Memory

Chapter 3.2

The android still hasn’t said a word. He just slowly cleaned up the mess he made and went back to his station.

“Let him take his time,” Ken had whispered to Tetsuya. He nodded in agreement and the two returned to their stations as well. For the next few hours, an awkward silence grew amongst them. They were busy, yes, but in between work there were always little random chitchats but now, it was just complete silence.

“Urgghh, I can’t take this anymore!” Ken groaned as he dropped his empty train on the counter.

“O-oi! You were the one who said—” Tetsuya cut off, not finishing his sentence.

“Yeah, but I didn’t say that we should stay silent for the rest of the day!” Ken retorted,

“Ehh...” Tetsuya didn’t have anything else to say.

A soft chuckle from behind the two startled them and they turned around to see the android finally smiling again,

“Ne, Yukkie! Daijoubu ka?” Ken asked,

“Yeah, I think…?” He said with a weak smile, “I’m just, speechless and…really shocked. But yeah, I’m more than alright.”

“Great!” Tetsuya and Ken said in unison.

**************

“Yukkie! Please…listen to me”

“No…Goodbye.” He said and walked away.

“Yukkie…Yukkie!”

…

“Yukkie!!!” His scream was heard and so were his approaching footsteps.

“Hyde, don’t--!” but as soon as he turned around, Hyde was already there and he shoved Yukihiro hard, causing him to fall back on the cold asphalt.

Then, Yukihiro Awaji of the present woke with a start. He immediately sat up and felt beads of sweat dripping and his breathing was heavy, “Not again,” he sighed, digging his palm on his face, “the past is haunting me once more.”

He checked his digital clock; 8:35 am

“Still so early” He yawned.

He grabbed his phone to find Tetsuya’s message from earlier today still open;

Good morning Yukkie!

You looked terrible yesterday, like you’ve seen a ghost. Well…haha!

Anyway, I want you to take the day off today. Rest well, alright?

And also, it’s great isn’t t? You’ve finally found him! :D

And Yukihiro had replied with;

Thanks Tetsu J

I think it’s more like he’s the one who found me though ^^;

The thin man was about to set it down when he realized he received a message not too long ago from Ken;

Unfair! Tetchan is so concerned for you that he gave you a day off TT^TT

Hehe! Just Kidding of course ;) You owe me though! Or maybe…Tetchan does. Hehehe I’m so gonna surprise jump him!

Yukihiro let out a small laugh at his silly friend;

Haha thanks Kenchan!

Lol good luck with that. I don’t think your Tetchan will be happy with that idea though… xD

And to his surprise, a reply was instantly received;

Shh ;)

Ne, Quite a coincidence, huh? Make your move and refresh his mind! Or maybe it’s already back? Who knows. You can do it!!! \(^o^)/

Yukihiro sighed. He was more than glad to see that Hyde was possible nearby but, he still wasn’t sure how to face him or how to get the Hyde from before back. He curled up under his sheets and filled his head with thoughts of Hyde before drifting back to sleep.

**************

“Ah! Ohayo Yukkie,” Tetsuya greeted as Yukihiro entered the shop, “for once you’re actually here before opening time.” He added with a wink.

“Hehe, hai!” Yukihiro chuckled,

“You’d better tell him Tetchan,” Ken said before popping a cigarette between his lips.

“Tell me what?”

“I was getting to that. And, oi! No smoking in here.” Tetsuya warned.

“Hai, wakatta wakatta~” Ken said and headed outside.

“Anyway, as I was saying,” Tetsuya continued, “Yesterday while you were out, we got a new employee.”

“Eh? Honto ni? Dare?” Yukihiro asked,

“Etoo, it was just the two of us yesterday and he asked if he could help and he said he needed the cash, so I uhh…I thought it was a great opportunity and…”

“Wait, don’t tell me it’s—”

But they were both distracted by the sound of a bell, signaling the door opening. A brunette stuck his head in and shyly smiled at them, “O-ohayo…” he greeted before stepping inside.

“…Hyde.” Yukihiro finished with a blank expression.

“Heh, Ohayo Hyde-san,” Tetsuya greeted, letting out a nervous chuckle.

“A-ah, o-ohayo,” Yukihiro awkwardly said,

“A-no, Yukihiro-kun, ne?” Hyde asked,

“Hai, demo, Just call me Yukkie” He requested,

“Wakatta, Yukkie-kun~” Hyde replied with a sweet smile on his face. Yukihiro instantly looked away as he felt his cheeks burn. He missed hearing that voice say his name.

“Thanks for having me here, Tetsu.” The brunette said,

“Same to you!” He replied with a bright smile, “Now, before anything else, Yukkie will show you around, ne?”

This startled the dazed man, “A-re? I will?! Ah—I mean,” A nervous chuckle escaped him, “Y-yeah, I will.” He finished and motioned for Hyde to follow him, and he followed with a little laugh.

Yukihiro looked back at Tetsu who was about to head outside. He saw him give a wink before closing the door behind him, and the android wasn’t sure if he was supposed to thank Tetsu for this or not.