Work Text:
You awoke feeling as though you didn’t sleep a wink. No matter how much you rubbed your eyes and smacked your face, you wanted nothing more than to fall back into your deflated pillow. It took a minute of struggling, but you have a sudden realization that made you sprint out of bed.
It was silent.
Sharing a small apartment with 3 people meant it was usually noisy.
“Shit, shit, shit!”
You ran to put on whatever clothes you got your hands on, they could’ve been inside out, dirty, not even yours, you didn't care. Long story short, your late night studying ended with you barely making it to your bed so putting your phone to charge did not happen. Therefore, your alarm didn’t go off on the one day you couldn’t miss class for the final exam.
You nearly dropped to your knees and thanked whatever god gave you mercy on this day when the professor you had little hope of giving you sympathy simply mumbled, “if you can get it done on time.”
~
You felt confident as you handed in your completed exam just within the final minute. Your shoulders already felt significantly lighter walking out the classroom knowing you were nearly done with the semester. Your grades were phenomenal, now all you had left to worry about was
. . . them.
You could practically feel your shoulders stiffen up again.
“Oh my god hi! There they are, guys!” Her shrill voice greeted you through the window of the parked van.
“Hi– everyone,” you greeted the others quietly as you loaded onto the van.
The trio were a group of friends beforehand so they spoke the entire ride. You didn’t mind since it saved you from awkward silence or grasping at straws to make conversation. You had arranged to meet this afternoon since everyone’s schedules matched up for the first time the whole week to finish up the project for good.
You found them unbearable as work partners and even more as humans, yet you found yourself at one of their apartments. They were first years and from what you’ve gathered, irresponsible and lazy when it came to their work ethic. Meanwhile, you gave school your all despite being burnt out by your mid-20’s. You were all adults in the end (although the others were in fact younger than you) yet, you felt like the babysitter.
It was a little past noon, so they decided there was no hurry to start and ordered food for delivery. You didn’t oppose, you’d be grateful to finally get something in your stomach, but there was no time for sitting around. You continued to lay out your organized to-do lists and mentally prepare for the long, long day ahead.
After realizing that you were actually only 40% done, you grew more anxious as you waited for the delivery to arrive, “casually” mentioning there's a lot of work. Surely they would get productive when they got their food. . . you prayed.
As you sat in the living room with your plate, they chatted in the kitchen around the pizza box. You almost envied them for having their interesting college experience, making friendships and not stressing too much. To have fun. You shook away the thought, replacing it with work as usual. Perhaps your frequent glances made them feel pressured to finally join you, because they came over and the guy spoke. You’re a terrible project partner for not remembering any of their names.
“So uh — what do we like, have to do?”
~
Time flew as you went into work-mode, the sun would start to set in about an hour. Now 90% of the project was complete, including your finalized part. Left overseeing everyone else, you were pleasantly surprised at their productivity when they were truly focused. At this point you considered calling a taxi and leaving them on their own for the night, feeling much more assured about your grade.
Unfortunately, not all good things last as their focus began to dissipate. Becoming easily side-tracked, their conversation soon strayed into nonsense as they pondered about the paranormal.
It started with discussing the existence of ghosts and spirits, you weren’t in the conversation but they asked you for your opinion. You stayed neutral, saying you wouldn’t know for sure until you saw it for yourself. They were strong believers and shared their stories, getting each other riled up and jumpy. Then one of them mentioned a haunted spot and how there were definitely ghosts there.
They all shared a look, like they way they shared one brain cell so they knew exactly what the other was thinking.
“Do you want to see for yourself if ghosts are real?”
One of the guys said with a grin.
“Nooooo thank you. I know what you’re all thinking– but what if it’s dangerous!? I don’t think they want a visit.”
The girl of the group was typing on her laptop and flipped it around, showing the address of an office building, “this guy does spirit work, we can go to him for help or protection or whatever!”
“Well I was actually thinking of heading back to my place anyways, but you guys are more than welcome to go on your own.” You replied, gathering your items.
“Oh come on, don’t you ever have some
fun?”
You froze at the word, like a ghost appeared in front of you then and there.
~
“Maybe we weren’t meant to go, let’s just go back and finish those last few things!”
You tried reasoning with them after waiting for a while at the door. You were stubborn and that ended you at some psychic’s business with these buffoons.
“I’m sure they’ll come any minute now.”
“5 more minutes,” you said sternly.
Moments after you leaned against the wall, you heard footsteps coming up the stairwell. A man with a questionable blonde but ginger hair color and a young boy with a dark bowlcut came up.
“Oh there he is! We were waiting for you.”
The psychic man seemed like a decent person, carrying out his business with professionalism and the boy served you all tea. The situation was just questionable, you were on edge to say the least.
“We wanna make some memories before we graduate, man. So, like, we want to go to some popular haunted place and take a spirit photo! But it’d suck if we actually ran into an evil spirit.”
You saw him contemplate for a second, “When and where?”
“Right now, my dude! We’ve got a car waiting just outside!”
The plans were made instantly and without finishing your beverages, you were out the door. The trio led the way out, the man you now knew as Reigen, nearly ran into you.
“Woah! I didn’t even know you were there . . . like at all.”
“It’s fine,” you pardoned him and continued to the van.
~
“What happened to getting there in 20 minutes. It’s already been 30.” Reigen commented.
You chipped in, “Yeah, it’s already dark and not to mention late.”
Reigen looked over his shoulder from the passenger seat, as to see who was in agreement that this was getting tiring. You gave him a defeated shrug.
“It might be another 30.”
The silent ride lasted what felt like ages, you sat next to the boy. You wondered what he was doing here, was he the guy’s kid? You had many questions. Like she read your mind, the girl of the group started asking him questions just not in a way you would’ve.
“So what the heck are you, his assistant or something?”
“I’m a part timer.” He quietly responded.
Reigen interrupted, “Mob! Concentrate, make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.”
What a weird name you thought.
“Wow, you sound legit!” The girl giggled, the boys laughed along while making ‘oOooOo’ noises.
~
The van came to a stop at a clearing, the moonlight illuminated the dark trees and the abandoned house in the middle of the forest. You didn’t want to admit it but you were scared out of your mind being at such a creepy place at night.
The trio led the way with their flashlights, you walked behind but not enough to be with the boy and the man.
“Oh shit, this place is spooky!” One of them said before all dashing into the broken down house.
You declined their invitation to join them, you stayed outside not knowing what’s scarier. Being out in the open or in that house.
“You sense any spirits?” Reigen asked the boy.
“Faintly. Doesn’t deserve to be a popular haunted spot, though.” Mob responded as he took a sweep of the area, his eyes meeting you for a moment.
That reminded the man of your presence.
“Soooo what are you doing out here with them?”
Reigen turned to you.
“Oh– I would rather be in my bed right now, but I got dragged along. I barely even know them.”
“That’s what I thought, they don’t really seem like your crowd.”
“Definitely not my crowd. I’m too old to be staying out like this.”
You laughed and leaned against a nearby tree. Your backpack that never parted your back since leaving their apartment cushioned the rough bark. You rubbed your temples from the headache you feel creeping in.
He took place by a tree next to yours, “Is that so– then how old are you?”
“27.”
“Hey, me too! You calling me old?” He acted offended.
You shook your head no and laughed. You were glad he was distracting you from the fact that you were deep in a forest late at night.
“Nowadays I feel like I’m sprouting grey hairs. I bet I’ll have wrinkles by the end of this week.” You joked.
“Well then you’re the most attractive senior citizen I’ve ever seen.”
You felt a smile tug at your lips, but he remained casual.
Your conversation stayed short, he checked his watch and sighed.
“All right, hurry up and take that picture, please.” He called out.
You stayed against the tree as they appeared from the house. Reigen was asked to take the picture which he noticeably didn't want to do, but made his way over with his hands in his pockets.
You got the chance to finally take a good look at him. He seemed like the average guy apart from his profession, his hair made him stand out a little. He seemed– not stern but straightforward, his decent grey suit made you trust him more as if that made any person more reliable. Maybe it was because you had a thing for men in suits.
You shook your head as you realized you were staring a little too hard, his lips moved but you didn’t hear.
“Helloooo? Did you want to get in the picture?”
“Sure.”
You agreed without thinking.
You stood beside the three a few inches away, so in the picture you looked like you weren’t supposed to be there.
Reigen was squinting behind the camera, when his eyes flickered over to you.
“Let’s see that dazzling smile.”
His comment made it happen naturally, the camera flashed and he promptly gave it back. His eyes still lingering on you along with a small smirk.
~
“Let’s head back. My disciple has school in the morning. Also regarding the fee–”
“FEE!?” The trio collectively shouted.
“Nothing bad happened, you didn't even do anything, psychic dude! You really want us to pay you for nothing!? Isn’t that a scam!” They complained.
“You guys can’t be serious, this is his job. If he took time to come out here with us, he deserves his payment.” You intervened.
“Yeah what they said!” He took a firm stance beside you and gave you a thankful smile and a wink.
“As if!” The girl’s red painted lips spat, before booking it to the van with the other goons.
Leaving you, this man you barely knew, and a child who was apparently a part-timer for this guy in the woods at night.
You stood with no thoughts whatsoever for a minute, this was beyond your last straw today. You swallowed the lump in your throat, you’ll save that cry for later while you're not stranded with two strangers.
“Wow. No payment and no ride back.” Reigen said flatly and flipped open his phone, “No reception, great. Let's start walking to the nearest road.”
The walk back generated some conversation mainly consisting of your disastrous day and rants about how much they’ve irritated you before. Then, you remembered. You stopped so hard in your tracks that you almost fell forward onto your face.
Your hands gripped your shoulders, your backpack was with you which was a relief. But there was something far more important.
“The project.”
“The project?” Reigen repeated.
That led you to spout your worries about the power they have over you, if they wanted to they could all claim you didn’t contribute. The majority would win and you’d be screwed.
He apologetically nodded along, giving bits of commentary at the right times.
Before you knew it, you escaped the eerie woods and found a road. You felt a wave of embarrassment, did you really complain the whole way? Enough talking, you just needed to get back to your place as it was reaching the late hour of 10:30.
“Alright, now we wait.” Reigen said, looking up and down the road.
“W-we’re gonna just hitch a ride?” You gulped, this was starting to feel like the beginning of a horror movie.
“Don’t worry, nothing will happen if I’m around.” He smiled sincerely and placed a gentle hand on your shoulder.
You stared into his eyes, finding a genuine kindness in them. Suddenly you could see them in better light, warm brown with curly, light eyelashes. He cheered and waved his arms at the approaching vehicle that came to a stop. You never felt such a mix of relief and fear that you could get killed at the same time.
Reigen spoke to the man and he apparently passed his safe test and called you over to hop in. Mob going in first, Reigen, then you by the window.
The boy quickly nodded off and fell asleep. Reigen’s eyes were low and dark underneath, matching yours. You rested your head on the window despite the bumpy road that made it impossible to relax. There was another feeling you were more focused on.
The truck was a tight squeeze, Mob was practically on Reigen’s lap in order to fit. Reigen’s thigh was pressed against yours, you could feel his warmth and phone in his pocket. You could tell he tried to make himself smaller but it was no use.
His shoulders bumped against yours and he kept his hands folded politely on his lap to avoid any accidental touches. You hugged your backpack in your lap, your eyes felt heavier and heavier by the minute. Your right side was warm, enough to make you lean in for more.
~
There was a faint whisper close to your ear that you couldn’t make out. You still felt the road under the truck going but much smoother. The pestering whisper persisted, you felt the breathiness of the words on your head. It only made you shut your eyes tighter.
You heard a sharp sigh, followed by a hand ruffling your hair. You slapped the hand away and awoke disoriented, your neck was stiff when you lifted your head.
“Finally, you’re awake. We’re back at my office.”
As you blinked your vision became clearer, the face that said that sentence was close— why were you so close. You jumped back, hitting your head on the window and remembering the whole situation. Your right wasn't warm anymore.
You stood on the sidewalk under a streetlight, yawning as Reigen handed the man some money and thanked him. The boy wasn’t there anymore, he must’ve been taken home first.
He walked over to you, he wasn’t standing as tall as earlier but in a tired slouch.
“Alright, let’s get you ho–”
A long grumble came from your stomach, taking over the conversation.
“God I’m starving. Don’t worry about me, I’ll call for a ride.”
“Well. . . I was going to take my student to eat after work, but it got too late. Wanna grab a bite to eat? I know a place that’s open, right around the block.”
You contemplated it. It was late, you were tired, you still didn’t know this guy very well, but you were intrigued to spend more time with him. Afterall, didn’t you come because you never have fun?
You agreed.
He seemed happy but shocked to hear that. As you set off to the restaurant, he offered to hold your backpack. You were reluctant but he insisted. When he slung the strap over his arm, he pat your back.
“Now isn’t that bette– OH MY GOD!!” He yelped, jerking his hand back dramatically, “your shoulders are hard as rocks.”
He scared you for a moment, thinking there was a bug on you or something worth freaking out over.
“10 pounds of textbooks and stress will do that to a person.” You shrugged.
“OR evil spirits. I get rid of those all the time, works wonders for stiff shoulders and sore backs.”
You rolled your eyes, “Doubt it. N-No disrespect to your work, of course!”
“Not a believer, I see.”
You arrived at the eatery and quickly got sat, given you were the only people in the establishment.
“I’ve had enough ghost business today. I’m just ready to eat.”
You evaded the topic out of fear of disrespecting this guy’s way of living and you really were done with the spirit nonsense. You sipped on your drinks in silence as you waited on your meals. You checked the time on your phone, surprised to see it was almost midnight yet your drowsiness had passed and you were wide awake now.
Your attention was brought back to Reigen as he pulled off his grey blazer. You quickly reverted your eye to the screen but couldn’t help but peek. You watched as he tugged on his tie to loosen it and pop open the first two buttons of his white shirt. You can’t believe you were totally checking this guy out.
Your gaze broke when the server placed your food on the table. His sleepy eyes lit up at the sight of food and he didn’t waste time digging in, he gathered a large mouthful of noodles. But as he brought it up to blow on it, he paused.
“I don't think I ever got your name?”
~
Your bowls were emptied quickly but your time in the corner booth prolonged. That eatery was the first escape from the busy world you had in a while. For once, your mind didn’t revolve around homework, school, the responsibilities you carry on a daily basis. You were having fun.
You were sad when your bill was set on the table, it was definitely a hint to get you to leave so they could close up for the night but you didn’t want it to end.
Before you could beat him to it, he insisted on paying for both of you. His reasoning was that it was a treat for your tough day and for surviving your finals. You walked back out to the cold, empty streets where you protested his payment.
He waved off your objections and laughed about it, “Am I not allowed to treat you to a nice meal, y/n?”
Hearing your name from his lips was a surprise, leaving you too flustered to argue further. You didn’t even notice you were back at the lamp post in front of his office where you started.
“Here, I’m gonna call you a cab.”
He undraped his blazer from his arm and put it on your shoulders and stepped away with his phone to his ear. As much as you hated his generosity, his gentlemanly actions made you only more attracted to him. A deep blush spread across your face, thankfully he was too occupied to see.
You pulled his remaining heat tightly around you as you realized the inevitable end of your wild adventure.
He stuffed his phone back into his pocket, “Your ride will be here in a few minutes— hey are you getting sleepy again?”
He stooped down to meet your eyes that were lowered to the ground.
“Yeah, a little.”
You didn’t say much after that, you just held onto the warmth from his blazer that was only yours now. It wasn’t long until you heard a car coming from a distance, that was your cue to reach into your bag. He watched curiously as you did.
“How much was the fee from earlier again?” You opened your wallet.
He scoffed, “no need.”
“Oh come on, you deserve your payment. You helped me a lot today and bought me a meal, it’s the least I could do.”
The cab's headlights came around the corner.
“How about this? We call this a date and we do it again, except not beginning stranded in a forest of course and y’know, not at midnight.”
You dropped your wallet and your coins spilled onto the pavement. You immediately dropped down to gather it, you didn’t really care for the change but used it as an excuse to collect yourself. The cab was now pulling up to the curb in front of you. Reigen squatted down to help.
Your face felt hot to the touch, but you couldn’t waste this opportunity.
“Fine then, we have a deal.”
You said it to the floor, but your point got across. Reigen was pleased with your answer and found your flustered state entertaining.
He placed his hand on yours that held your wallet, your eyes connected as you stood upright and until he plopped the last coin into the pocket.
His unwavering stare made you even more nervous, “you’re quite the charmer, do you take your clients on dates often?”
“Absolutely not, I’m a professional business owner. But for you– you're the one and only exception.”
You believed him.
On a torn piece of notebook paper, you wrote down your phone number. The departure was less bittersweet when you knew you were going to see each other again. He opened the door for you, handing you your backpack once you were seated.
“Maybe next time we meet you can let me take a crack at those stiff shoulders of yours.”
He smirked.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Arataka.” You returned his flirty tone, to your surprise he had more of a reaction than you did. You could help but giggle, “See ya.”
You watched as he disappeared from the rear window, his hand was covering his mouth, surely with a grin hiding under it.
You didn’t have to hide yours as the cab driver attempted to make small talk, “Date night with the boyfriend?”