Enamored

19

Takashi drives the van and glances at (N). "You're getting better but why do you always do things the hard way?" "Do what?" "It's easier to use both hands. Why do you favor your left hand over your right?" (N) looks out the window. "This might sound weird but it's easier for me." "Fine. It's not like you're doing anything wrong."
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"(N)?" (N) raises his head and looks at Myles. "Sorry, what did you say?" "Are you okay?" "Yes. I'm just thinking about work." Myles frowns. "I'm sorry. You've been having a hard time at work and then you come home and I just talk about myself." "Oh no! It's fine. I like hearing about your day. It takes my mind off things. Don't apologize."
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"You haven't told Takashi about your shoulder?" "I don't want to risk getting fired for it. Especially when my first paycheck is coming." Myles stops walking and stands under the streetlight. "I know but don't overwork yourself. I don't want you to get hurt." (N) smiles softly. "I'll be careful. Good night." "Yea..." (N) tilts his head and gently raises Myles's chin. "What's wrong?"

"Aren't you lonely? After I leave it's just you by yourself." (N) chuckles and pokes Myles's nose. "After you leave I go straight to bed. Don't be so sad. I'll see you tomorrow." "Right. Good night."
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(N) groans and side-eyes Ash as they walk into town. "Why am I spending my day off with you?" "Because you owe me. I'm showing you how adults have fun." "What?" The two stop in front of a toy store. Before (N) could question the bleached-haired woman she drags him inside. "Yo birdie! Did my special package come?" "Birdie?" (N) whispers as an old man appears from the back with a box. "I have it right here."

Ash takes the box and hands it to (N). "Go on. Open it." (N) opens the box to reveal a fake Lethocerus. "What the hell?" "I'm gonna stick this little guy down Clara's shirt!" (N) deadpans at the woman. "Poor Clara." Ash throws her arm around (N)'s neck. "Don't be such a loser. This is how you keep a marriage going! You'll thank me." "Yeah no thanks."
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"Hi (N). I haven't seen you in a while." "Uh yeah." (N) scratches his head as his other hand holds the bug behind his back. "Clara darling remind me again what bug you're most afraid of?" "The Lethocerus bug...d-did you see one?" Ash throws her hands up and points behind Clara. "Oh god, it's right there!" "What?! In the shop?!" The black woman turns around and Ash motions for (N). He inhales sharply and walks up to Clara.

'Forgive me, Clara.' He places the fake bug in her shirt and backs up. "Oh no! Clara, it's in your shirt!" The woman tensed up and screamed. "Ahhh! Get it out!" She pushes (N) and Ash to the side and runs out of the shop. (N) rubs his back as Ash laughs. "Don't laugh! Do something!" "Right! Clara wait! It's all (N)'s fault!" Ash yells running outside and (N) chases her. "Don't tell her that!"
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Myles stands in the kitchen laughing while stirring a pot. "That was a nice surprise! My Aunts are always running around but this was the first time someone was with them. You're really part of the family now!" (N) chuckles as he sets the table. "(N) umm. I was wondering if you wanted to come to the festival with me? I know the drama club is disbanded but I want to see what everyone put together." Myles jumps as (N) hugs him from behind. "Sounds good. Let's make it a date." "Okay!"
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"You can finish up the rest. I'll take a look over there. Be careful and don't rush." "Yes sir." Takashi watches (N) from the ground. After finishing the job the two drive the van. "Hey uh if possible I was wondering if I could have tomorrow off?" "That's fine." "Thank you!" Takashi glances at (N). "How's your shoulder?" "What?" "You can't raise your right arm. I can tell by watching you." "Are you going to fire me?" "No. You're doing your job right and working hard to overcome your handicap. Work is going to get harder and harder. So don't push yourself. I'll pick up the slack."

(N)'s eyes widen and he turns to the man. "Are you sure?" "Of course. We're a company after all. I'll have some things I can't do and you'll be there to help. So don't work yourself too hard and get into an accident. You wouldn't want to worry that boyfriend of yours." (N) smiles with teary eyes. "Thank you, sir."
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"Oh no! Everyone already went home!" (N) places down his stack of paper and turns to his boss. "Is something wrong sir?" "I made a mistake and one of our sites got skipped." "Oh, I can take care of it, sir." "That'd be great. I'll drop you off."
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(N) wipes his forehead as he hears a van approaching. He climbs down the pole to see Takashi. "I got a call from the boss. Were you able to handle things on your own?" "Yes." Takashi turns on a flashlight and holds it up. "I checked the whole circuit." "Did you remember to remove the coding?" "Yes. I double-checked the measurements as well." Takashi turns off the flashlight and pats (N)'s shoulder. "Good work. Let's get back it's late." "Yes sir!"
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"I'm going to the festival ahead of you." "Sounds good. I'll meet you at the front gate." "See ya." (N) smiles as Myles leaves the apartment. Suddenly his home phone rings and (N) rushes over to answer it. "Hello?" "Uh hey (N). Do you know what happened at the site yesterday? I got a call from Takashi and he said he was going to fix it but wouldn't tell me what was wrong. I thought you might know something since you were there?"
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(N) runs to the site where Takashi is already working. "Takashi!" "(N) what are you doing here?" "I'm sorry! If I'd done my job right you-" "It's not your fault." "It is!" "It slipped by me too. I didn't think about it until you went home. I admit you were careless but I should've noticed it before you left. Anyway. You have plans with Myles right?" "I can't go! Let me take responsibility!" "Forget it." "Takashi please!"

Takashi freezes for a moment then yells. "I need some low insulation tubing! 6 meters of type 20!" "Right!" (N) quickly digs through the van for the tubes. The sun started to set as (N) ran to the school gate. Myles smiles while holding a paper bag as (N) bends over panting. "I thought something must've happened. I was right." "I'm sorry." "It's okay. You were working hard haha. You're all sweaty."

Myles laughs while using his handkerchief to wipe (N)'s forehead. He puts away his handkerchief and holds out the paper bag. "Here. I brought us some sweet buns to eat on the way home." 'He's too good for me.' (N) takes a bun and smiles. "Thank you."
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"I heard you had a rough time yesterday." "(N) you're the first person I've met to skip a date to work." "I'm sorry it turned out that way. But if it's any consolation I'll pay you overtime for your work." (N) looks at his co-workers and boss. "I appreciate it but it was my mistake. You guys aren't upset?" "Everyone makes mistakes. What's important is how you make up for them."

Everyone turns as Takashi walks into the room with a serious pose. "You gave it your best and didn't cause the client any problems. From now on just don't make the same mistakes." (N)'s eyes widen as Takashi stares at him. "And if you still feel guilty. When you're showing a rookie the ropes and he makes a mistake you cover for him. Remember it's your job...and your love!" The men in the room laugh as (N) bows. "Thank you, Takashi I forget that!"

"Ha! Well said Takashi! Well, expect the love part." "He can't help it! He was a pop star after all!" The boss stands up and claps his hands. "All right gentleman come on! Let's get back to work!" "Yes sir!"