Since we were done with work for the day, we decided to celebrate - as we always do - for a successful mission.

Xander: It feels good to enjoy food...

Me: You always love food!

We laughed as we enjoyed the meals. It felt good getting some sweet treats... I haven't eaten them in months!

Kaito: How are you finding the meals, Zayla?

Me: Great! It feels good, I will have to agree with Xander on this.

Alex: Hey, Kaito!

Alex was another member of the team. He is quiet most of the time but for the first time today, he speaks.

Kaito: Yeah?

Alex: Don't forget to treat us one day at the end of the year, okay?

Kaito: We will contribute. Right?

Us: ...

Kaito: No way am I buying from my own money! Either we contribute or nothing at all.

Us: We will contribute!

We were chatting and laughing with each other - one thing I loved about this job - no, the station was how we all treated each other like family - even a rookie like me.

***

It was time to knock off and we all cleaned up and packed to leave.

Xander: It's your time to keep the keys!

He threw the keys to Kaito, which he caught flawlessly.

Me: Great catch!

Kaito: You are a funny rookie Zayla - that was nothing.

Me: Oh yeah... because you are soo good at it.

I went to my locker and took out my bag and locked it. Before I could head out, however...

Kaito: Zayla.

Me: Yes, sir?

Kaito: No need for the formality.

Me: Yes, Kaito?

Kaito: I need a word with you.

Xander: Uh oh! The Rookie is in trouble.

Me: No, I am not!

Kaito led me to a quiet area.

Me: I really didn't break any rules today-

Kaito: You are not in trouble, but just one thing.

Me: Okay?

Kaito: Starting tomorrow, be early - 4 am. I need you here by 4, sharp. Understood?

Me: I will be here by 3 instead.

Kaito: For-

Me: In exchange for a drive to tomorrow's mission!

Kaito: No.

Me: Yes.

Kaito: No.

Me: Yes.

Kaito: ...

Me: Look. I, Zayla, promise that if I arrive early to the station, I should and must have my request granted, that of driving the truck to the first mission tomorrow. If I arrive late, I will not go to any mission for the day.

Kaito: (smirking) I like that.

Me: You love seeing my downfall! What kind of a mentor are you?

Kaito: A hardcore one. Okay - I accept.

Me: Good. See you tomorrow then... Kaito.

Kaito: Likewise, Zayla.

I was about to leave when I ran back to Kaito.

Me: High five!

Kaito: (sighs) What for?

Me: Hey! Successful mission, we need a high five. Now stop wasting time.

Kaito: ...

He looked at me and I knew what he was thinking:

"This rookie... is a weirdo."

A happy weirdo at that.

Kaito: High five.

Returning it, I waved goodbye to him happily. Then headed out of the station. I usually took the subway, but since they introduced buses heading to my area, I then took buses instead. On the trip home, I surprisingly got a message from Kaito.

Me: Kaito?

"Better be early or you might just babysit the station for the whole day tomorrow."

Shaking my head, I replied:

"I will make sure of it!"

My mentor is really something else...