Day 82- Cola

Today, there was new delivery for some of the products, so I was in-charge of replacing them with the expired ones. Yuri called me and said he would be over soon to help me out since he felt bad that I was doing such a tiring thing alone.

Yuri-San seems like such a nice guy. I can't say I'm not excited to meet him.

I tore open a box of chocolate milk cartons and decided to at least start working before it gets too late. Besides, Yuri-San won't have to do much if I work quickly before he comes. He's the boss' son after all, it would be shameless of me to have him work at his own store.

There weren't many customers today, so working was a little easy since whenever there came one, I had to run to the counter. Sometimes there are these cute, old ladies who call me often when they can't find something (but it gets a little annoying after a while because they tend to call me even if the item they're looking for, is right in front of their eyes)

I probably guess that twenty minutes or so had passed when I heard a familiar voice behind me. It had a tone of cheerfulness in it. A voice filled with delight and sweetness. "ERZA-SAN!"

I curtly turned around and saw a guy with blond hair that was tied in a pony-tail. He had a narrow, sharp face. A pointed nose, a wide, joyful grin, and his body was tiny and lean. He looked around the age of fifteen or so. A junior high school student. I was startled since such a cute little kid had come to help me.

"Yuri-San?" I asked and he nodded.

"It's finally nice to meet you!" He bowed deeply. His smile never left his face.

"It's nice to meet you too," I bowed back. "Thank you for coming here to help me."

"It's no problem, Erza-San. If you're worrying about my school and stuff, please don't because I'm quite the genius in my grade," He laughed. "Besides, I really wanted to meet you so even if I had homework and similar activities, I would've ended up here, anyway."

"Thank you once again." I chuckled at his cuteness.

"Please, don't thank me. I'm doing it willingly."

I nodded.

"So, what do I have to do?"

"Ah, could you open up the carton of potatoes and place them in the basket at the back?"

"Got it!"

--

"What else, Erza-San?"

"Uh, there's the carton of sodas which needs to be replaced, could you do that for me while I rearrange the snacks section?"

"Sure thing."

"You're really hardworking. Thank you again for coming here and helping me out. We will be finished soon because of you."

"It's fun to do these kinds of things sometimes." He picked up the soda carton and disappeared near the freezer section.

I was shuffling the snack packets in their right places when I heard the door slide open. Instinctively, I turned my head and saw Jellal pushing back his hood and looking at either side with interest.

I grew animated upon seeing him and called him out on impulse. "JELLAL-KUN!" Instantly, he followed my voice and noticed me. He raised his hand as a greeting and then simply walked towards the freezer.

I followed his figure until only his head was visible from on top of the shelves. Quickly, I rushed towards him, leaving my work undone. He was checking out the sodas and I also noticed that Yuri-San was already done setting the cans and the bottles in their respective shelves. He really is something. Yuri was now at the cheese section; scrutinizing the dates and checking for any dirty spots. However, since I'm the caretaker of such an amazing store, I wouldn't let a speck of dust land on any of the items. I'm quite diligent in my work if I say so myself.

"Jellal-Kun." I called out but he didn't bother to look up at me.

"Hi."

I tied my hands behind my back timidly, "Can I help you with something?"

"No. I'm good." He grabbed two cans of black cola and two cans of dew then walked ahead. I followed him.

"How is your work going on?"

"Good."

"Erza-San!" Yuri suddenly called and I turned.

"Is he your friend?"

"Hm? You mean Jellal-Kun?" I glanced at Jellal and for a spilt second I noticed him looking at Yuri and me too. I wanted to answer him truthfully and maybe see Jellal's reaction. "Actually, he is my boyfriend." I could the proudness in my own voice.

"Your boyfriend?" Yuri's eyes grew wide and his mouth turned into a cute 'O'.

I nodded vigorously and peeked a glance at Jellal, but he wasn't there anymore. He was already waiting at the counter for me.

"Ah! I will be right back, Yuri-San!" I said and jogged to the counter.

I scanned his items. Two black cola's, two dews, a packet of chips, a packet of pretzels and a chocolate.

"Jellal-Kun, please eat something healthy." I pouted and began placing the items in the bag.

"How much?"

"Oh, uh, it's 25." What happened to him?

Jellal handed me the money, grabbed his bag and took out a black cola. He placed it on the counter and turned to leave.

"Eh? Jellal-Kun?" I confusedly looked at his perfect back figure.

"Keep it."

And he left; the doors dramatically closing behind him.

I grabbed the cola bottle and noticed my own faint reflection on the black surface. I knew I was dumbly smiling and I knew my heart wouldn't calm down any time soon and I knew that I had fallen deeper in love with him.

"Erza-San." Yuri called out.

"Oh, I'm sorry Yuri-San for leaving my work unfinished, I will get back to it now." I quickly placed the cola in my bag under the counter and rushed toward the snacks shelves.

"Is he really your boyfriend?" He surprised me by abruptly appearing behind me.

"Yes, why do you ask? Wait, does this chip go here or here?"

"Ah, nothing. I just thought you were joking."

"Why did you think I was joking? Why is the Pepero here? It should be in section three, right?"

"Like I said, it's nothing." He chuckled and after that, I didn't hear him asking anymore questions which was odd because when I was done with my work, I perceived that he had already left without informing me.

I felt a little bad because I wanted to thank him again but then I reasoned he might have had some urgent work so he had to leave.

Anyway, I'm finally done with my work in the store! Gosh, I have worked so much today...my hands and back ache a little.

I sat behind the counter, grabbed the black cola and drank it. The fizz tingled down my throat like a spiky slide. The taste was the same but much sweeter because Jellal gave it to me.

He really does surprise me sometimes...

I drank the entire cola as I kept fantasizing my future with Jellal. You might have already guessed what I was thinking, right? Because I'm too shy to write it all down...Damn, I'm blushing again...