The Night Before

The night before, as I was about to leave work, we got a surprise customer. My ex-girlfriend. I was in the break room at the time as the boss let me know.

All of my coworkers and my boss knows my ex; she was still my girlfriend at the time. She’d often visit me while I was working and strike conversations with my coworkers. It was surprising for everybody when I told them we broke up a week ago.

The reason I told most of them was that the relationship just didn’t work out, but only the boss and Ako knew the real reason: she cheated. I didn’t understand why. The boss and Ako comforted me, telling me that it wasn’t my fault, but even so, I can’t help but blame myself.

I wouldn’t dare confront her, but even so, I want to see her face. I asked my boss if I can look at her from the monitoring station, the computer where the feed of the surveillance cameras is shown. He gave me a worried nod as he went to assist the cashier.

I checked the camera’s footage and, true enough, my ex is in the store right now. She got her usual food items: a peach-flavored drink, meat bun, and chips. I clutched something inside my pocket; something important. A ring.

She’d always come when I’m working and wait until the end of my shift. Why is she here then? Did she forget we broke up? The most probable reason is that she wants to talk. I couldn’t get myself to answer her messages and calls after all.

She’s at the counter now and I see both the boss and Ako behind the cash register. It’s going normally, just like every transaction, until Ako made erratic movements. I couldn’t hear anything from the live recording but Ako is yelling so loud that I could hear what she’s saying all the way from here.

“How dare you come here! Do you know how much he’s suffered!”

It gave me chills. This is the first time I’ve ever heard Ako raise her voice like this. Yeah, she’s the energetic type but she’s a well-mannered girl from what I know.

Boss is trying so hard to restrain Ako but she keeps on lunging forward, hurling the items on the counter at my ex. This isn’t good! I bolted up and immediately went out the employee lounge to help stop her.

As soon as I exited the lounge, the very first thing I saw is my ex making a disinterested face, like she didn’t care about what she’s looking at. I never saw her make that face before, and she and Ako were cordial when we were still together. No wonder Ako kept trying to lunge at her.

My ex noticed me immediately and shifted her attention to me; her attitude completely changing a complete 180°.

“Darling! I’ve been calling you but you wouldn’t answer. I’m so sorry…"

She talked and pleaded that she wanted to get back with me, and that she made a mistake.

I could only stare at her face while she begged. I remembered the good times we had and some of the bad times too, but I couldn’t recognize her face anymore. Before, every time I look at her face, it made me smile from ear-to-ear but now, I only feel like crying.

I’m so worn out. I look at Ako, still shouting, although this time she’s telling me not to believe my ex’s lies.

“Senpai! Don’t listen to her! She’ll hurt you again! Boss, please let me go!”

“Ako! You need to calm down. People outside are looking.” The boss warned her.

I looked outside and, he is right. A crowd has formed– gossiping amongst themselves as they record and take pictures.

“I don’t care! Senpai, please… she doesn’t… deserve you. You’re a-an… amazing p-person…” Ako starts sobbing, finally done squirming around.

I’m so lucky… and pathetic. To have a friend that would stand up for me. To have a younger girl save me. I want to do right by her.

I grab my ex’s hand and take her inside the lounge, away from prying eyes. I gave the boss a knowing look and he returned a nod.

“Senpai?” Ako, confused, could only watch as we disappeared from sight.

We went from the lounge all the way to the back door– the same door employees use to get in and out of the convenience store.

Outside, away from everyone, I talked to my ex… for the final time.

“Darling, it felt so good to hold your hands again! It made me feel like I’m being taken off my feet by you. I-”

“Let’s end this.”

“H-huh?”

“I loved you; you know. So, so much. And yet you went and cheated on me anyway. I could never figure out why but I don’t think I care anymore.”

I grabbed and took the ring out from my pocket.

“W-wait! Just wait!”

“We’re done, Emily. Goodbye.”

I tossed the ring towards her. She didn’t catch it so it just hit her face as it rolled around on the floor. I went back inside and locked the door behind me.

Surprisingly, Ako is now in the lounge, though, she has her face planted deep on the table. Is she still upset? I want to thank her for giving me strength.

“Ako.”

She doesn’t respond. I sat beside her.

“I’m sorry for worrying you. You did all that for me, didn’t you? Thank you, Ako. I’ve never had someone stand up for me like that before. I was very surprised.”

I patted her head. She still wouldn’t respond but I feel something move. Ako slowly lifted her head, her face is all messy. I withdrew my hand but she quickly grabbed it and placed it back on her head. I guess have to pat her some more.

“Senpai?” Ako said softly, although it sounded more like she’s exhausted. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was.

“Hmm?”

“Are you alright?”

I smiled. Even now she worries for me. What did I do to deserve such a caring kouhai!

“Don’t worry. I’m all good now, thanks to you.”

She shied away, directing her gaze away from me. I pulled back my hand. I guess she had enough patting.

“You’re always so nice to me… why is that?” Ako shyly asked.

“Ako… well, let’s see. Probably because you’re a wonderful person.”

“I-I see… Senpai… you know… I-” The boss enters the lounge, interrupting her.

“Ah, Naoki. You’re here. What happened? Is Emily… you know?”

“Ah. She won’t be coming back anymore. I’m sorry, you two. If I had just told her that earlier, then none of this would’ve happened.” It’s true. Had I not ignored her messages and told her how I felt then, none of us would feel this way right now.

“Well, it’s all good now, Naoki.”

“…” Ako doesn’t say anything. Instead, she crouched, not showing her face and expressions as much as possible, kind of like a cocoon.

Me and the boss exchanged glances then looked at Ako. I guess she’s not feeling well? Or is she being shy? Only one way to find out.

“Still, I never knew Ako had it in her. I was so shocked!” The boss said in a light-hearted manner.

I followed suit. “I know, right? I guess I should be careful not to anger you. Should I refer to you as Ms. Ako now?” I joked as well.

“Hmmm!” Ako grumbled as she crouched further, her face now completely invisible although, I can clearly see her ears going totally red.

The boss and I laughed heartily.

“Well, if Ako ever gets a boyfriend, at least we know that he’ll be in good hands.”

I laugh some more but I notice that I am the only one laughing now. I look at the boss but he just gives me an awkward smile. Ako also emerges from her cocoon to look at me with absolute shock.

Huh? Did I say something wrong? Why is everyone quiet?

“Um, what is it? I didn’t say anything weird, did I?”

“Well…” The boss gives Ako a worried look. It made me look at Ako too.

“H-huh? I-I… I don’t k-know…” The air quickly turned uncomfortable. I think the best thing to do in cases like these is to make a tactical retreat.

I stood up and got my stuff. “Well, I think I’ll go first then.” I was already supposed to go home before my ex came. As soon as I got to the door, Ako grabbed my clothes from behind.

She didn’t say anything though. I looked at the boss and he let out a weary sigh.

“Ako, you should go home for now. I’ll take care of things here until the next employee arrives.”

“B-but.” Ako was about to retort but the boss started talking over her.

“Naoki. Walk her home, okay? It’s getting late and I’m worried that some of those onlookers earlier are still out and about.”

“Sure thing.”

The boss and Ako gave each other knowing glances. What’s that about?

Ako quickly got her things and left with me.

The parking lot behind the backdoor is now empty. I guess Emily already left, although I do hear a faint sobbing from somewhere. It’s not my business to meddle though. I have to take Ako home.

…

We walk towards the train station where I’ll drop Ako off. She’s lagging behind me, about 5 steps away. That’s not good. I slowed down to let her catch up.

The moment she caught up, as I was about to start walking again, she grabbed my wrist.

“Ako?”

“Senpai… I’m a bit tired so… if I don’t hold on to you, I’ll lag behind again.”

“…” I stayed quiet, unsure how to respond.

My silence must’ve made her think that I don’t like the idea as she timidly let go. I don’t really mind, and if she’s tired then I’d like to do as much to make her comfortable.

I take it upon myself and grab her by the hand, leading her to our destination.

“Senpai?!” She squeaked from surprise.

“Don’t worry. It’s okay.”

The air must’ve gotten hot considering her hand is basically dripping wet. We usually make back-and-forth jokes about each other but just for tonight, I won’t say anything.

The rest of the way felt like forever. Neither of us uttered a word– we only heard the sounds of dogs barking and the eventual car passing by. Eventually, we made it to the train station.

“Well, this is where I drop you off, Ako. Take care, ok?” I let go of her hand, sweat stained it, unsure whether it was mine, hers, or both.

“Thank you, senpai.” She starts fidgeting with her hand. What’s wrong? Does she want to say something?

“Ako?”

“Senpai, about earlier in the store… Please don’t think I’m that kind of girl. It’s just… when I saw her, how she acted like nothing happened when you were hurting all along. It made me so angry.”

She’s still thinking about that, huh. I never thought of her as a loud and aggressive girl at all. If anything, she’s very cool and awesome.

“Don’t worry, Ako. I never once thought of you like that. You were very cool earlier! If anything, I’m embarrassed that I had my kouhai protect me.”

“Don’t be! You’re a really great person, senpai! You always pay attention to me, and you’re very thoughtful. You are kind to me, and you’re always there for me when no one ever is. That’s why I lo-” She panics and starts blushing profusely.

I didn’t quite catch what she was about to say there in the end but I’m grateful that Ako has been paying close attention to me all this time. I’m really thankful to have her as a friend.

“Thank you for thinking of me that way. I’m really lucky to be your senpai! Well then, I’ll be heading this way.” I waved at her goodbye as I disappeared onto the moonlit streets.

On my way home, I went past a street vendor selling oden and alcohol. It’s been a while since I last indulged myself so I walked in and ordered a couple of drinks and food.

.

.

.

I ended up drinking way too much. I guess I’m still sad with the whole Emily thing. I checked the time on my phone and it’s now 8:45 pm. I’ve been here for an hour. It’s about time I head home.

I finished up my beer and paid the bill. As soon as I stand up though, I feel out of balance, having to grab on the counter to just stay standing. That’s not good.

“Are you alright?” The old vendor asked in concern.

“Y-y-yeah… hic.”

“Ah, you’re definitely drunk. What to do…”

It was difficult to keep upright, let alone walk all the way home. Ultimately, my drunken state got the better of me and I plummeted to the ground.

“Senpai!” A familiar voice yelped in the distance.

I couldn’t see the person’s face but their voice is familiar.

“Oh? You know this man?” The old vendor said.

“Yes! Oh no, senpai. What happened?”

“He’s fine; just drunk. Say, missy. Can you take him home? I can’t have him loiter here or I won’t get any customers.”

I blacked out– I couldn’t hear what was being said anymore. I feel weak. The ground is rough and filthy. Next thing I know, I feel a soothing sensation come across my face. I opened my eyes slightly, still finding it hard to do so. I’m now sitting on a chair. I guess someone lifted me up while I was blacked-out.

I feel that sensation again– I look towards the direction where it’s coming from.

“Ako?”

“Senpai! You’re finally awake.” She lets out a sigh of relief.

“What are you doing here? I thought you…” Why is she here? I thought she already went home earlier. Don’t tell me she…

“Well, that’s… That doesn’t matter right now!” The volume of her voice made my head hurt a bit. I jerk my head in discomfort.

She must’ve noticed that I was uncomfortable because she significantly reduced the volume of her voice to a whisper. Although, now, I can feel and hear her voice by my ear.

After that, the rest of the events are quite a blur. I remember Ako lending her shoulder so I could somehow walk. Then, it took me a while to get the keys to my apartment. I then felt relief on my back as I rested my body on a soft, bouncy surface. Lastly, I felt the same cool sensation I felt earlier but this time, on my entire body.

That’s about all that happened today. As I lay in bed, there’s one thing that keeps my consciousness from fully drifting away. I really have to thank Ako for being such a good friend.