritated than usual."

"You're just assuming things."

"But I don't get you, you know. You're annoyed by her presence, but you're frequently here than usual. you don't care, but you don't want to fire her either because of her financial status." Rindou held his brother's shoulder. "Tell me the truth, are you a masochist?"

"Tch. Don't start with me Rin. I'm annoyed because she's targeting Koko. Koko has a soft spot for hard-working people. I don't want her to take advantage of him like what she did to me."

"Koko is a smart one, Ran. he sure knows if y/n has an ulterior motive."

"Nah, She's good at manipulating."

❀

You're now taking your break at the back of the bar. You lit your cigarette and puffed a smoke while staring at the absence. Aina needs her tuition next week, I need extra work.

"I was looking for you." A familiar voice said. You quickly turned to the left and hid the cigarette behind you.

"Koko-san!"

"Yo." He walked towards you and leaned his back against the wall next to you.

"Do you have one more?" He asked and you quickly nodded. You reached for your pocket to get the packet of cigarettes and handed it to him. Koko grabs one stick and put them in between his lips. You then light them up with your lighter.

"Thanks." He said. You smiled and rested your back against the wall as you puffed a smoke.

"Why are you looking for me?"

"Ah, yeah. I have an offer."

"Offer?"

"Since you don't accept money that you didn't work for... I want to offer you a part-time job, twice a week. if that's okay with you?"

"Eh?" Your eyes widened. Earlier, you were just thinking about taking an extra job. Now, a job offer suddenly comes your way. "Yes! Of course! I can cook, I can clean, I can run errands, I can lift heavy stuff! Name it. I can do it."

"Even pretending to be my wife?"

"Even pretending to be your wi—what?!"

Koko laughed. This is the first time you see the young lad laugh carelessly. "Kidding! My helper for four years, who cleans my apartment twice a week, broke her back and couldn't work. I don't want a stranger to go in and out of my apartment, so I want to hire you. I can adjust to your schedule as long as the cleaning will be done twice a week. That is if you want this job?"