Noble Creek High,
Sophomore year,
Day 229
Working at Nighty Night has gradually become more fun and exciting.
Hunter had decided to be less torturous and more bearable. I was internally thankful for his positive change of attitude because if not, I would be pulling my hair in frustration.
During my time here, I've become closer to Ray and Rudy as well. Rudy is such a funny and light-hearted guy. I've come to know that he graduated from college just last year with a business degree. He had many offers from various companies, but Ray needed his help in the store, and he didn't hesitate to help his father.
Rudy works here as the admin staff of Nighty Night. They couldn't hire anyone else at the beginning because of financial matters. So, he single-handedly handles the overflowing admin matters. My respect for him increased tenfold. But for his sake, I hope they hire someone to help him. Especially since the store was doing well right now.
Ray, on the other hand, is such a kind person at heart and is definitely one of the purest people I have ever met. It made me wish I had a father like him.
That reminds me of how I heard Hunter calling Ray 'dad' one day. I was confused as to why he would call his uncle 'dad'. It made me question where Hunter's parents were and what kind of relationship Hunter had with Ray.
From the trio's daily conversations, I gathered that Hunter lives with Ray and Rudy. I became more and more curious about Hunter as I got more information. But I had to be subtle because I didn't want to seem like a stalker. That would be really embarrassing.
As I was arranging the books on the 'Romance' section, I saw a lady—who was probably in her twenties—walking around with a distressed look. Her appearance caused me to gape at her because she was definitely the definition of beautiful. I couldn't help but be stunned by her stunning features.
"I didn't know you batted for the other team," said Hunter with his lips very close to my ears, making my breath hitch.
I turned around and found him smirking at me as I gave him a bemused look. "You know that's not true."
"I don't, actually." He crossed his arms.
"I was just admiring her beauty. That doesn't suddenly make me gay."
He stared at me deep in thought. "If you wanted to admire beauty, you could have just looked in the mirror." He said in the most serious tone he ever had used.
My jaw dropped at his very smooth line. Did he just- Did I even hear that right? Did Hunter Knight just indirectly call me beautiful?
Looking at my speechless state, he suddenly burst out laughing. He even held his stomach and wiped a tear from his face as an effect of his exaggerative laughter.
My cheeks burned in embarrassment as I stared at him with a scowl. Of course, he would play me like that. Why did I ever think that Hunter would ever find me beautiful?
"You should've-" He paused still laughing. "You should've seen the look on your face." He continued laughing.
Getting angrier at him, I pinched his arm as hard as I could and walked away from him. I smirked as he went from laughing to holding his arm in pain. I then saw the same lady who still had a distressed look on as she wandered around the store helplessly.
Deciding to help her, I walked over to her and tapped her shoulder, making her turn around. "Hi. I'm a staff here. Is there anything I could help you with?"
She immediately put on a relieved expression and smiled at me. "Oh, thank God. I was on the verge of crying because I was so lost."
I chuckled. "Well, today is your lucky day because you got me!"
I cringed inwardly as I realized how lame that sounded. This lady is probably cringing inside as well. But her reaction told me otherwise as she laughed. And it sounded genuine.
"I guess it is. I really need to find textbooks that are related to business courses. I've got an important exam coming up and I don't really trust the internet when it comes to studying."
The moment she said that she reminded me of someone who thought exactly like her. It was weird enough to see one person who thinks like that in the 21st Century. Now there's two?
"You know what? There's a perfect person here who can help you out! Just wait right here, I'll be right back." I said and speed-walked towards the staircase that leads to the second floor.
The second floor is where all the offices were located. All the files and records of the store are placed in these offices. I quickly ran up the stairs and opened the door of the second office.
Rudy looked up with widened eyes indicating that he was shocked at my sudden arrival. But I ignored his reaction and walked towards his desk.
"Rudy! There's someone who needs your help!" I said a little breathlessly.
"Who?" He frowned.
I went over to his seat and grabbed his wrist, pulling him out of his chair. "Just follow me."
I dragged him out of the office and down the stairs. But he was complaining the entire time as he tried to get out of my death-grip.
"Hera, I have a lot to do. I can't afford to waste any time! Ask someone else to help that person. Dad needs me to send some documents by-"
Rudy's words died on his lips as his eyes laid on the lady I brought him over to. Like me, he gaped at her probably admiring her beauty as well.
"She needs help with finding textbooks for business courses. Like you, she doesn't trust the internet for information."
Both of their eyes widened at my words as they came to the realization that both of them thought similarly.
"Wow, everyone just calls me crazy for carrying textbooks instead of using the internet. I can't believe I finally found someone who thinks like me." She said beaming.
"Yeah, I can't believe it myself." He replied still in a daze.
The lady smiled shyly. "Hi, I'm Madelyn."
"I'm Rudy." He said with his eyes locked on hers. "Follow me, I'll show you what to get."
Rudy and Madelyn walked towards another aisle and I smiled at them with my hands in the front pockets of the apron.
"Seems like Rudy just found his match," Hunter said coming to stand beside me.
"Seems like he did," I replied happily.
< ~ >
"See you next week, Ray! Bye Rudy!" I waved goodbye and walked out of the store as my shift finally ended.
I was about to walk home when I heard a voice from behind me, making me halt in my step.
"Walking home at this time of the day again?" Hunter asked in a sharp tone.
I turned around and faced him nervously. "Uh, yeah."
"Come on, I'll give you a ride." He said and was about to walk away when I stopped him.
"Wait! It's okay, you don't have to. I'm not going home yet."
"Where are you going then?" He asked curiously.
"I was going to have a late dinner."
"Oh. With your friends?"
I shook my head. "Just me."
"You're going to dine in? By yourself?" He frowned.
I fiddled with the hem of my shirt. "Yeah. My mom is working the night shift tonight. So, it's only me at home."
Whenever mom was working the night shift, I would have to get my own dinner or supper. Sometimes, it would get lonely and I couldn't eat in an empty house anymore. So, I would either call over the twins or go to a diner and eat by myself. It was comforting and less lonely. I would call the twins tonight but I know Nina has to study for an important test tomorrow and Newt will study with her to motivate her because she loses focus pretty easily. I don't want to inconvenience them.
"Okay. Let's go," said Hunter taking me out of my reverie.
"What?" I looked up confused.
"Let's go and eat. I'm hungry too." He said nonchalantly while I gaped at him. "Come on, get in." He said opening his car door for me.
I blinked as I was shocked that he would want to have dinner with me. But nevertheless, I got in his car because it would mean that I wasn't going to eat alone, and I was grateful to him for that.
"So, what do you feel like having?" Hunter asked once he put on his seatbelt.
"Pizza." I smiled.
He looked at me confused. "Why didn't you just order delivery?"
Because I would be in an empty house, eating pizza all to myself, letting my lonely and negative thoughts overpower me. But I didn't tell him that.
"The pizza delivery guy is a little creepy," I said as it was the truth and the second reason as to why I didn't order delivery.
Hunter's grip on the steering wheel tightened as his jaws clenched. "Why the hell are you alone at home when there are people like that out there?" He asked looking a little angry.
I frowned at him. "Because I have no choice. My mom and I have to work so that we can feed ourselves and pay the bills. Being home alone is not that big of a deal anyhow."
I looked out the window to avoid his piercing gaze. I didn't want to see the pity in his eyes. I already had too much of that.
"Okay, I know a great pizza place. Do you trust me?" He asked making me look at him.
Do I trust Hunter?
"Yeah, I do."
Hunter smiled letting his dimples display gloriously. I can't ever get enough of that. He then started the engine and took off.
After a ten-minute ride, we reached a diner named Marley's. Hunter and I got out of the car and walked into the diner. It was a small diner that had green colored booths with wooden tables attached to the wall with the glass windows. There were only a handful number of customers considering the time of the day.
"Hunter, is that you?" a woman asked as she walked towards us from the cashier counter with surprise on her face.
"Hey, ma." Hunter smiled at her fondly.
Oh, this must be Hunter's mother.
"What are you doing here, honey? Where's Ray and Rudy? And who's this?" She asked with still putting on her surprised look.
Hunter chuckled. "One question at a time, ma. Ray and Rudy are on the way home. I came here to have dinner with-"
He paused and looked at me, not knowing how to introduce me. But I decided to help him by introducing myself.
"Hi! I'm Hera. I work with Hunter. I also go to school with him." I said with a genuine smile.
"Oh! You're the new part-timer! It's so nice to meet you. I'm Emma, Ray's wife." She said beaming.
Ray's wife? That would mean Emma is not Hunter's mother. Why would he call her 'ma'? I'm beyond confused.
"We're going to my usual booth. Can we get your special pizza?" Hunter grinned excitedly.
"Of course, honey. Now, go and make yourself comfortable!" She said pushing us away.
Hunter shook his head laughing as he walked towards a booth at the end of the store. It seemed like he knew his way around the store. He settled down and made himself comfortable while I awkwardly took a seat in front of him.
"So, I'm guessing that Emma owns the store?"
"No, she's the manager." He replied dryly.
"Oh."
My mind was focused on one thing and one thing only. But I can't risk it. I can't be nosy and possibly tick him off. But I'm so curious though. No, Hera, you can't! I bit my tongue to prevent myself from making a possible mistake.
"Just ask. I know you're dying to know." Hunter asked as he caught on to my dilemma.
I sighed. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help but be curious. You don't have to say anything if you don't want t-"
"Just ask, Hera." He cut me off.
"Fine. Why do you call Ray 'dad' and Emma 'ma' when they're your relatives?"
I bit my lip feeling abnormally nervous.
"Because they're like parents to me. Scratch that. They are my real parents. They raised me like their real son my whole life." He said casually.
"What about your birth parents?" I asked cautiously.
"I don't remember much about them. They divorced when I was born and the woman left me with the man. Then, the man left me with Ray when I was six years old." He said monotonously.
It felt like a whole bomb dropped on my head after hearing what Hunter had just said. The way he said that sounded like it didn't matter to him. Like it wasn't a big deal. But his eyes... They unveiled his vulnerability and sorrow he was trying so hard to hide. They exposed how deeply he was affected by his birth parents' actions.
"Well, Ray is an awesome dad. He truly has a heart of gold." I smiled sadly. "Makes me wish I had a dad like him."
Hunter seemed surprised at my reply for a millisecond until he covered it up with his stoic expression.
"What happened to your dad?"
"I've never seen him before. My mom had me when she was a college student. He refused to take responsibility and ran away." I said feeling my heart weighing heavy.
"Guess we both have crappy ghosts as parents." He said smiling a little.
I smiled back at him. "I guess we do."
"Here are your pizzas!" Emma said as she placed the food on the table. "Enjoy your date, kids!" She giggled and literally ran away.
Hunter scratched the back of his neck while I blinked in confusion. "She gets excited easily." He said avoiding my eyes.
I chuckled at his awkward behavior and dug in as my stomach couldn't wait any longer. The moment I took a bite, my eyes widened in satisfaction and contentment. This was one heavenly pizza! Hunter grinned at my reaction as he took a bite himself. As we continued to eat, I decided to engage in a conversation with him.
"Let's skip the small talk and go straight to twenty questions. What do you say? Are you up for it?"
He smirked. "Looks like we both hate small talk." He said and wiped his mouth with a tissue. "Okay, I'm up for it. You go first."
I grinned. "Okay! What's your favorite color?"
He rolled his eyes. "Black."
"Like your soul?" I joked.
He frowned. "No, like my jacket." He said pointing to his black leather jacket he was currently wearing.
I felt dumbfounded. "Oh."
He laughed. "You're an idiot, Hera."
"Shut up! It's your turn."
"Okay. What's your favorite color?" He imitated me.
I glared at him but answered anyway. "Orange. Just because the fruit is delicious."
He snorted at my response. "Seriously? Your favorite color is based on your favorite fruit?"
"Yes." I deadpanned. "Now, my turn. Do you have a girlfriend?"
Damn it, I lost my mind censor again! I always seem to lose that censor whenever Hunter's around. I honestly don't even know why I asked him that. It's not like it's going to matter if he has a girlfriend. Right?
Hunter smirked. "Curious, aren't we?"
A blush escaped to my cheeks. "It's just a question," I said avoiding his amused gaze.
"Sure." He said teasingly. "To answer your question, it's a no. I don't have a girlfriend."
"Oh." I nodded. "Okay, your turn," I asked trying to change the topic.
"I would ask you the same, but I already know that the no chill guy is your boyfriend. Unfortunately." He said sarcastically.
I rolled my eyes. "Newt is not my boyfriend. And he is chill. So, you can stop making fun of him."
Hunter cleared his throat. "He isn't?"
I shook my head. "He is my childhood best friend. Almost like a brother. I could never look at him that way."
Suddenly, Hunter grinned wide as if he just won the lottery. "Poor guy."
I frowned. "What?"
"Nothing." He said cheekily.
"Oh-kay. Who's your favorite? Ray or Rudy?" I smiled teasingly as I moved on to the next question.
"I don't pick favorites."
"Oh, come on, you have to answer! It's the rule."
"I'm not going to." He deadpanned.
I rolled my eyes. "Coward."
That caught his attention as he glared at me. "Fine. It's Ray. Happy?"
I grinned. "I'm so going to use that against you one day," I said and stuck my tongue out playfully.
"Whatever." He said and suppressed a smile making me grin wider. "Now, my turn. Me or Rudy?"
"That's easy. Rudy. Period." I smirked.
Hunter rolled his eyes and avoided my gaze while playing with his food.
"Hey! You can't blame me. You were seriously mean to me when I first started working at Nighty Night." I defended myself.
Suddenly, he looked guilty. "Sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just being an idiot." He said looking into my eyes as I felt my heart skip a beat at his sudden apology.
"Oh, uh, it's fine." I stuttered. "Now my turn! Why do you always wear this leather jacket?" I asked changing the topic yet again.
"Because I love it. Ray gave this to me when I was younger. I couldn't wear it then, of course. So, I started wearing it when I could and never stopped since then."
His reply genuinely surprised me, and I couldn't help but smile at his answer. I thought he was going to say something like 'It makes me look sexy'. But I never knew it could have such a deep and heartwarming meaning to it. It made me look at Hunter in a new light.
Now that I thought about it, Hunter was a good person. He helped me when I was distressed the first time we met. He agreed to help me find books when he didn't have to. He gave me a ride back home because he didn't want me to walk alone at night. And now, he is having dinner with me because he knew I was going to be all alone.
Even though he was mean to me some of the times, he still proved to be a nice and caring guy after that. Not to mention how attractive he was. And I'm not just talking about his looks or physique—which is definitely undeniably captivating—but his personality. He wasn't terrifying like I thought he was. He was just a booknerd with a warm and soft heart.
Then, my eyes widened at the glaring realization that just hit me violently. I might have just developed a crush on Hunter Knight.
Oh, gosh.