The next day, I was preparing myself to finally present my new ID to Keiko. At last, I could deliver it. "Keiko, sorry, do you have time now?" I asked her.
It was early in the morning. I know, shocking, right? I was early today. Yes, it was unusual.
Yesterday’s conversation with Aki had me overthinking so much that I couldn’t sleep last night. My thoughts were swirling about Keiko, about my feelings, about what the hell I should do to not ruin our relationship again.
Keiko’s response snapped me out of my daze. "Yes, do you need something?"
I smiled. "Ohh... wait..." I rummaged through my bag, searching for my new ID card, but of course, because life loves to play jokes on me, my bag slipped from my hands, and everything inside scattered all over the floor.
I gasped as I spotted my old ID card among the mess. Oh no.
Keiko heard the commotion and turned her attention to me. "Are you okay?" she asked while stepping closer.
Panic flooded my system. I scrambled to pick everything up, especially the ID card, praying it had landed face-down. To my luck, it did. I let out a tiny breath of relief.
"Ahhh... Sorry, I was clumsy and scattered my things, hehe..." I tried my best to act natural.
Once I was done, I stood up and presented my ID card to Keiko. "Here! Finally, it’s done. I'm sorry it took so long." I forced the sweetest smile I could muster.
Keiko took it, her brows furrowing as she examined it. Then, she nodded. "Okay. Thank you for completing your documents."
I let out a silent breath of relief. That was close.
"But... may I ask something?" Keiko’s voice cut through my brief moment of victory.
"Yes?" My throat suddenly felt dry.
She looked at me, eyes sharp and analyzing. "I saw just now. How do you have two ID cards?"
It felt like I had been struck by lightning. My breath shortened. She saw?!
"Oh! Ahaha! You saw that? That was my uncle’s ID. He must have accidentally dropped it in my bag this morning!" I blurted out the first excuse that came to mind.
Keiko didn’t buy it. She stepped even closer. "But you don’t stay with him anymore, do you?"
Omg, what should I say? I held my breath.
Keiko’s gaze locked onto mine. "Ryuko, who are you really?"
I gulped. Did she know? "W-what do you mean? I am Mugiawara Ryuko. M-my uncle came by this morning to check on me."
Keiko still looked unconvinced, but before she could press further, the front door swung open.
"Hey, morning! What?! Ryuko, you're early today?" Aki's voice rang out.
I had never been so relieved to see her in my life. "Well... I wanna change to be better," I said, using the distraction to recover.
Aki snorted. "Tch, don’t lie. Ah, hello, Keiko! Eh? Somehow, you look... gloomy this morning, ahaha."
This girl, I swear.
Keiko let out a small sigh. "Well... this is just my face. It always looks like this."
Aki looked horrified, realizing she might have just insulted our boss. I chuckled as she shot me a look, sticking her tongue out at me. Keiko rolled her eyes and walked away. "Just get ready, everyone."
---
Work went on as usual, and days passed without any major incidents. Taking Aki’s advice, I put more effort into expressing my affection for Keiko.
For example, when Keiko accidentally stubbed her toe on a table leg, I quickly rushed over and knelt down. "Oh no! Keiko, are you okay? Here, let me massage it!"
Keiko’s face turned red. "W-wait, Ryuko, that’s not necessa—"
"Shhh. Just relax," I interrupted, grabbing her foot gently and massaging it with exaggerated care.
Aki, who was wiping the counter, gasped. "Oh my god! Are we getting a live romance drama?!"
Keiko groaned. "Aki, stop being dramatic."
Meanwhile, I was enjoying the moment. "See? Feels better, right?"
Keiko sighed. "It’s just a toe, Ryuko. I’m fine."
Ruka walked by and muttered, "Never thought I'd see Ryuko becoming a prince charming."
Another time, when it rained and Keiko forgot her umbrella, I saw it as the perfect chance.
"Keiko! I'll walk you home!" I proudly announced, holding an umbrella over us as if I were a knight escorting a princess.
"Ryuko, you don’t have to. I can just—"
"Shhh! It’s my duty to protect you from this merciless rain!" I dramatically placed the umbrella above her, ignoring the fact that I was getting drenched on one side.
Keiko sighed. "You’re getting wet."
"As long as you’re dry, I’m fine!" I said nobly, only to trip on a rock and nearly fall into a puddle.
Keiko quickly caught me. "You’re hopeless," she muttered, pulling me closer so we could both fit under the umbrella properly.
My heart skipped a beat. Damn it.
And then, there was lunch.
Keiko was about to take a bite of her food when she frowned. "Ugh, I forgot to bring my water."
"Don’t worry, I got it!" I jumped up dramatically, sprinting to the back and returning within seconds, panting. "Here! Water!"
Keiko blinked. "You ran all the way just to get me water?"
I puffed my chest proudly. "Of course! I am at your service!"
Aki snorted. "Damn, Ryuko, just confess already."
Keiko simply shook her head with a soft smile and took the water. "Thanks, Ryuko."
Nothing really changed after all that, though, and it had already been two weeks. Maybe it really wasn’t working, after all. I sighed, lost in thought.
Then, suddenly—
"Ryuko."
"Hmm?" I snapped out of my thoughts and turned toward Keiko.
"Do you have time after work?"
I smiled and nodded. "Yes."
Was this it? Was it finally happening?! Did she want to go on a date with me?!
I couldn’t stop the hopeful smile from spreading across my face. But deep inside, I also felt a strange sense of dread.