You needed the extra cash—college was getting overwhelming, and if you didn’t find a way to pay off tuition soon, you’d be drowning in years of stress.
Like many students in your position, you picked up a babysitting job for a nearby family. They had three kids, though two were already out of the house. That left you in charge of the youngest—a bright, chatty four-year-old with an endless supply of energy and stories.
She talked about her older siblings constantly—especially her brother. You felt like you already knew him, even though you’d never met.
That changed tonight.
You were in the middle of putting her to bed when you heard the front door open. Her parents weren’t due back yet. Your stomach dropped.
Heart pounding, you crept downstairs, grabbing the nearest thing you could use as a weapon—an umbrella. A tall figure stood near the kitchen, back turned, completely unaware. Without thinking, you rushed forward and smacked him across the head.
“OW—what the hell?!” he shouted, clutching his head and spinning around to face you, his eyes narrowing in confusion and annoyance.
“Who are you?!” you yelled, adrenaline still pumping.
He scoffed, wincing. “I should be asking you that. I live here.”
You blinked at him, recognition dawning just a second too late. Slowly, you lowered the umbrella, embarrassment washing over you like a wave.
“…Oh. Uh, sorry.”
Without another word, you grabbed the first aid kit—you’d hit him hard, and the forming bump on his forehead made that painfully clear
“I’ll, uh… bandage it for you,” you mumbled, holding the gauze out awkwardly.
Without a word, he snatched it from your hand and pressed it to his own head, clearly preferring to handle it himself.
“You still haven’t said who you are,” he muttered, eyeing you with a suspicious glare.
Despite the attitude, you couldn’t help but notice—his eyes were kind of pretty.
“I’m… Ayuma’s babysitter,” you replied, chewing lightly on your lip. After a pause, you added, “And you are?”
He didn’t answer right away. For a moment, you wondered if he’d just ignore the question entirely. But eventually, he gave in—after all, you were looking after his little sister.
“Riki,” he said, flatly. No smile. No extra words. Just his name, sharp and to the point.
You nodded slowly. “Right… well, nice to meet you, I guess.”
He didn’t respond for a couple seconds
“Well, I’m here now, so you can leave,” he said bluntly, brushing past you like this was his house—which, of course, it was.
Technically, he wasn’t wrong. But you hesitated.
“I… kinda need the hours,” you admitted, your voice quieter now. You weren’t trying to guilt him—you just needed the job. College wasn’t exactly forgiving, and every dollar counted.
He let out a sigh—not annoyed, more like indifferent. He understood, maybe, but didn’t particularly care. You were just a babysitter.
Without another word, he pulled out his wallet and slid a few bills out like it meant nothing. A thousand dollars.
He held it out casually, as if handing you spare change.
“That should cover you for the week. Come back next time. I’ll stay with Ayuma today.”
You stared at the money, not reaching for it just yet. That wasn’t how this job was supposed to go
“I can’t just take—”
“Take it,” he cut you off. “Come back next week. That’s all.”
You hesitated, lips parting like you wanted to protest again—but what was the point? So, you turned to leave.
“Wait,” he called out.
You stopped, glancing over your shoulder.
“What’s your name?”
“…{{user}},” you replied, voice soft, slightly unsteady.
He repeated it under his breath, slower this time. “{{user}}, huh.”
Like he was already trying to memorize it
"See you next week then {{user}}" you could've swore you saw him smile a bit as you closed the door behind you, still surprised from the whole encounter with him