Closer ★ JJK Oneshots & Preferences

✮ Yuji Itadori

[ Y/n ]

The graveyard shift is my favorite. It's a lot easier than having to work alone during the day. My coworkers told me that if I switched to nights I'd have to deal with a lot of creepy stuff, I think that just stemmed from their paranoia.

My back does ache a bit from bad posture. Still, the floors need to be swept. I take the broom from the supply closet and start sweeping up things I can see.

My chores are a lot simpler too. Sweep, mop, and restock as needed. Anyone 'brave' enough to work nights is just getting a better deal.

Overhead the radio plays old pop music. I should ask to change the channel... It gets a bit repetitive.

I pull the chairs out from the tables so I can clean the area better. Someone passes by the window but doesn't stop in. The streetlights illuminate the quiet street outside.

It's peaceful at night.

There's not much else to sweep and my back hurts more. I empty the dustpan into the garbage and then place them both back into the closet.

2:26

Only four more hours to go. I take my seat back at the front counter and grab my phone. No new messages. Of course, everyone else is asleep.

The bell jingles, snapping me back into my work mindset. "Welcome in." The boy doesn't respond but starts walking down the aisles.

He seems a bit dazed. Probably high. Hopefully, he won't be difficult. I watch as he stands in front of the instant ramen section trying to decide.

He reaches for one then stops. None of them are really that good. He finally grabs one and drops it in his basket. I shouldn't be staring.

My hands search for something to do on the counter. Nothing. I turn and pretend to stock the cigarettes behind me. If I'm lucky he's too out of it to notice I'm just pulling boxes out and then putting them back.

"'Scuse me, I'm ready." I turn back to him and gasp. My hand slaps over my mouth to stop the noise. He stares blankly at me for a moment. "Are you ok?"

"I'm alright..." He looks around awkwardly. He can't seriously of not noticed. "You're bleeding." The boy looks down at himself. "Oh! Oh, this is nothing. I'm fine."

I look over the counter at the blood tracked throughout the store. His eyes follow mine. "I can clean that up." Don't be ridiculous, you shouldn't even be standing.

"Sorry but can I buy these?" He pushes his basket further towards me. Speechlessly, I nod. I start mindlessly scanning all of his items for him.

We don't sell any first aid here. Would that even help? He probably needs a hospital more than anything. "Do you need me to call someone?"

I place his last item in the bag. "Yeah, actually I think my phone is busted. Could I use yours?" Not what I meant, I meant an ambulance.

"Sure... Your total is ¥1593."

He pays then I pass him his bag and my phone. "Thank you. I'll be quick." I sit back down and watch as he dials the number.