I don’t bother calling Mom, I’d rather not get another earful. So I decided to head over to Shimo’s Food & Medicine. I've got two hours, might as well use it. I have to owe some money, too…Anyway, the place wasn’t as crowded as expected since it was still school hours. I grabbed whatever appealed to me and went over to the counter. 

“Good afternoon, Kenji!” I beam, and the man gives me a soft smile.

“Good morning, Kian!” He hums, attempting to match my enthusiasm. I watch as he takes my items. Kenji is a sweet guy, but not much of a talker though.

“Is Pierre here today?” I ask him. He nods, handing over my bag as I give him the money. I glance over to the other side to see him. Of course, he’s reading a book. I grab the change and walk over to the pharmacy division. “Pierre, my man!” He looks up from his book, adjusting his glasses with a smirk. 

“Kian! You better pay up.” I groan, resting my arms on the counter. Pierre is the pharmacist of the store, he’s the polar opposite of Kenji; talkative and annoying. I guess it’s true when they say ‘opposites attract’ because there is no other reason why Kenji would even marry this man. 

“You’re a cruel man, Pierre.” He extends out his hand, gesturing for the money. “It was a stupid plot twist, who kisses someone once they said they hated them?” I groan, recalling the show from last night. It’s an action show that airs on Wednesdays, we’ve started making bets on predictions. 

However, I’m regretting ever agreeing to the game because I never win! I dig out the $5 bill in my wallet and place it in his hands. 

“Pleasure doing business with you.” The bastard smirks. 

“Whatever, old man.” I scowl. Pierre’s not thrilled with being called an ‘old man’. He claims 35 is still young, but I just like using it to piss him off. He threatens me to call him an ‘old man’ again, but abruptly stops mid-sentence and looks at his watch. 

“...What are you doing here at this time? –Don’t tell me you’re skipping!” He gasps dramatically.

I roll my eyes, “What do you think? I got suspended 'cause Anderson was getting on my nerves again.” 

Pierre shakes his head like a disappointed parent, “This is why I adopted two girls.” 

I laugh at his remark, “Aww, I thought you saw me as your son!” 

“What gave you that idea?” He says, his face all scrunched up in disgust. Rude….

”I’m leaving, you’ve lost yourself a valuable customer!” I tell him, making my way out.

 “I’ll see you tomorrow, Nikolaev!” He shouts. 

“Whatever you say, old man!” 

*** 

“...What are you doing, idiot?” I’m suddenly asked, which disturbed my beauty sleep. 

“Oh, nothing, dear sister. Just embracing mother nature.” I yawn, stretching myself after leaning on my bookbag. Ains gives a concerned look as she opens the door. “I forgot my keys, why else would I be out here?” I complain, finally stepping into the house. 

“Why am I not surprised?” She sighs, placing her stuff on the table. “What did you do this time?” I’m offended that she thinks I’m the one who started it.

“I didn’t do anything, it was all Anderson.” Ains “agrees” with a hum. “He was annoying me,” I mumble. 

I hear her scoff in the kitchen, mumbling, “And you wonder why Mom and Dad are disappointed in you.” 

I roll my eyes, “Yeah yeah, kiss their ass some more, why don’t you?” I yell back before heading up to my room. I throw my book bag to the side and change into something comfortable. 

I look at my phone to see it’s only 3:30 pm. I just want this day over with! I decided to shoot Mateo a text, but I remember he had soccer practice. So, I sulk into my pillow as he’s the only one I’m close with outside of school. But unfortunately, I can’t sulk in bed forever, I have to head to tutoring soon. Bleh.