The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

3

"You can't just go around hitting people when you're working on behalf of the store, Ena! It looks bad! You should've been fired, but because what he said was awful and I love you, I pulled some strings. That said, my dad said that you couldn't run errands anymore," Akasuki explains.

She huffs, crossing her arms. "I'd like to see Haru deal with a fraction of the shit we do and see if he'd still frown upon the occasional physical altercation. Old fart, the worst thing he probably hears all day is that your mother hadn't read his text."

Izuku can't help but chuckle. He's always found it funny how abrasive she can be, but it's always something she feels is justified. It's black or white with her, and she holds no reservations in making sure that people know what she thinks. Even so, the problem at hand still unsettles him. "One more time couldn't hurt, could it? If she promises to be on her best behavior, she can go, right?"

Akasuki leans against the counter and shakes her head, "As much as I wish I could say yes, it's just not plausible. Please, Izu? If it's Masashi you're worried about, I'll take the fall." It won't be that easy. He'd have me quit if he found out. "Rest assured, though. He won't find out."

"You can't guarantee that," Izuku mumbles.

"Maybe not, but it'll be quick. Less than two hours. That's all I'm asking. Please?"

He struggles to keep the contents of his stomach from rising into his throat. The shaking of his hands is more agitating than anything else, though. He despises how much it rattles his body and makes him feel worn out. Can anyone else notice it? His throat feels dry and his headlight as he speaks, "Okay. I'll do it."

About that time, the door chimes and Izuku keeps himself from looking directly at the door to see who's walking in. Instead, he squeezes his eyes shut and wills himself to try and calm his exterior. It'll be okay. It will be quick. Masashi won't find out. There won't be another fight tonight. We'll have a nice peaceful evening, and it will be okay. We'll have a nice dinner and cuddle on the couch. It'll be a nice evening. A voice starts from behind him. "Nine-thirty, right?" they ask.

The voice sounds vaguely familiar, almost as if he'd heard it on the street somewhere for a brief moment in time. It's distinct enough to leave an impression. If he knew the voice well he could place it with perfect accuracy. Even with a vague recollection of it, he can almost remember the face associated with this voice.

Don't tell me...

He turns and looks behind him to see Katsu standing on the other side of the counter yet again. This has got to be some kind of joke. The shaking he willed himself to try and stop earlier has only come back worse. It's not just his arms and legs anymore, his entire body vibrates with anxiety. Tears sting the backs of his eyes at the thought of Masashi seeing him in a car with Katsu a second time. No. He won't find out. He won't find out. I'll be careful. I'll make sure I'm careful. I have to be careful.

His eyes cut to Ena and then Akasuki who giggles nervously. "Izu, I'm sure you remember Katsu?" she starts. He nods, unable to bring himself to say anything. She continues, "He's new to town and is looking for a job to help familiarize him with the area and other locals. So, we decided to bring him on. And, if you recall, we're launching a small catering service, so Katsu will be in charge of helping me run errands and maintaining our new delivery system. He'll help with some other things, too, but for now, that's the gist."

Katsu smiles softly. Why'd he have to do that? "Hey, I'm really excited to be working with you."

Izuku nods, "That's good." He swallows nervously. That had to sound so rude, but I don't want to give him the wrong idea. E and Su were different, they're girls. That was the only peace of mind I could give Masashi with them, and even then he hardly approved. This, this will be a nightmare if I let it get out of control. I have to keep him at a distance.