Junko's phone starts to sing "Hey Aein! Yeah, we're done, why?! Sure! It's that little place I was talking about yesterday. Great see you there!" And She hangs up. "That was your wife, huh?" I ask "Yup! She's done prepping for work so she's meeting us there do hurry up!!" She says speed walking away. "It's cute you call her Aien," I say Riot and myself doing our best to keep up with her. "Well, she is my sweetheart so... She's from Australia so she calls me her love. It's only right that I do the same." "I told you it's cute. I'm glad you still use Korean every once and a while."I say in a slow jog to keep with her." Mhm... I really do love her so much Eiji. I can't - "She says spinning on her heels and clasping her hands over mine "wait for you to find someone like her." "I-i don't know if it's in the cards for me Junko. It's -" "I know. It's hard for people like you. Mark my words dear baby bro-" she goes back to walking." People will see past it all and love you for the stupid rocks-for-brains dude bro that you are!" She's really pumped up. She and Ms. Mo are such hopeless romantics, it's crazy.

 "Surprise hug attack! "A tall woman with a cloud of pink curls yells out hugging Junko, "Aein !! You scared me!" Junko says hugging her back. Riot happily yips along. "And This "Junko's wife says petting a needy Riot. "Must be the famed sweet girly, Riot! You so fluffy I can't." "Aein, this is my baby brother, Eijiro. Eijiro this is my Aien, Cherri Kirishima!" Cherri stops petting Riot to wrap me in a hug, thank god I'm the right amount of short otherwise, it'd be very uncomfortable. "Yes! My new way brother! Sorry Kirishima, I'm a hugger! "Ah! It's fine! And no need for the last name! We're family!" I say wrapping my arms around her too. "Aww, My two favorite people getting along? I'm so happy I almost forgot how hungry I am! Let's eat people!!!"

"So Cherri talk about yourself. I'm gonna take Riot out to potty I'll be back" Junko says kissing her cheek. "Will do love! So Eijiro what do you want to know about me." She says putting me on the spot. "I... Well, how'd you get here and you from You've got an accent I can't place. " I say hiding behind how my water glass. "Well if you can't tell from in melanin. My folks were from Africa but they didn't go to America like everyone assumes people do! They went to Australia where I was born 22 years ago! "She says leaning forward over her empty plate. "What about work Junko says you work with some fun people. I'm a little lost, work-wise.." "Really?!? Bossman says he wants a new face! Would you like me to give you his number?" Cherri says already pulling out her phone. "Uhh maybe? It'd be nice to know where you work first?" I say having a hard time fighting against Cherri's energy. No wonder Junko loves her, they both go a mile a minute. "Oh! Right duh! Probably should have started with that. You know club 1-A, right?" "It's really popular right now...Isn't it a-" "Strip club? Yup! I work the floor most nights aka I'm the MC and host. I know it's crazy huh? Bossman runs the place really well though, it's super safe and no one that comes in ever dares to be disrespectful. If someone's brave enough to security takes care of it!" My face pales at the idea of working in a club let alone one like that. "You don't have to say yes or no but take Bossman's number. At least come see the place and give him your resume, then you can make a choice okay? Oh! Don't let him know I gave it to ya! I want him to give you a chance! He's stubborn and never takes anyone we suggest!" Junko returns and the conversation is quickly forgotten.

I put the number in my phone, finger resting just above the send message button. Riot whimpers next to me understanding my anxiety and trying to help. "What do you think girl? Should I?" She nudges me with her nose and I take a deep breath.