In need of a job

The apartment was decent. It had a bedroom, a living room merged with the kitchen and a bathroom. It was perfect for Shimizu. He felt glad, but once he sat down, all the worries had come back to him. Shimizu had completely forgotten about his situation. That's dangerous, I need to keep my distance from that man. Shimizu warned himself. It was well over midnight so falling asleep wasn't an issue.

At lunch, Shimizu received another call from his dad. "Just a heads up. I won't be able to pay for your housing or send any more money than I already have." Shimizu sighed but still wanted to thank his dad for at least that much. "Dad…" but he got cut off. "I have to go Suzuki. Bye." He was no longer surprised. He realized that there's no point in fussing over these things. I will show father that he made a grave mistake leaving me. I will surpass everyone.

After school, Shimizu ran to the convenience store, but sadly he left soon after. How could I not have gotten the job? Shimizu thought of all the ways to find another job, but with that small salary, he wouldn't be able to exert his revenge. He sat on a bench in the newly constructed park. I should utilize everything I have… Shimizu thought to himself, and then it hit him. The guy who treated him to dinner looked rich. He must have connections. I didn't think I would ever call him but I am glad I kept the card with me. Shimizu put the number in his phone and gave the man a call.

"Moshi Moshi Hirahi Takase speaking."

"Hello, it's Shimizu… Can we meet up? I have a request…" Shimizu's voice quivered. He wasn't used to asking others for help, but thinking about his mother he gathered up the courage to ask. "Could you help me?" Shimizu muttered, he barely even heard himself. He started shaking, Shimizu's eyes began to water up. What if he thinks that I am stupid because I couldn't get the job? Does he hate me now? Did I disturb him? Countless thoughts flooded Shimizu's mind until he heard a voice on the other side of the phone.

"Of course. Anything you want, I will help you with it. Where are you right now I'll pick you up?" Shimizu's eyes lit up. He practically yelled. "The park!" And immediately hung up.

Shimizu had been waiting for 2 hours. The sun has already set. Shimizu thought that the man ditched him and that he was just putting up a front to finally dispose of him. Shimizu started crying. Rolled up, he buried his head into his knees. Men are trash. I hate adult men. All they do is lie. Shimizu continued crying until he felt a hand on the back of his head. He looked up and saw Hirahi panting.

"What happened, Shimizu?" As Shimizu was about to answer, he opened his mouth, but, Shimizu tells,words didn't come out for some reason. He wanted to curse the man out. Tell him he's an idiot. But most importantly he wanted to thank him for coming. Shimizu's eyes began closing, it looked like he was going through a tunnel and he fell into Hirahi's arms. Hirahi grabbed Shimizu. He was flabbergasted. Hirahi began shaking him. "Shimizu! What happened, are you alright?" Shimizu didn't answer so Hirahi carried him to his car.

Shimizu woke up in Hirahi's apartment. The bed was very big and comfortable. Shimizu was about to roll to the other side and continue sleeping when he realized he wasn't in his room. He began freaking out bolting out of bed and opening the door to try to get out but to his surprise, Hirahi was just outside the door with a tray of food. Shimizu crashed into him and the plates shattered. "Are you all right Shimizu?" asked Hirahi, holding on to his hand. Shimizu jumped at Hirahi and, lying on top, hugged him. Hirahi didn't try to resist. He just sighed and mumbled. "Damn, what a brat."

"I thought you wouldn't come, it took you so long…" Shimizu still avoided eye contact, just hugged Hirahi tighter.

"You only told me you were at a park, how the hell was I supposed to know which one? I called you countless times but you wouldn't pick up. I thought something bad happened."

"I'm sorry…" That's all that Shimizu could say. He was too tired to think so he fell asleep in Hirahi's embrace.

He woke up much later due to the sound of plates clattering around him. Shimizu slowly opened his eyes, he had been brought back to bed. At the bedside table were a big pile of papers and next to it another tray with various dishes. Hirahi sat beside him reading the papers.

"You have finally woken up. Hungry? I made something for dinner."

"Huh? Dinner? How long was I asleep? It feels like it's been a while." Said Shimizu rubbing his eyes.

"Because it has. You've been asleep for 20 hours. Must have been a hard day for you." Hirahi remarked, handing the tray to Shimizu.

"I slept through school?!" Shimizu tried getting up but Hirahi held him down.

"You have to rest. It's already past 8 pm. Just relax today at my place. Tomorrow I will drive you to school. But you better tell your parents about this. I was going to talk to them when they called you but you haven't received any calls while you've been here."

"That won't be an issue."

Shimizu didn't want to get into trouble, who knows what might happen being left alone with a stranger that's bigger and stronger than you by 5 times, but he trusted Hirahi. So he just started eating the food.

"It's delicious…" Shimizu whispered. That made a small smile appear on Hirahi's face.

"What did you need my help with?"

Shimizu got serious. It's now or never. Better ask him while I can.

"Could you help me find a job?" Shimizu's eyes looked at Hirahi.

"What do you mean by that? A student's job is to study."

"I need to make money, please any job is fine. I tried finding one on my own but I failed. I need one quickly. I am willing to work full nights and all weekends. Trust me I am a hard worker." Hirahi couldn't defy him.

"Alright, I'll figure something out. But why are you in such a rush for money?"

Shimizu didn't want to answer. Once you'll know you will leave me too. I must be cursed. I don't want to be pitied by him, I would feel awful about that.

"Can I tell you some other time?"

Hirahi just sighed and continued reading his papers.