16 (COMPLETE)

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You give the sunny operative a quick wave before turning around and leaving.
You begin walking away in the direction of your workplace.
You had no time to interact with  Radiant right now.
Or any operative, for that matter. Something was bothering you though.
Though your worry was small.

Just before you had turned to walk away, you had caught a glimpse of the bright operative's face.
A new expression had replaced the friendly one he had held previously.
It was… disappointment?

No…It couldn't be… why would an operative show any concern over not being able to interact with a civilian?
They have plenty to talk to already!
You try to nod the thought away from your mind and focus on other, more important things.

Your work soon comes into view,

You push open the door that leads to your workplace, a small cafe.
The bells on the door handles let out a light jingle, alerting the people inside of your arrival.
Your roommate, who worked the same job as you, gave a friendly wave from behind the counter.
You returned their gesture with a smile and an acknowledging nod.
You put on one of the green aprons that were hanging on a rusty nail on the wall.
You joined your roommate behind the register as you heard your boss enter the room.
He looked at you with an amused look.

“[Name]! You're here early! What's next? Are you going to start meeting the daily quota?”

You gave a nervous chuckle and rubbed the back of your neck.

“Nice to see you too, Charles.”

He gave a dismissive wave before responding.

“In all seriousness, [Name], I really need you to get your sales up. I'm just trying to keep the lights on in this place. If you just tried a little harder, that would be great.”

You gave a scoff. “Not a lot of people have enough money to buy baked goods these days. What do you want me to do about it?”

He glared at you before pointing a lean finger at your roommate.

“Don't use that excuse on me, [Name]. Elliot here meets the daily quota every day he comes in. Why can't you be like him? It's not hard to sell a muffin every now and then, is it?”

You gave your roommate a glance as your boss spoke.
Elliot looked like he had shrunk ten sizes under the new attention on him.

You rolled your eyes before speaking again.

“Why does he get more customers than I do? It doesn't make any sense!”

Charles let out a chuckle before making his way back to his office.
Before he closed his door, he spoke one final time.

“Maybe they just don't like your face.”

You muttered a silent curse under your breath before flipping him off. Though he couldn't see you, it was the thought that counted. Your roommate let out a laugh as they watched you.

“You really hate that guy, huh?”

You gave an exasperated sigh.
“He hated me first! I didn't even do anything to him! He just decided to start being a bitch one day!” Your roommate rolled his eyes.

‘’Sure, sure….”

You watched as civilians walked along the sidewalk, miserable expressions cemented on their color-drained faces.
You would give anything for one of them to walk in and buy something.
You decided that while you were waiting, you would be productive.
You began sweeping the floors and fixing the chairs.
You washed the glass window that showcased the baked goods the cafe made with a wet rag. Your roommate walked over to where you were cleaning and leaned on the counter.

“Y'know, you might actually sell stuff if you didn't have such a serious case of RBF. Just saying.”

You playfully punch him in the arm.

“Hey! It's not my fault! You would look the same if you were in the same boat.”

He rubs his arm in the spot you hit him.

“Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! All I'm saying is that it wouldn't hurt to pop a smile every now and then!” he chuckles.

“Be Radiant!”

You cringe at their terrible joke before letting out an awkward laugh.

“That was horrible.”

They beam a bright smile at you.

“Hey! I got you to laugh though, didn't I?”

“Just barely…” you reply, before the sound of a bell ringing interrupts the conversation you were having with your roomie.

A customer was leaning over the checkout counter, a sour look on her face.
She looked to be in an awful mood.
You must have not noticed her come in when you were talking to your co-worker.
Elliot gives the customer's disapproved face a short glance before returning his gaze to you.

“I think you should cover this one, yeah?” He says before zipping off into the kitchen.

Asshole. You think, before reluctantly going to the counter where the unfriendly woman was standing.

“Hello there ma'am! How can I help yo-” Your greeting is cut off by her annoyed voice.

“I've been waiting here for ten minutes! Is this how you treat all of your customers?”

You let out a sigh before apologizing to her.

“I'm terribly sorry, miss. I was just a little distracted talking to my co-worker. I'm not usually this distracted, I promise!”

She scowls at you. “I honestly can't believe you. How do you guys keep this pitiful store's lights on with such shitty service?”

What’s her problem? You think, trying your damned best to keep your temper in check.

You're not sure whether or not to confront her about her words.
______________________________________________________

So, what would you like to do?

Insult her: Turn to [PAGE 17]

Stay calm: Turn to page [PAGE 21]

Quick A/N: Elliot, your roommate, goes by he/they! 


Akrasia | A Day Union choose-your-own-adventure book. | DU, NC, and readerWhere stories live. Discover now