Hope ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 7: Till the Casket Falls

"What do you think about this one?" Hiyori asks, turning from side to side. "Too formal? Too casual? Be honest."

I lift my brow, staring at my only friend. She is dressed in what can be best described as a sundress. An all-black sundress with thin straps. While it is cute, it is by no means appropriate for the event we are shopping for.

"Too formal? There is no such thing as 'too formal' when it comes to the Paxton Free Young Award," I retort. "If anything, it's way, way too casual. This is a swanky gig."

She nods, "True. Ugh. This is even more difficult than when I went shopping for that first date outfit."

I chuckle, "Yeah, well...the Paxton Free Young Award is a pretty big deal...and we all know how that goes."

"Don't we all?" she chortles.

Honestly, yes. We all do know. Any medical brat knows the importance of this award. To any doctor or medical professional, it is the equivalence of the Grammy's. Any recipient would become a medical god. But thinking about the Paxton Free Young Award...I can't help but think about my parents.

I can't help but revisit my memories of the late nights my mother would busy herself with research. I can't keep from recalling the countless school events my father missed due to meetings. I can't help but forget how both missed so much of mine and my siblings' lives due to surgeries, meetings, and research. They missed so much, but as medical brats, my siblings and I were expected to always just stand back and let our parents do what they needed to reach the top.

Sure, they were chasing their goals and dreams, most likely trying to send a positive message to my siblings and me. However, while my siblings fitted into their molds, I had a difficult time trying to be like them. I couldn't be like them. I didn't know how...I still don't know how. Though I grew up and all I know is science and medicine, I still stuck out like a sore thumb.

While YB/N (your brother's name -if you have one, if not make up a name) and YS/N (your sister's name -if you have one, if not make up a name) were shining like brilliant little stars by doing everything our parents expects of them, I was busy chasing myself through the clouds. Though I thrived in my science courses and exceeded in school in general, I still only wanted to capture pictures. Everywhere I looked, I wanted to click away a camera and freeze a moment of time. That was all I wanted to do. That and to get away from YF/N and YM/N. Well, more so YM/N than YF/N, but he never helped me in the end. He would just stand to idle while YM/N would raise us the way she saw fit.

With an iron fist and total control.

"I wonder if Mr. Sui has anything more suiting," Hiyori says, pulling me back to the moment. "But we've already searched the whole shop."

Clearing my throat, I reply, "Well, why don't we ask him? I'm sure he can tell us."

"Maybe," she agrees.

At that, we both begin to search the shop. We peek through racks and clothes, looking for Mr. Sui. I see Ree at the register helping a customer, but I do not see Mr. Sui anywhere. Unusual. He's supposed to be here. In fact, he's almost always here, especially by now. Then again, it is close to the lunch hours. Maybe he stepped out to grab a bite to eat? Curious, I walk over to Ree just as the older woman she was helping leaves.

Ree must hear me approaching because she glimpses up and smiles, "Oh, hey Y/N. What're you doing out here?"

"I'm on my break," I shrug, leaning against the counter. "Ree, have you seen Mr. Sui today?"

She blinks. "Hmm. Now that you mention it, no. Oh, wait. He stepped in briefly earlier and told me that he wouldn't be in until late today."

"Late?" I repeat quizzically. "Did he say why?"

She shrugs, "No. But I'm pretty sure it's because today is his and Bridgette's anniversary."

My eyes go wide. Today...today is his and Bridgette's anniversary? What? I had no idea. I mean, I remember listening to Mr. Sui talking about his late wife. I recall quite a bit of that conversation. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. However, I was not expecting this.

"His and Bridgette's anniversary," I repeat, fidgeting with my fingers. "Oh. Well, thanks for letting me know Ree."

"No problem," she says. "If he gets back, later on, do you want me to tell him you'd like to speak with him?"

I shake my head. "No. No, I'll talk to him about this at a later day. Thanks though, Ree."

"Sure thing," she nods.

At that, I turn away, returning to my place by Hiyori. My friend stands here, her unique eyes watching me as I shift uncomfortably. She lifts a brow, curiosity washing over her face.

"What did she say?" she asks.

I stuff my hands in my pockets. "That...uh...well, Mr. Sui isn't here."

She tilts her head to the side. "Not here? Why not?"

"Umm...well, today is his and his wife's anniversary."

Her eyes go wide. Her eyes go wide and her mouth becomes slightly agape. A sense of horror goes across her countenance.

"Oh...I completely forgot," she swallows. "Well, maybe..."

"I say we just call it a day on shopping," I interject.

She nods, "Yeah. Not a bad idea. We'll figure something out later." She shifts her weight. "Well, thanks for spending your break with me. I'll let you get back to work."

"No problem," I try to smile. "I'll text ya later."

"Kay. I'll see ya around, Y/N." She mirrors the smile back.

I just nod and begin to make my way back to my office. All the while I can only think about one thing. Mr. Sui thinking about his beloved.

**Ello lovelies! More mentions of Mr. Sui. Should be interesting to see what all happens next, huh? Y'all ready to see what I have planned? Feel free to make your guesses/theories! Once again, thank you so, so, soooo much for all your support! Y'all are awesome sauce!! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross