Wish ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 24: I Walk Alone

"Y/N? Earth to Y/N," Hiyori says, waving a hand in my face.

I blink my eyes and shake my head, bringing myself back to the moment. I'm at the café Hiyori works at. We're both situated at a table tucked away in a corner, her across from me as two steaming cups of caffeinated goodness sits before us. All around us the quiet hums of the shop buzz as people come in, purchase what they want, and leave. It's nice, actually.

"Y/N? Are you okay?" Hiyori asks, a concerned expression painting across her features.

I flash her a phony smile and nod, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just have a lot on my mind."

It's not a lie. In fact, it's the whole truth. Ever since my meeting with Yato the other day...my mind has been racing. More than that. I've been feeling an array of different emotions as well. Not that I should be. It's pointless and stupid, really. Really pointless and stupid.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she presses, a sweet smile lifting the corners of her lips.

I shake my head. "No, that's fine. Thanks though." I take a sip of my beverage and scan the café before adding, "So, you hang out here on your days off?"

"No, not usually," she replies with a slight giggle. "But I won't lie, I love the brew here, so I make my exceptions."

"Like hanging out with a friend?" I chortle.

"Especially when hanging out with friends," she giggles.

We sit and chat for a while. Mainly about insignificant things such as the weather, work, and music. None of it was too insightful, but in a way, we're still getting to know each other. Of course, we wouldn't be discussing anything too pivotal or private. Wouldn't want to scare away a blossoming friendship, after all. That would just, to put it in plain terms, suck. However, all the while we talk so jovially, I still can't shake my conversation with Yato away.

I couldn't see it, but there was a clock somewhere in Kofuku's place ticking, filling the silence which had surrounded us. It was just Yato and me left in the kitchen, the both of us sat on opposite ends of the table. He sat with his arms crossed over his chest and torso slouched, his eyes remaining glued on his cup of tea. I couldn't figure out why, but he would not look at me. He wouldn't look at me and he wouldn't say a word either. Which was starting to prompt me.

I opened my mouth to say something when he abruptly spoke, "So, you wanted to talk to me?"

My body went tense at his tone. It was dark and stern, though I managed to swallow, "Yes. I wanted to talk to you about the other day."

That caught his attention. His head lifted as his eyes finally met mine. His expression was blank yet surprised all at once. He straightened his posture slightly, though his arms remained crossed.

He cocked his head to the side and lifted a brow, questioning, "The other day? What about the other day?"

"You know," I shrugged. "When I saw you take down that...phantom."

His expression morphed into one of boredom. "Hmm. No. I don't recall that." The serious expression which was on his face melted into a goofy one. "In fact, I don't even think I know you."

That hit me. That hit me hard, actually. I was a tad taken aback. After all, he had shown up at my work to collect freaking five yen for a wish I never made. He at least recognized me then. So, he should know who I am now.

"You're joking, right?" I laughed half-heartedly.

"No, no," he answered, waving his hands dismissively. "I'm sure I have no idea who you are, though I'm flattered you came all this way for little ole me."

My eye twitched. "Wait, you're...you're really being serious? You honestly don't remember me?"

"Not a single clue," he smiled, standing up. "Sorry that you wasted your time by coming all the way here for nothin'. I'm flattered though. Really, I am." He gently patted my head as if I was some kind of a child. "You seem like a sweet girl. It was nice chatting."

And without a single word, he left, leaving me alone in the kitchen as the constant ticking remained in motion. Tick, tick. Tick, tick. Tick, tick. It sounded and continued, constantly circling until I stood up and made my leave.

I didn't look back that day. I couldn't look back that day. After that encounter, I've slowly made peace with it all. Peace in knowing that I'm obviously not well and clearly insane. So, I'm going to have to suck it up and make an appointment to up my dosage because I clearly need it...even if I do it in secrecy. And though that's a heavy reality to shoulder alone, it is a burden I choose to keep to myself.

As I sit and watch Hiyori, seeing her face light up as she chats away, I know I can't ruin that. I can't unload any of my problems onto her. They must remain mine and mine alone. I refuse to drag a casualty down with me. I refuse.

I'll do this alone.

**Ello lovelies! Little look as to the meeting with Yatty. What'd y'all think about that? Feel free to let me know what y'all think! Anywho, thank you so much for all your support! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. "Give Me More" by VAV. It's a total bop! I LOVE it!

P.S.S. By the time y'all read this I'll either be on the road heading home (boo) or already back (still boo).