Between Footsteps| p.jm

FIVE| .-.. . ... ... --- -.

Author's note: As confusing as this is, there technically isn't a 'day' in the Between. The setting always appears to be night time. When I reference day or other periods of time, I'm using the terms loosely as ways to correlate with the ringing of the clock tower that indicates the beginning and end of the work day. Also, if I ever accidentally refer to 62 as Jimin before it's cannon, please point it out XD it's very difficult to not say this beautiful boy's name and I keep having to catch myself. Thank you for reading, and I'm sorry every chapter is so freaking long <3

~~~

You woke up to the sound of the clock tower and jolted upwards upon hearing the now familiar noise. You didn't feel as if you had rested well and groaned remembering how heavy your mind had been before going to sleep.

It's important to note that so far, you hadn't had any dreams in the Between. The sleep you had was merely to re-energize you for work... but to be honest you weren't even sure if you had to sleep. Do dead people sleep? 

You wearily rolled off of the creaking bed and made yourself shuffle to the small bathroom. You had showered the night before, and like usual, you looked like a mess. Your hair stuck out in places as if an animal had nested there, and your now over worn pajamas were wrinkled. With the few supplies you were given, you attempted to manage your appearance. 

While brushing your hair, you froze upon remembering that today would be different. You wouldn't just be working at the food truck, but also learning how to dance with 62. This thought made you shrink even further under the appearance staring back at you and you released an irritated sigh. 

With all that had happened the night before, you had almost forgotten about the deal you had struck with the ringmaster. Thinking about it now, you regretted it a bit. What had you been thinking?! You, on stage, with 62? You weren't cut out for such a thing and knew you had been placed to work at the food vendor for a reason. You bit your lower lip upon further remembering that you had accepted the offer for something more than just any memory. It was a sure way to configure the workings of the Between from behind the scenes and to find out what had happened to Chloe. 

You scoffed at yourself as you continued to look in the mirror.

"You're dead," You told yourself, "And you're a bronze food truck worker. Be proud of it and don't worry about stupid things like appearances while in a situation where you could be pulled away by ghosts. That's a far greater concern. Besides, you're not ugly or anything, just not... well off at the moment. But that still doesn't matter! Because you're dead!"

Positive thinking always wins. You smiled in triumph at the thoughts that shouldn't have been uplifting and began lacing the boots 25 had given you energetically. The happy determination slightly faltered however when you remembered you still hadn't told your fellow workers that you had taken on a new job. And that 62 would be picking you up at mid day.

You felt awful and wondered if they'd be able to run the truck without your help and the new surplus of guests requesting food in the evenings. You weren't sure, and the guilt ate you alive as you wearily exited the bronze apartment building and made your way to the truck.

"You're a bit late," 52 spoke gruffly before releasing an 'Ow!' upon getting hit on the head by 19.

"She's a lady," He hissed, "79 needs time to get ready and look pretty."

You laughed nervously and played with your hair a bit; on edge knowing that they didn't know about the deal and trying to decide how to tell them. You weren't able to get a word in as your apron was swiftly handed to you and you were told to turn on the fryers.

Guests were already there. 

"Um, 19?" You started to speak as the old man lifted the front of the truck so customers could interact with the three of you. You figured letting him know first was the best choice considering he would most likely be more lenient on the situation compared to the other two.