[color=#ff9933]“Thanks for stopping by guys, make sure to come back again and have an awesome day!”[/color] Saffron called from behind them by the tables, waving at the customers who were leaving the restaurant and watching as they exited. As soon as the door shut behind them, the smile he had faded and his body slumped forward slightly, giving off a slight sigh of relief. The place was now empty, save for Saffron and Johnny himself, which meant that he could focus on the new dishes he’d have to clean left by the students. Glancing at the clock, it was clear that recently the school day would have ended an hour ago or so, explaining the sudden influx of them stopping by to eat. Of course, it wasn’t that many people, but it was enough that Saffron could take note of the time. Just a couple more hours left until his shift was over… And then? Well, he wasn’t really sure.

Not like now was the time to think about it, there were new dishes to pick up and clean after all, and he’d wasted enough time just standing around. Going over to the booth they had been in, he stacked the plates in one hand and grasped the glasses of half drank soda in his other, passing through the swinging door that leads into the kitchen. Immediately, he began to clean them, his mind drifting towards what he should do after work.

[color=#ff9933][i]I could go grocery shopping, but I think I’ll be fine for a week or two if I skip a meal each day. The flower shop had some nice carnations that I’m sure he’d appreciate when he gets to see them, but… they’re too expensive. Not to mention I’m not sure what flowers he likes. Hmmm…[/i][/color]

Saffron frowned, placing the plate off to the side to dry and picking up the next, beginning to scrub and do the usual routine with dishes.

[color=#ff9933][i] Actually, I think I could probably find some fake, cheap flowers. They’d definitely last long enough, and I could buy some emergency fabric if I need to sew a patch if I get a hole in my clothes. It’ll look tacky, but at the very least it’ll save money in the long run. Batteries would be nice too, but I’d have to make sure to get the rechargeable ones this time… It’ll help in the long run again.[/i][/color]

Saffron hastily reached for a paper towel, ripping a piece off to dry his hands and tossing it into the trash before returning back into the front of the cafe, having noticed a new customer come in.

[color=#ff9933]“Hey there, welcome! Take a seat, take a seat, I’m Saffron, and I’ll be-”[/color]

[color=#ff9933][i]Phew, last one! And not a moment to spare, my shift’s just about done![/i][/color] He thought, a smirk appearing on his face to a job well done. He had helped several people, and Johnny had even let him cook some of the meals with supervision, of course! If he kept giving it his all and working hard, he knew he’d learn a lot from his boss. Both with skills for work and maybe some lessons that could be used out of it?

Soon heading for the exit, he quickly turned and started to wave, beaming slightly at Johnny, or doing his best to appear like he was somewhat content. [color=#ff9933]”Thanks for the help today, boss! I’ll see you tomorrow!”[/color] He told him. Not looking ahead when he left Johnny’s, he quickly bumped into someone with his shoulder, knowing full well who it was and simply choosing to ignore it. He didn’t need the harassment, not today when he had to make sure to hurry and do some shopping. Not to mention he’d memorized the train schedules, and was hoping he’d avoid the person he’d seen there a couple times too. Creepy girl, really… Always there when he’d take the train home, trying to talk to him. Saffron always insisted on telling her to go away, but he hoped a slight change in his routine would mean avoiding her entirely. At the very least the trip could be decent to escape for a moment.

Leaving the last shop of several, Saffron felt proud that he didn’t spend as much as he had calculated, but by now it was well into the night. He facepalmed, soon realizing it wasn’t money that he had wasted, but time. He couldn’t believe he spent hours just to buy a couple things, and he lacked the enthusiasm to hurry and pick up his pace.

[color=#ff9933][i]It’s fine, the trains still run this late, I think. It’s good that I’m out of the house anyway too, so nothing to worry about![/i][/color] He thought, trying to psyche himself up and stay moderately positive as he walked towards the station, gripping the plastic bags tightly to ensure it wouldn’t slip from his grasp as he reached a set of stairs that led to the subway. He yawned, fatigue hitting him slightly before he took his first step downward. 

[color=#ff9933][i] Ugh, I hardly did anything today and I’m already tired. I’ll uh, just sleep earlier tonight, that’ll probably help a bit.[/i][/color] He wiped his face with his free hand, rubbing his eyes as he tried to wake up a bit. When he reached the middle of the stairs, a mysterious voice echoed through the subway, almost enveloping Saffron’s senses and causing him to halt his descension as he felt something was off.

[color=708090]“You’re awfully tired today, aren’t you?”[/color] It said, startling Saffron which caused him to look around anxiously. It sounded familiar…
[color=708090]”Head down the stairs and wait for your train… It’ll make sense soon.”[/color]
[color=#ff9933][i]Well, it’s not like I have a choice… I do need to get home...[/i][/color]

Upon reaching the bottom, he took a seat by the tracks, constantly glancing left and right as if he’d eventually see someone or something appear. But no, there was nobody down in this station tonight it seemed. He placed the bags next to him on the seat, leaning back when the voice came once more.

[color=708090]”You look tense. Maybe a good look at what you have in your bags will calm you?”[/color] Facepalming and questioning his sanity, he begrudgingly opened one of his bags, startled at the object that managed to find its way into it. Pulling it out revealed some sort of... masquerade mask? It was dark, course and jaded to the touch as if it was made of some sort of rock or gem, yet holding a mysterious elegance to it. It had a duality to it, with the black and yellow almost intertwining… The yellow side had cracks of obsidian, and the obsidian had cracks of yellow topaz.

[color=#ff9933]“T-The hell?”[/color]
[color=708090]”It’s a mask, or your semblance, obviously. Quite nice, right? It’s my gift for the attention you gave me before… And trust me, ~you’ll need it soon~”[/color] It faded away, leaving him to stare at the mask, unsure of what to do. He knew now it was that girl that did this, but… did she really wait for him to be alone for this?! The situation was getting weirder by the second, and all he really could do was place it back in the bag and wait for his train to come.