It was a day like any other at Smith Company.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, coming from left to right. The sounds approached a corner, and just before turning, voices could be heard chatting.
???{1}:Well... I've thought it through, and I'm going to do it. I'm going to buy the house.
???{2}:That's awesome, man!
???{2}:It's about time, you've been driving me crazy with how indecisive you were—buy it or not.
???{1}:Yeah... hahaha... (a nervous, embarrassed laugh)
???{2}:Well, like I said, that's good news. We have to celebrate at your place.
Both turned the corner and continued walking straight, still chatting as they headed toward the cafeteria.
???{1}: Hey, didn't you have to pick up your sister from school?
???{2}:Oh, right! —he said, surprised, realizing he had completely forgotten.
???{2}:Want to come with me, Riku?
Riku: Sigh... Sure, Shiro. How could I say no...?
At that moment, their names are revealed: Riku is the one planning to buy the house, and Shiro is his friend.
Once at the cafeteria, they take their lunchboxes from the fridge and start heating their meals in the two available microwaves.
Riku: Hey, since we're talking about going to my place… what do you think about playing a board game, eh?
Shiro: Of course! And we can chat while we play, how about that?
Riku: Yeah, we can talk about a lot of things... But let's stop wasting time. Let's eat.
Just as he said that, Riku pointed with his thumb behind him, toward the microwaves. At that moment, both microwaves beeped, signaling the meals were ready.
They take out their plates and go sit down.
Riku has fried fish with handmade rice for lunch, while Shiro has instant soup.
Shiro looks at Riku's lunch with a gaze that mixes curiosity and envy.
Shiro: I wish I knew how to cook like you, Riku.
Shiro said with envy.
Riku: Well… I can teach you, it doesn't cost anything to ask, buddy.
Riku said as he took a bite of the fried fish.
Shiro: Really?!
Shiro said excitedly.
Riku: Yeah. But for now, let's finish eating.
Shiro: Okaaay :).
The two continue eating peacefully. After eating, they give thanks to God for the meal and put their plates back into their lunchboxes. Then they return to work.
After work
Riku and Shiro leave the building and head toward Shiro's car.
Riku: Mmm...
He says it as a complaint while frowning.
Shiro: Sigh... Look, Riku, I know you don't like riding in cars, but I have to pick up my sister and I can't leave the car here, you know?
Riku: Sigh... I know, but I can't stand being inside a car...
Riku pauses, thinking for a moment.
Riku: I got it!
What if I ride on the roof of the car?
Shiro: Sigh... Fine... whatever you want.
Shiro gets into the car and sits in the driver's seat, while Riku swiftly climbs up and settles on top of the vehicle.
Shiro starts the car and begins to drive. They exit the building's parking lot and merge onto the street where other cars are passing by.
Shiro: Everything okay up there, Riku?
Riku: Yeah. All good, Shiro.
Riku says as he grabs his gray tie, takes it off, and tosses it through the rear window. The tie lands right on the back seat of the car.
After a while on the road, a police car starts following them from a distance.
Riku: Oh!?... Shiro, we've got company.
Shiro: Whaaat… seriously!?
Sigh... Tell me where to stop, Riku.
Riku: Alright. Pull over here at the corner.
Riku says as he points toward a nearby gas station.