The Boy From Everywhere

Ch. 17: The Shift

So, as it turned out, I got the job at the convenience store, with my schedule coinciding with Eli's. Only difference is that my shift lasts for a shorter time, starting at 11:00 p.m. and lasting until 5:00 a.m. so I can still stay undetected from my aunt whenever I'm out. I'm contented with the pay, either way, too, and at only twice a week and at a time when there are barely any customers, I expected the job to be pretty easy.

I just didn't think it would end up being this boring.

"Is there anything we need to arrange or something? Some stocks that need to be checked? Cleaning? Reporting? Anything?"

I got bored really quickly, and it was only an hour after my shift started. Who knew I'd ever find myself looking for something to do on my first ever job because I ended up applying for one that didn't require much of an effort.

"Not that I know of," Eli replied as he looked through some notes in his hands. Not that I could be sure they were related to the store. For all I know, it could actually even be related to his work as a librarian, or a delivery driver.

"Do you ever get tired from having so many jobs to do?" I eventually asked, resting my chin on my propped hand as I looked at him from my side of the counter.

He glanced towards me after I asked, and then a smile formed on his face as he looked back at his notes, writing something. "It's kinda flustering when you show concern like that, Hannah~"

"You know, I think you need to realize that not all forms of affection are romantic, Eli."

He giggled, and I rolled my eyes before turning my gaze to the area outside. The rainy season really had started already. At such a late hour, the rain still fell continuously, and I wondered if this would keep going until early morning. I really hope not.

"Anyway, most of the work we do here is usually just keeping watch of the store in case someone comes and buys something. Most of the busy work had already been done by the morning shifters, anyway," Eli continued informing me about this job. I listened without turning to him, but I hoped he'd think that that was the case, too.

"Yeah, I guess that's good, too," I replied, before pausing and then looking back towards Eli, observing his face. He always smiled a lot, so I guess it was expected that his face would have lines around his eyes. But I wondered about his eyebags, too, if I were being honest. "... How many hours do you sleep in a day?" I asked with furrowed brows.

Eli looked away, humming as he thought of an answer. "Hmm... About three to four hours on the weekdays-"

"Three to four hours?!" The volume of my voice instantly went up before I could even control it. But even then, I don't think there was much I can do considering my shock at what he just said. I mean, three to four hours? It's a miracle how he still manages to be energetic all this time despite his schedule! "How are you still alive??"

Eli just laughed nervously as he looked away, placing his hand on the back of his head while seemingly trying to think of a way to explain himself. "I mean, I do sleep for about 10 hours on the weekends..."

"That's still not enough to make up for the hours you've missed," I told him, unimpressed, and yet it seemed he really couldn't think of any other justification anymore either.

Well, maybe that was the reason he always looked so still when he slept. Was that his body just almost ultimately shutting down to get as much rest as possible? How does one even do that?

But on that topic, all of a sudden, I was reminded of the main reason why I decided to take this job: so Eli could get some rest. I knew it would definitely be a weird thing to say, but he needed it. I pursed my lips as I fought my hesitancy to speak, and then...

"Why don't you just sleep for now, then? I'll watch over the store in the meantime, and I can just wake you up if I need help with something."

"Hmm?" Eli looked at me with wide eyes, before they widened even more as the thought seemed to dawn on him. "H-huh?! B-but-"

"We both know that you need it, so might as well just take this chance already!" I spoke with a firm voice.

"B-but..." Still, his hesitancy remained as he looked away from me and his voice began to soften. "It's a bit embarrassing to just... leave you to do things on your own on the first day..."

I looked at him silently, watching as he explained his side. Though I get him, eventually I just chuckled to myself before assuring him. "That's okay for me. After all, I did want to have something to do once I got here."

He turned to me again, and then for a moment, I could swear I saw his eyes sparkle before they disappeared with his smile. "You really are a kind person, Hannah..."

I burst out laughing before I could even stop myself. "Pfft! Hey, where did that even come from?"

Eli replied like he knew better. "It's true, though."

"But it's so random??"

"You know, Hannah, you should really learn how to take a compliment."

"Oh, and you know how to?" I doubt Eli did. After all, after I had asked such a question, he immediately turned away from me, resting his head on the counter.

"I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight!"

"Hey, don't ignore my question!"

Well, somehow, these days really have been feeling brighter. I hadn't noticed it at first, but I had suddenly found a reason to smile, even laugh. Even if it ruins my sleep schedule much more than it already was, at least I had...

Ba-dump.

... Eli.

My eyes widened when I suddenly realized my heart beating rapidly. "W-what the- What is... this?" I quickly turned away from Eli before bringing my hand to my heart. My heart had started beating rapidly all of a sudden, but when I actually checked... "Oh no. Why would you do this?" 

It really was beating rapidly. Not that I can be completely sure of the reason why, but it definitely had something to do with this boy sleeping at the counter.