Black Thunder (Markson AU)

Chapter 7: It's Not Fair

"Hm. Should I get the grape flavor or the cherry flavor?"

Jackson felt the tips of his ears redden at the thought of how embarrassing he looked, standing all alone, muttering to himself in the medicine aisle of the store holding two boxes of cold medicine. He felt his body go cold as he saw a couple of heads turn his way, so Jackson reverted his gaze back onto the medicine. Please go away, he screamed silently to the onlookers. Why are you watching me fret over the flavor of chemicals and goo that help fight disease? Don't you have better things to do?

"Both of them taste gross anyways," he grimaced, quietly this time. He shelved the cherry one knowing that just the thought of it made him gag. Satisfied with his choice, Jackson went up to the counter and paid for his items. Along with the medicine, Jackson stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables, and the real winner, canned chicken noodle soup. Not only was it on sale, it also got Jackson out of trying to sneak food out of his work. Mr. Kim had already given the employees plenty of reminders that the food in the restaurant was for the restaurant, and if they wanted to have some of their own, they'd have to pay for it. After bagging all of his purchases, Jackson thanked the cashier and left the store.

Jackson paced along through the streets, feeling like he was walking on air. He began to replay the conversation he had with Mr. Kim just a few hours prior.

"Hi Mr. Kim," Jackson said, popping his head through Mr. Kim's office.

His boss looked up from his computer. "Hi Jackson," he said, his curious brown eyes peering through his glasses, "is there something you need?"

Jackson shuffled into his office and held his hands behind his back. "I was wondering if I could leave work early today?"

Mr. Kim furrowed his dark eyebrows and took his hands off the keyboard. "Why?"

"Well," Jackson started, taking off his snapback and running a hand through his hair, "you know how Mark is my roommate?" He began.

"Mhm."

"He's not going to be here today," Jackson said, with a tinge of sadness. "He's sick and at my apartment."

"Oh, I see." Mr. Kim nodded.

"Anyways, he's by himself, and there's no medicine or anyone to take care of him," Jackson explained. "So I was wondering if I could leave a little bit early today." He watched Mr. Kim's expression cross over to thoughtfulness as he considered the notion. "I'll do extra hours of work, I promise. I'm just worried about him."

Jackson didn't even have to act. He truly was worried about his roommate, all alone in his apartment with no medicine or adequate food. Ramen, cereal, and fruit snacks is not a balanced diet for a healthy person, let alone a person with a cold and fever. Jackson found himself holding his hands behind his back again, watching Mr. Kim think about his requests.

Mr. Kim chuckled and nodded. "I understand, Jackson. Go ahead and leave early. Is 11 okay for you?"

Jackson nodded enthusiastically, relieved. "Of course, of course! Thank you so much!" He bowed before dashing out of his boss's office.

Jackson whistled to himself while making his way to his apartment, swinging the bag filled with medicine, soup, and fresh fruits and vegetables as a few weak rays of sun shone on his face. He was excited to get back to his apartment and see Mark again. It was jarring to him how lonely he'd been all these years. Those three hours were painstakingly long and lonely. The air was on the colder side, with a slight bitter breeze that sliced through the air. Because of this, Jackson practically sped towards his apartment and unlocked the door.