Chapter 13

Zeke's restaurant or rather the "Fat Cat" is a pretty popular spot in Polarity. Though it's only located in Oak. Most people who come here eat the homemade food made by Zeke's family. Though it is doing well on it own, Zeke still likes to do some bartender work. I think he just enjoys it. The specialty of the restaurant was comfort foods from all over the world. It's a good idea but because of that the smell of the restaurant would vary. Most people would just eat the oyakodon though because it's faster to make than others.

Everything inside was nothing fancy either. The place was made to look like some kind of old homestyle garage restaurant. Plastic chairs with plastic tables, a cheap but sturdy looking counter, and a floor reminiscent of a fast food joint. Though once someone enters the kitchen it looks like something that came from a proper restaurant.

It was already well lit into the evening yet neither of us wanted to leave just yet. Jake was still too busy murmuring to himself about the possibilities of the stupidity of his friendship while I was smoking another stick.

Jake: I mean it's not that bad right? Drifting apart is normal?

Mako: I'm not the one to say that for you. I don't have any friends myself.

Jake: That's dumb. You have friends, you just don't want to admit they're friends.

Mako: No, I'm pretty sure I've made it pretty clear that I'm not friends with anyone.

Jake: You really need to get a life outside of work. What are you going to do when you reach the top?

Mako: Just relax. By then, I can just do whatever I want because I have the power.

Jake: Won't you be lonely?

Mako: Lonely? What for?

Jake: Geez, you're just a completely different breed aren't you?

Mako: I'd like to believe so. I am a protagonist after all.

Jake: Sometimes I wish I could be like that. But I'd rather have friends along the way. That way even if I fail at something, I have someone to catch me.

Mako: Like right now? I don't think you realize who you're talking to. You're talking to the person way below the social ladder of high school for advice about friendship. No one is here, Jake. Who the hell are you waiting for?

Jake: Huh?

Mako: You're actually pathetic aren't you.

Jake: Shut up…

Mako: What?

Jake: I said shut up! You don't have the right to say any of that! They'll respond eventually! They're just taking their time to sort out their issues. Not everyone has time all the time in the world.

Mako: And that's what makes you a loser.

Jake: It's not a crime to care about my friend's time.

Mako: Sure, go ahead buddy.

Jake: You're such an ass. What the hell did the world do to make you like this?

Mako: Now, why would I tell you that? You're not my friend.

He smiled, I thought this fucker would take a while to notice. I'm just running around his problem, encircling what he needs to do like a big red marker. I wonder if I really am mean, or maybe the way I do things is mean. Though I would never know in the end because I don't have anyone like me to tell it to my face. Jake finally calmed down a bit.

Jake: You're right. You're not my friend. You're my girlfriend. And that's what girlfriends should do. Tell their partner what's wrong even if it means hurting their feelings. Or at least that is what I think you're doing.

I smiled then gave an obvious shrug which comforted him just a bit. Guess I do have a soft spot for those friend group genres about friendship. It's not in my place to tell what groups of friends should be but it should be obvious when people are truly friends or not. We finished our meals then brought them into the dishwasher. Zeke thanked us one more time for coming for the short notice.

We walked back to our homes in this kind dark evening. The moon glowing our paths through the streets. Fall was coming soon and I had to start planning for the next big thing in my life which would be if I should put up an entry for the Shield awards.

As the wind blew a nice crisp feeling, I felt at peace despite my busy life. I think it's fun, or that's what I want to believe. Better than the troubling one in my hometown. Our path lead us to where the small community park was. It wasn't much compared to station parts, yet it was a nice place regardless. A place to talk. Dirt pathing, a playground by the side with swing sets, and benches under stop lights.

Jake: Hey, Mako. What made you say yes to my request. I never really asked.

Mako: Maybe I'm just not as mean as I thought I am. That's all.

Jake smiled, I just shot one back too. My place wasn't far from the restaurant, but I wasn't sure about Jake. I've never paid any attention to anyone's homes unless they're a client of mine. That's why it's a bit surprising that he's walking in the same direction as me.

Jake: Even if you're putting up this kind of wall. A part of me is curious about you. You're probably the most interesting person I know. Which is saying a lot because I know a lot of people.

Mako: That or you need to meet more people.

Jake: I guess that could also be right hahaha. But being with you is a lot more fun than I initially thought. I originally came here just to rant to get my feelings out. Yet, in the span of that. I've completely forgotten about my spiel. I had it all planned out too to make it interesting.

Mako: Is that supposed to be a good thing?

Jake: I'm not sure. You turned it all around just like that. Caught me off guard cause usually people just listen.

Mako: Just be sure that you don't get too caught up to me. People might think you're close to me.

Jake: Being considerate already?

Mako: Just don't blame me. I don't want to be the one picking up the pieces and defending you.

Jake: Hahaha, alright then. I won't anyone else know about this. Now I feel kind of special y'know.

Mako: Why?

Jake: Because nobody else talks to you which makes me the only one that can enjoy this moment.

Mako: Enjoy?

Jake: Maybe that's not the word for it but that's how I feel. That I'm the only one that can see you like this. The genuine side of you.

Mako: Genuine huh…

Jake: So if you want someone to secretly help you out with something. Then I'll be sure to help you out.

I stopped dead in my tracks, secretly help out… Is this my chance? Someone that I can confide in? This must be some kind of trick of fate. Everything is falling into place just like some kind of romance story. Part of me just wants to laugh at the situation. Yet, another of me was already clutching my leather case with my unfinished work. Is this like a fairy tale? That I could just give him a piece of my soul then give me back a review of it.

One of the things that writers can't get enough is when someone actually puts some time to read their works. I think that's why it hurts the most when they don't, despite their promises. As I held on to my leather case, it felt like I was holding my soul. Our work is our souls. That's why it hurts, it hurts when someone discards our souls.

It's almost like we're screaming, read our work. All of that, only to be dropped and forgotten. It hurts.

Jake: Mako?

Mako: Uh… I… Uhm…

My legs were locked in place and my body didn't dare to step. I was paralyzed with fear, something that I hadn't experienced before. Jake looked at me in confusion. As I gripped my bag harder and harder, I just couldn't form the words. Or rather, I didn't want to form any words.

Mako: You… see.. I… I…

Female voice from a far: Jake! Is that you!? Hey!

The shock from hearing that voice snapped me back to normal, both of us looked to see where the voice was coming from. A girl that looked about our age came running at us with a giant smile plastered all over her face. Along with her was a boy that looked to be her friend too. She wore some kind of witch style red dress complete with a long frilly skirt while the guy just had normal clothes. Blue jeans and a black shit but what made him stand out was his three piercings on his ears paired along with his bling.

Jake: Bell? Nero? What are you two doing out so late at night?

Nero: We could say the same thing about you.

Bell: Oh~ Who's this pretty little thing?

Nero: You on a date or something?

They came up closer to me, I could only assume they were sizing me up. It was a bit difficult to see through the darkness but after a while I could see them better. Bell basically was this proactive bright girl of their group that had dyed blonde hair. She wasn't as tall as me while Nero was the complete opposite. He was much taller than me and Jake. His slim body type made me want to push him to see if he would fall over like a tower. Though I wouldn't try knowing that his voice sounds like some kind of ruffian.

Jake: Are you guys joking or something?

Bell: I've never seen her before~ Does that mean she's famous in one of the other schools!?

Nero: Shut it, Bell. She's probably our classmate if he's saying it like that.

Bell: A classmate? But I know everybody. Anyway~ What's the story between you two huh? Why so late at night?

Jake: Oh I was just out for a stroll. What about you guys? You guys went radio silent for the last couple of days.

Bell: Oh! Sorry about that… It's just that…

Nero: Nothing. It's nothing to be concerned about. We just didn't feel like talking to the others is all.

Bell: What Nero said~

Jake: Oh, I see… Then what were you guys doing?

Bell: Nothing much~

Nero: Being nosy isn't exactly a good virtue to follow, Jake. Anyway, let's get going, Bell. Your mother wouldn't want you to be gone for too long.

Bell: Yep~ See you two around!

Jake: Yeah… Sure…

They left as abrupt as they came. Though I was able to grasp on what was happening in the group from that interaction alone. Jake just looked at the ground, unable to do anything. So this is what fragility is. Walking on eggshells in a friend group. I tucked away my leather bag and left Jake there. There's only so much that I could do. In the end, why would I ask for something genuine from someone who won't even find his.