"honesty and grace" (Mezo Shoji X Reader)

Chapter 12

"Thank you, Sir, please come again." Your sweet smile was on display to an elderly man who had ordered a few pastries. He gave you a small but genuine one in return, turning around to leave the store. Luckily, the rush of U.A. students had already passed because they got out early today. You overheard a conversation between a few of them, talking about how today was an odd day for staff and that it would be alright to send the students out at around 11. Surprisingly, no one from class 1A had even shown up, not even Ojiro. Though, he probably wanted to give you some space, given that the last time you spoke to him, you snapped about swimming.

Though, one familiar face walked in through the doors, looking at you and raising a hand. "Hey," Shoji started, looking at the register beside you, noticing that no one is manning it. "Where is your friend?"

With a sigh, you look over to the empty space, then to the tall teenager. "Our mother's come home today, and she got off before I did so she could be at the airport to greet them when they land. While I, unfortunately, have to sit around and deal with people for the next four hours." Your laugh was subtle.

He seemed to take note of that, a mouth forming on his right while an eye on his left to scan the pastry options. "So, I don't know if it's any of my business, I just want to make sure you're okay. Ojiro said you were upset over the phone yesterday."

Your arms crossed as you looked down at the pattern of the marble counter. "Did he really tell you about that?" You were practically pouting. "I was just in a bad mood yesterday. He caught me at a bad time."

As expected, he ordered the same fish-shaped pastries he always did. "Oh, I see." He pulled out some yen, putting it on the counter as you slid the pastries into a white paper bag. "Well, I know you have your mother coming home tonight, so I won't bother you with asking to hang out." His voice is soft, grabbing the bag as you slide it over to him.

You only hum with a smile, listening in as some murmurs are cast over the whole bakery, having it be quieter than usual. You were both confused, turning to see that everyone was looking over at the small TV in the corner of the room. On it was the nation's news station. Odd, you thought. We never have the news on.

"Tragedy struck almost two hours earlier here on Okinawa Island." Says a news reporter, standing in front of the airport of Okinawa Island. "A Delta Airline plane from California's airport LAX was forced to make an emergency landing. As it came down, the plane collided with another one on the runway. It soon caught fire, and unfortunately, exploded. Officials are working on putting out the fire now, in a desperate search for survivors."

The room was silent, the sound of people being drowned out as thoughts flood your mind. Shoji's voice had been saying your name, but you couldn't hear him. Your mouth was dry, feeling the pricking sensation in your eyes as tears began to well. You wanted to scream, to say anything. It felt as though your mind was in a daze, not being able to think legitimate thoughts. There had been a commotion throughout the bakery; gasping, crying, sighing, and even people grabbing their phones to make calls.

Suddenly, you snap back to reality, looking over at Shoji with your eyes wide. "Can I please borrow your phone?" You ask frantically, not caring if he sees you like this. Without a word, he gets his phone quickly, handing it to you. Without hesitation, you dial your mother's number. She should've landed by now and would've had her phone.

It rang for just a moment, before the triple tone played. "I'm sorry, but the number you've reached is no longer available." It continued to speak, but you couldn't hear it over the sound of your own crying and gasping.

The whole bakery had turned to you, even your manager walked out to see you on your knees behind the counter. Kiko had looked up at the television and realized what was going on. He sped towards you, pressing his hand against your shoulder as you shuddered, hands pressing violently against the floor. His head raised to see Shoji, his eyes staring at you in a wreck of concern. "You know her?" Your manager asked the tall man, having him nod in response. The two spoke to each other for a moment, though you weren't able to make out the conversation. Your mind couldn't direct its attention anywhere else.