Ishimondo Oneshots

Impulse Buying

   "It's really not that difficult, we have to get what's on the list and only that! No more buying things on an impulse!"

   I nodded at Taka's remark, reading over the list again. Eggs, milk, bread, beef, butter... the list went on and on with boring shit like that. What's the fun in living if you can't impulse buy two hundred ring pops? I put the list on the cart and looked to my bro. "Can I add to the list?"

   "No way! That would ruin the balance of this entire endeavor!" I groaned. "We came to the store to buy food for the next week, not to mess around."

   "I love you, bro, but that's fucking stupid."

   Taka rolled his eyes. "Mondo, just wheel the cart to the produce section!" I complied and went where I was told. It made sense that Taka was so strict with the list. I always bought dumb shit that was never on the list and it would take up space in our house for much longer than my bro was comfortable with. I usually did the shopping alone, but he insisted he came this time to show me how to do it properly. I'm going to try really hard not to impulse buy if it will make Taka happy. "What does the list say, dear? For produce."

   I took out the list. It was color coded. "Green beans, arugula, apples, and bananas."

   "Hm, thank you."

   It went on like this for a while. I read what we needed, Taka put it in the cart. It was repetitive and fucking boring. It would be a lot more interesting if I bought that hula hoop I saw near the cereals. But no, Taka wouldn't want that, and I have no right to make this experience any worse for him. Just smile and suck it up.

   "Bro, are you feeling alright?"

   Taka's voice startled me. "Of course I am."

   "No, it's fine." He took car keys out of his pocket and handed them to me while holding my hand. "You can wait for me in the car with Chuck while I pay for this. He'd probably love the company, anyways."

   I squeezed his hand and took the keys. "Use my card, though."

   As I walked off, I heard Taka yell "I won't!" That's disappointing. I'll have to pay him back.

   Heading to the car, I think of how much of a nuisance I was this entire trip. Taka was trying to keep me in line the entire time when I could've been actually helping. All I did was push a cart, and I know Taka is able to do that.

   In the car, I'm immediately embraced by Chuck. "Who's a good boy?" He sat in my lap and I stroked his head. "When dad comes back, you'll get your treats, okay?" Chuck barked in response and I sighed. "Why are you so fucking adorable?"

   After what felt like forever, Taka finally came to the car. I gave Chuck the treats I promised him and started helping my bro load up the car. "How much do I owe ya?"

   He furrowed his brow. "The groceries were about ten thousand yen, but you don't owe me anything."

   "I'll write you a check late—" I came across an abnormally light bag. "What's in this one...?"

   Before I could look inside, Taka snatched the bag out of my hand. "N-nothing at all!"

   "Nothing?"

   "Yes."

   "Bullshit." I took the bag back from Taka and opened it up. What was in it surprised me. "Several bags of M&Ms? That wasn't on the list, Taka."

   "I know! And I bought thirty of them!" Taka exclaimed. He looked so defeated. "They said they were a new flavor that would only be in stores for a limited time, I couldn't not take that offer!"

   I laughed. "And you were afraid I would impulse buy something stupid."

   "It was so difficult not to. I guess I'm just as bad at shopping as you are."

    I laughed and kissed his cheek. "You definitely are, bro. Now let's go home."