Teruko steps into a puddle that formed in a back alley from all the heavy rainfall. She sprints through the alley looking for some shelter from the downpour. “Of course it rains the one day I don't bring my umbrella!” With a hand covering her eyes from the rain, Teruko continues to run through alleys till she stops in front of a certain building. Luckily there is a small entrance that allows people to escape from the outside world and its weather. Teruko dug her shoes into the rug at the door to wipe them clean of any rain and dirt from outside. After a small shake like a dog drying, Teruko opens the next door and a small chime can be heard from the inside.
“Welcome.”
Teruko lets the door slowly close behind her while she walks up to the front counter and takes a seat at a bar stool. From a simple glance the place looks to be a cafe or bar of some sorts. The place has a person here and there but mostly barren with no one. The handful of customers that are actually here sit in front of screens, drinking and working on their own. The woman that said welcome finishes cleaning a glass before putting it away and tending the front. “Hey Jun, it's been a minute since ive stopped by.” Teruko cheerfully said.
The woman at the front looked up with a grin on her face. “Teruko! How’s it going, it has been a min!” Teruko does a quick spin on the barstool before facing Jun, the bartender again. “How’s that job search going? Have you landed anything yet?” Jun grabs a new glass from below the counter and starts getting started on mixing a drink. “Well actually..” Teruko reaches into her coat and yanks out her ID badge for the Mooncell Corp. “I landed a pretty good gig if I do say so myself.” Teruko displays the ID for Jun to glance at. A small pause is taken by Jun before speaking up again, “Mooncell Corp huh? Never would have guessed that you’d be working for them. After all, they have been the big red dot for those protests lately.” “Yeah, but they scouted me and said they needed me, isn't that cool?” Jun finishes mixing the drink and scoots the glass towards Teruko. “Interesting… Here's that drink of yours, The Saturnine,” Teruko takes a swig from the glass before slamming it back down onto the counter. “You always make it exactly how I do it, how do you do it?” “It's almost like you gave me your recipe you idiot.” “Haha, I know I know. I’m just playing with you.” Teruko continues sipping on her drink as Jun continues to clean the bar. “So how long have you been working there?” “It's been a week now, it's actually my Friday.” “Ah, I see why you came here now.” Teruko finishes her glass and slides it back to Jun. “Oh Bartender! Another one please!” “You know it's going on your tab, right Teruko?” “I know I know, I'll start paying it off again.”
Jun once again starts mixing Teruko’s signature drink. “So when is Jay showing up, Jun?” Teruko looks at the clock on the muted tv above the bar. 12:56 am. “He should be here any minute. Didn't know you'd miss him that much.” Teruko throws her hands in a shrug. “C’mon it's been a while, just wanna see my two good friends, plus I don't have to worry about rent anymore so it's a great day today!” Jun passes the new glass towards Teruko. “And pay your tab, right?” Teruko throws Jun a side eye glare before taking a swig from the new glass and sliding Jun her card. “Just half for now okay?” “You got it.”
The chime on the door rattles and the door flings open as someone walks in. “Ah, speak of the devil.” Jun slides Teruko’s card back as she finishes her sentence. Teruko spins to look at the person that walked in. “Jay! It's been a while!” Jay takes a seat at the bar next to Teruko and gives a nod to Jun. “Well, well, well. Wasn’t expecting to see you here Teruko. Finally here to pay off your tab?” “She just did that.” Jun spoke up. “Yep, I sure did!” Teruko takes another gulp for her glass. “She actually found a new job, believe it or not.” Jun finishes preparing another drink and hands it to Jay along with something that was wrapped up. “So where are you working now Teruko?” Once again, she pulls out her ID badge and flashes it to Jay. “Mooncell Corp.” Jay’s smile disappears for a moment before returning. “Wow, well that's great for you, glad you found something.” Jay looks down at the wrapped object in front of him and starts to open it up. Inside was a sandwich that was perfectly cut and which Jay started eating. Before long he takes the remote from the counter and turns the volume up on the tv just so it's a dull roar.
“Breaking News! Another Shootout has taken place in another abandoned warehouse in the Downtown Cell! Reports of gunshots came in just an hour ago and the police have just now arrived on the scene! Not much is known except that there was a messy crime scene with lots of blood all over the walls and floors but no bodies to be found. The Downtown cell will be on lockdown till further notice! We will keep everyone up to date when more info is available!” After the news finished the program returned to some sports game. “Another shooting huh?” Jay speaks up and breaks the silence.” “Man, I have to go through the Downtown Cell to get to work. I hope that it doesn't mess up the train schedules.” Luckily I just stay here in the Uptown Cell.” Jun grabs both of Teruko’s and Jay’s empty glasses and starts washing them after speaking up. “Speaking of trains, I gotta go and catch one back to my place before they turn off.” “I told you to move somewhere close instead of staying in the Banks Cell, the place isn't the greatest.” Jay throws his glance at Teruko as he speaks. “Yeah you're right but the rent is cheap! Anyways I will make sure to start stopping by again after work so I will see you all later!” Teruko swings herself out of the barstool and heads towards the door and gives a big wave with her hand before running out the door and into the cold rainy night.
Jay buries his head into his arms for a moment and whispers something to no one. “I hope they don't got her doing anything crazy.” “What was that Jay?” Jun leans on the bar towards Jay. Jay perks back up and brushes off Jun. “Oh it’s nothing, just tired. Been a long day.” “You can stay at my place tonight if you want. I know your place is on the other side of the Cell.” “Yeah, maybe I will take that offer.” Before anything else was able to be said, Jay’s phone started ringing. He places a finger at his ear and accepts the call. “Jay Speaking. Mm, okay, got it.” And like that the call ended. “Was that work?” Jun continues to rest on the counter as Jay stands from his seat. “Sadly it was, got one last thing to do before I go off to home.” Jun reaches into her pocket and sets a key on the bar. “Well my place is always open if you are nearby.” Jay looks at the key for a moment before taking it with him. Thanks Jun, I'll probably see you tonight.” Jay starts walking towards the door before stopping and turning around. “Oh and thanks for the sandwich, delicious as always.” “Of course, stay safe Jay.” The chime on the door sounded and Jay was gone.

Comments (0)
See all