Try To Call You Every Day (I'm Rehearsing What To Say) \\ON HIATUS\\

chp 4

Dazai hates his job.

Its not like those people who say that just because it happens to be a bad day. He legit loathes his job.

At the moment, he's dealing with his fifth Karen and wishing his life away. Its called multitasking.

"Ma'am, you do realize that I can't make shoes magically appear. All the shoes with that size are currently being used. You'll have to wait a bit." He was beyond pissed at this point. Thats why he was on the verge of snapping at this woman.

She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. Her child was awkwardly fidgeting behind her. Dazai felt bad. He would hate to have a mother like this.

The little girl tried to speak up. "Mom, really its fine. Lets just go another ti-"

"It's not fine! Look again." She raised her voice, addressing him.

He sighed. "I've already looked three times." He looked down at his hands as if they were the most interesting thing in the world, picking at his cuticles.

The woman slammed her hands on the counter. He didn't look up. "Ugh! Let me speak with your manager!"

Actions like this could so get Dazai fired, but he felt it wouldn't be so bad at this point. "I am the manager. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the only one here working."

The woman was fuming. She turned to leave after glaring at him for a solid minute. "Fine! We're leaving, Aiko."

Dazai could have sworn he heard a silent 'thank god' before they both left.

Right after their leave, he got a text from Ranpo.

Atsushi-kun's bday today! Party at that one karaoke place! U know where! >:3

Dazai texted back a quick 'Wouldn't miss it!" before returning to his work.

Aka harrassing Chuuya as he tried to do his work.

¤¤¤¤

Ranpo sure wasn't missing this party. He saw it as an opportunity to ask Edgar out. Despite talking once, he felt they were on first name basis. (Edgar begged to differ.)

And although he would totally use this party as an advantage, he's not sure if going to a friend's birthday party screams 'romantic'.

Ah well. All's well that's well for me, he thought.

He was currently waiting at the entrance to the coffee shop where Edgar worked.

'So I can ask him immediately,' he reasoned.

Ranpo was sure that Edgar had never been to a party. He isn't called the Ultimate Detective for nothing, duh. Many opportunities are sure to arise from this simple birthday party.

He's certain of it.

¤¤¤

Edgar wasn't sure what to expect when he saw Ranpo waiting in front of his place of work.

He wasn't sure what to do, either.

'Dear god, what am I supposed to do?! It's fine, calm down. You're okay.' He took a deep breath. He's got this.

"Ed! I was waiting for you!"

He did not have this.

"I- uh! Ranpo! Wha-what are you doing here?" Great. An incredible first(?) impression.

Ranpo grinned and opened his eyes. "I'm so glad you asked, Ed!~" Oh, no. "You see, a friend of mine is having a birthday party, and you're coming with me to it."