Plane vs. Tank vs. Submarine

After what happened yesterday, I discovered that Kiri and I have something in common: an impeccable, enormous, exaggerated, almost delusional ability to pretend that 'nothing happened.'

That’s exactly what we did. We pretended all day and somehow managed to keep up the facade until closing time.
For some reason Kiri didn’t send me any messages yesterday.
Not that I was staring at my phone like I was trying to summon one or anything—I’m just mentioning it.

By the way, it seems Kiri’s witch cats really did have some magic. We managed to move a decent chunk of the 'on discount' (for not saying 'about to expire') items.

Today was completely different: Friday.

Friday means everyone goes out partying with their friend groups—(I’m going to avoid remembering my awful ex-coworker group, thank you for ignoring me, you absolute braindead bastards).

Does Friday mean I wouldn’t see Kiri over the weekend? No, under no circumstances. The store opens even on Sundays, so by logical extension… she’s exploiting me. Not that I mind—I just wanted to make it clear.

Friday means it’s her—no, our—D-Day. Because today was the day I was going to confront the guy who would probably, if this were an anime, be my antagonist. The villain—(I’m exaggerating). My nemesis—(not really). The store’s supplier—(yes, that one is true).

“Can I ask why you smoked an entire pack of cigarettes in less than an hour?”

“Anxiety, I guess. What time does he get here?” I asked, pacing in and out of the store. If I kept it up I was probably going to jam the automatic door mechanism.

“Theoretically at noon.” She answered while spraying air freshener to cover the tobacco smell. “I feel like you’re giving this more importance than it has.”

“Not really.” She was probably right, but if I made a list of things I’d never admit to, this would be on it.

“Fine, rephrasing. I feel like you’re acting like the hero about to face a dragon.”

“Nice metaphor.” I answered, though I stopped before my fortieth exit. “Can you throw me another pack?”

“Like it’s a movie.” She said while tossing me a pack of cigarettes. “You keep accumulating debt before payday.”

“Look who’s talking about movie logic…” I muttered, catching the pack mid air. “I’ll work overtime.”

“You also said you were going to quit smoking.”

“But I didn’t say today.” I answered, slipping the pack into my pocket. I was about to light one instantly, but the door chime made me turn automatically.

If I think about what Kiri said—about the dragon, not my debt, to clarify—the hero goes to the dragon’s cave, to the tower, or—if it’s one of those wealthy dragons—to a pseudo castle. Which would mean… we’re the dragons? Heroes waiting for the script to come to us instead of going after it?

Unnecessary tangent.

What I mean is: back to the dragon. Hideous beast—though subjective for fantasy lovers—but you get it.

That said… why the hell did the guy who just walked through the door look like a damn idol straight out of a pop band?

“Hey hey, Kiri, how was the week?” he said in a tone that was way, way too friendly while slicking his hair back and walking right past me like I wasn’t there.

That didn’t bother me at all—(I’m lying in an apocalyptic way).

“Same as the previous ones…” she answered in what I now call the 'Kiri stance': basically staring at her phone no matter what’s happening. “…Oh, actually we sold 30% more than last week.” She said, finally setting her phone behind the counter.

“'We'? Wait… did you say 30% more?” He asked, leaning his elbow on the counter.

I was in complete disagreement with him leaning on the counter, and no, it’s not because leaning on the counter means being close to Kiri, and it’s not like I have a problem with a guy who’s too handsome for almost any standard being, in my opinion, 'excessively close' to her.

On the other hand, I hate having to take his side but… 30% more? What math did she do? How did she get percentages when we don’t even have fixed prices?

“Yes, Tanaka’s idea of hanging sale posters really worked.”

“Tanaka?” He asked, obviously looking toward the only other person in the store—me.

“The new employee.” I said, mimicking his counter-lean pose but on the opposite side. “Nice to meet you.”—(not really). I added, extending my hand.

“Ah, I never thought Kiri would have employees.” He answered, patting my shoulder in a way that was way too friendly. “Takuya, nice to meet you.”

Wow, even his name screamed idol. What’s next? Visible abs?

“Okay, now back to bussiness.” Takuya continued, focusing on Kiri. “want me to bring the usual?”

“Probably need extras this time. Ten units of each item.”

“Copy that. That’d be… around… 15,000.” He said, pulling out his ledger and writing the receipt.

“Understood.” Kiri answered, opening the register.

“I think you should also include a few extra mango sodas… just in case.” I said before clearing my throat. “By the way, Takuya, what’s the stock price?”

“Excuse me?” He asked, tearing the receipt from the ledger and handing it to Kiri.

“The price. I mean… the general list.”

“Ah, I don’t carry it with me. I’ve been Kiri’s supplier for a while now and she’s never asked, so I don’t bring it.”

“Sorry, must be tough—working as a supplier for just one store… and only on Fridays…” I commented while—obviously—faking empathy and scratching the back of my neck.

“Not at all.” He answered with a laugh—damn, if I stared any longer his teeth would blind me. “I supply most of the stores in the city.”

“Wow… that’s… wow… you’re doing really well. How do you keep up the pace during the week?” I asked, leaning in a little.

Through all this Kiri had returned to her default state—which I think I don’t need to clarify, but just in case: staring at her phone and ignoring absolutely everything.

“At first it was exhausting, but now I just work Fridays.”

“All deliveries on the same day?”

“Sounds tiring, right?” he asked with another laugh.

“In fact, it sounds weird to me.”

“Maybe I look like a slacker, haha, but I’d rather burn out one day than the whole week.”

“No, I meant—if you do all deliveries on one day… shouldn’t you have the stock list with you?” I asked, tilting my head slightly to the side—(yes, I was enjoying this more than you can imagine).