The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

13

Ena walks in, her eyes tired and her feet dragging behind her as she throws her bag onto the back counter. Katsuki chuckles, "Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes. Never thought you'd be the one closing with me tonight with the hangover you had this morning."

Ena groans, rubbing aggressively at her eyes before putting on her apron. "You sound awfully smug," she murmurs.

He smirks, "I guess I'm having a little fun."

"Enjoy it while it lasts," she replies, making herself a cup of tea.

"So, why are you here? I thought Akasuki was closing with me."

Ena leans against the counter, sipping her tea slowly. "Izu has a pretty bad hangover. I tend to bounce back pretty okay, most times, but that pal of ours... let's just say I'm not cut out for caretaking," she answers. "Last time I sat with Izuku while he was hungover, Akasuki came back to her house a mess."

Katsuki's eyebrows furrow, "What the hell happened?"

"Izu has a weak stomach, and I have a weaker one. Not a good match. So, I came in so Suki could sit with him for the rest of the night. He seemed better when I left though, just a headache and some unease, but I'm sure he'll be in tip-top shape by the time I get back," she reasons. "I heard you slept on the couch. How'd you fare last night?"

"Well enough. I think you need to invest in a new couch though. I'm pretty sure the one you have now has seen better days," he answers. "I don't think I've been this sore in years."

"You're so dramatic."

"Says the woman who cried last night because she couldn't get her showerhead to come on," Katsuki chuckles.

Ena's eyes grow wide. "I did not," she declares with confidence.

"Oh, you did," he snickers. "Wanna see the video?"

"No. Delete it."

"No can do. But, I will keep it tucked away until the time is right."

"Whatever, you snide prick," she huffs. "You stay on your side of the store and I'll stay on mine. Deal?"

"Yeah, whatever keeps you happy," he chimes, walking toward the back.

They spend the rest of their shift, mostly separated from one another. Ena is much moodier than usual, losing her temper over just about anything that sets her off. Earlier, she'd thrown a ruined pastry across the back after burning it. Needless to say, Katsuki was the one in charge of damage control after that episode. He ended up taking the initiative to give them their drinks and pastries for free this visit. Promptly after, as much as he hated to do it, he swapped places with Ena so that she could work unbothered in the back. His eyes watch the clock for the last five minutes of the shift, waiting for his signal to start shutting it down. The time ticks by painstakingly slow, making Katsuki antsy to lock up. The clock finally strikes nine and he makes his way to the doors, locking them shut before walking to the back to meet Ena at the dishwashing station. She seems to be in better spirits after an hour or so on her own. He catches her humming softly to music as she rinses out a mug. "Hey, do you wanna take out the trash or stock up for tomorrow and print the reports?"

"Is that even a question? With how slow it's been, I'll take the trash please," she answers without hesitation. "And you can fuck around with that damnable printer in the office all you please."

"How very kind of you," he answers. He starts stalking off to the office to get started on the reports for the night, as the printer and the computer have both proven to be very difficult from time to time. He walks into the office, snarling at the office equipment as he takes his seat. He turns on the computer, waiting for it to launch. He ends up scrolling through his messages until he sees the screen light up. Now to figure out that printer, he thinks to himself with a growl. He bends down and makes sure that it's on. No problem there. He goes to print the report, no dice. "You've gotta be kidding me," he mutters beneath his breath as he checks the time. He's been back here for ten minutes, and still no closer to finishing what he came back here to do.