Meeting Business

That crime business was over in a flash, who knew? Disappointing in the way that wasn't very exciting as mystery books turned it out to be, but what to do?

(Y/N) got a round of scolding from Lyla, but it was short because she even understood the concept of 'wrong time...'. All she put out was 'Be careful, and don't be stupid.'

(Y/N) snorted, 'As if I would do stupid,' she thought.

It was with great feeling that the auditions were upon her, because it would mean that the ruthless training would be over soon. That was what (Y/N) cared for the time being, and to (Y/N)'s relief, the last day was, for Lyla's word, to relax and enjoy herself.

So, (Y/N) who had been cooped inside for the last few days, went out to the park. Just walking around and taking a breath of fresh air, enjoying the scenery and letting out her thoughts in a wild flurry.

She was so consumed in her imagination that when she sat on a bench to rest her stiff legs, she sat on a person.

"Oi, what are you doing?" The voice broke her out of her thoughts. The girl stood up to see that she had accidentally sat on a pink hair boy, but it was his eyes that caught her attention, purple eyes but one a shade more red and another a shade more blue.

"I'm sorry, it was just that I was dreaming... and..." (Y/N) babbled, as she took in more of his appearance. She noticed that there was a scar, crossing his eye and an arm with bandages. He looked banged up.

"It's OK," the boy said now, "You just startled me."

(Y/N) sat next to the boy, "Again, I am sorry."

"Why keep on apologizing? It's not that you accidentally killed me or something?"

(Y/N) winced at his sense of humor but the boy didn't notice. He was laughing at his own joke, and when he stopped, he looked at (Y/N) who did not laugh, "Why? It's not funny?"

"Who on earth would joke like that? When people joke, they use insecurity, sure, but not about violence... when has violence ever been funny?"

The boy was in quiet thought before shrugging himself, "Absolutely no idea."

"I guess you need to work on your sense of humor, then..."

"If that's the only thing that needs working, I would be in a better shape," the boy said, laughing again.

"Why? Rough life?" (Y/N) asked thoughtfully.

The boy hesitated, before saying, "Not really. No. I'm fine with how life is, as you can see..." he gestured to himself.

"Even with that scar on your eye, and the bandages... and wait, why are there bruises around your neck?" (Y/N) asked in surprise.

"Why, isn't this common?" The boy asked. "Being hurt, that's what makes us mortal, human... what we are..."

"But no one suffers like that everyday! What is wrong with you... unless you are a masochist?"

"Masochist?" The boy tilted his head in question.

"Someone who likes pain... I never understood them," (Y/N) admitted.

"Masochist?" The boy asked, and then laughed, "I've been called a lot of things, but not that."

(Y/N) decided not to press what he was called and decided to inquire, "Well, nice chatting with you. What's your name, by the way?"

"August Pierto," The boy said.

"August Pierto?! Not Joel Pierto's son!" (Y/N) asked in shock. Joel Pierto was quite famous as a ravishing businessman who does plenty of charity work and brings business to a whole new meaning. He died, however, a year ago, in a car accident and his son, then took over. (Y/N) never expected this meeting.

"The very one," August's smile seemed strained, "I get that a lot."

"Yes, I was just surprised. My name's (Y/N) and if you need a friend..."

"(Y/N)..." August savored the name, "'And if you need a friend...' Really? Most people would say, 'I'm sorry about your father', you know?"

"Yeah, and that would be so boring to hear, so I decided to say something else," (Y/N) said.

August laughed, "That's a first."

"Yep, that's me. A first." (Y/N) said, and then, they both laughed.

"If I'm not interrupting your lovebirds meeting..." a sneering voice sounded in front of them. They looked up.

It was a 30 year old guy, and he was holding a gun to August.

"What the freak?!" (Y/N) spluttered out. First it was the dead body and now this?! She resolved to never tell Lyla about this.

"So, you are going to shoot me now?" August said that, near amicably. (Y/N) gave him a look of, 'Are you crazy?!'

There was a thin line between masochism and craziness in (Y/N)'s mind, and this just proves it.

"Haah, they said you were a weirdo, but I didn't know how much," the man barked. "Fine, here you go!"

The bullet shot, and without thinking, (Y/N) pushed August away, and surged forward, shocking him with a taser. He dropped the gun, and kicking his groin made him succumb and fainted.

"Ahh..." (Y/N) looked at August to see that he was sporting a wound from his elbow. She immediately ran to him, "Stay still! Do not move!" Afterwards, (Y/N) called the ambulance, and then turned her attention toward him.

"Please let me treat you. At least I have a bit of first aid on me. I'll just have to clean the wound..."

August stopped me, "Please don't. I like it like this. It's... beautiful, isn't it?"

A true masochist to feel like that, but I persisted... "Even if you think it's beautiful, at least make sure it's disinfected. Infection will only lead to worse things, you know?"

August looked at her, and in the indecision, (Y/N) cleaned the wound.

"Woah?" August asked.

"Whether you like it or not, because I'll be derelict if I don't. I will do something to compensate this later," (Y/N) said.

"You can shock me with the taser," August suggested.

"If we were in Dumb Ways to Die, then maybe I would, because the way you are going, are you trying to find ways to die? The bruises on your neck, that's strangulation, right? Bullets, stab wounds, and being shocked, seriously? Exactly what life you are living?" (Y/N) asked.

"It's quite common, actually, especially in the business world. Rivals everywhere," August said.

"Yeah, but still... isn't it sad?" (Y/N) asked.

"Sad?" August asked, like he couldn't comprehend the word associated to the situation.

"To live a life where you find yourself in a situation like that every time. I guess it might be thrilling from time to time, but it's just plain depressing afterwards. Wouldn't it be easier to... I dunno... hire guards or something?" (Y/N) asked. August remained silent.

'Why do you care?' August thought, looking at the genuine girl before him. It was just so weird.

"I mean..." (Y/N) became flustered at his silence, "It's just strange for anyone to live a life like that. I just don't want that for you..."

"But why do you care?" August blurted out.

"Well, I guess it's the empathy in me. My conscience can't believe the stuff you put up through and just wants the best," (Y/N) said with a smile.

August now came impassive. He doesn't know what to feel.

Then, they heard sirens, and it was a full circus with the ambulance and the police. August got treated and (Y/N) gave her statement. The man was put into custody.

(Y/N) looked at her watch and noticed how time passed, "Oh, freak, I'm going to be late for training. Catch you on the flipside," (Y/N) waved to August.

He was now bandaged, and staring at the spot the girl was in a trance. Her words resonated in him and he couldn't help think, 'Empathy... for me. That's a first.'

First... She did say she was a first. Maybe he could be hers too. Hopefully...