Love is Strange

I just sighed when I saw the contents of my wallet. That's it for this week. Salary is still far away, I have to save. I got into the jeep that stopped in front of me. I sat at the end so I could get off easily and handed over the payment.

After a few minutes I went down. I opened the gate of the apartment building where I lived after I left the house. I started climbing the stairs, because the building doesn't have an elevator. Even if it is four stories and has a rooftop. My unit is on the second floor so it's not a hassle for me to walk up the stairs.

I was already in front of my unit and was getting the key from my bag when someone grabbed my shoulder.

"Blind!"

I immediately looked at it and saw Wella. The niece of the landlady, who is Injang and my friend.

"It's very appley," I said and continued looking for the key.

"Are you late today mare?" he ignored what I said.

Seeing the key, I opened the door and entered. I also turned on the light. Then Wella followed and closed the door.

I sat on my lone sofa to take off my shoes. Wella also sat next to me.

"Maybe you have a date that's why you came home late?" he asked.

"You're jealous of that."

"Oh so, there is?! You're crazy! You said you wanted to study and now you have a job?!"

"Damn it! There were so many customers at the Ramen House that I got home late."

I stood up to put my shoes in my shoe rack.

Because today is Tuesday, I should be home by 3-4pm. But because of the number of customers, it took me until 8 pm to get home. Because Ramen House is not 24/7 unlike 7/11.

"Just make sure Lily Iris! Oh, have you eaten yet?" I shook my head. "I'm fine! Wait and I'll get you downstairs. I just waited for you to get home so I could eat with you."

I let him go out of my unit to get our food from the chin. I went into my room to clean my body before eating. After getting dressed and getting ready, I left the room.

I found Wella already serving at the table. I went there and sat down. The fried chicken and rice are already served.

"Oh, dear queen, eat to your heart's content, right?"

I stood up again to hug Wella. I don't know what would happen to me without Cali.

"Thank you," I said and tightened the hug.

I felt him return the hug and gently caress my back.

"You're like everyone else! Besides, it's not free! You'll pay me with your salary so I can shop. The pay day sale is coming!"

We laughed before starting to eat. After finishing, I washed up what we ate. While he was sitting in the living room watching my small TV.

I sat next to him when I finished washing. We talked about our day before deciding to go to sleep. He still has school and I have work. I cleaned up other clutter in the living room and kitchen before entering my room.

It was cold when I entered because I opened it earlier before I cleaned my body. I just did skin care for a while then turned on the electric fan and turned off the light. To this day I am still not very used to the way I live now. But I can't do anything. It's better than living at home with the animal Henry.

I need to save. I have to endure.

***

The next day I woke up early for work. I showered and got dressed before leaving the room. I put my bag on the table to get coffee. I took the 3in1 instant coffee and brewed it.

If I used to have a coffee maker and the equipment inside the kitchen was complete, now I put up with instants because of the lack of equipment. After drinking coffee, I brushed my teeth again before leaving the unit.

My duty is from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon, I am on the morning shift. That's Monday to Wednesday. My night shift is Thursday to Saturday, it's 6 pm to 1 am. Because Ramen House is not 24hrs.

When I got down to the first floor, I saw Aling Injang sweeping. I approached him to shake hands.

"Good morning, aunt Injang."

"Hey Iris, you're still here. I thought you and Wella came in together."

I call her Tita Injang when I'm in front of her. Which Injang when it's just me and Wella.

"Wella needs to be as early as possible today because she has quizzes. You know, teachers at her school, she's too early."

Which Injang laughed. "That's why he's only awake at five o'clock. Oh hey, go ahead and go in, maybe you'll be caught."

When I arrived at the Ramen House, there were only a few customers because it was just breakfast. Lunch and around 10PM we usually have many customers.

It's lunch time in just a few hours.

"Here's your order Ma'am," I said.

"When did you sub for a while. I just took a bathroom break."

"Alright Iris."

Quickly went to CR to pee. When I came back the phone rang behind me. I was not going to pay attention to that because boss M was the one who answered that. But he was not at his table and everyone was busy. That's why I had no choice and answered that.

I tasted first before speaking. "Moshi moshi! Good afternoon, Ma'am/Sir! This is Jutsiken Ramen House, may I know your order?"

"What can I say here, Hyungs?" said on the other line.

"Edi, you will probably say your orders!"

"Just read what's on the paper."

"Hello? Uh, three Shako-"

"What Shako? That's Shio Riki!"

"Is it Shio? I don't understand Wakin hyung's letter. Sorry Miss, let's take two. Three orders of Shio ramen, two Shoyu, and one Cashu rice."

I wrote that on the paper and asked for their drinks.

"Soda in can three, mango juice two, and one pineapple juice.

"Okay Sir, I'll repeat your orders...." I repeated what I wrote on the paper. "Then, may I know your address, Sir?"

"Ah, here at HBLE."

HBLE?

Why did they think of delivering foods since that big entertainment company has its own cafeteria?

"Okay Sir, your orders will take for 15-20 minutes. Is that okay?"

"15-20 minutes, hyungs!" The person I was talking to shouted. I put the phone away, the pain in the ear!

"Yes, as long as I can eat! I'm sick of eating at the cafe."

"But wait, are your orders correct? Are there seven of us?"

"Hello miss? Sorry for the noise. How many orders did I order?"

"It is only for six people."

"Hala shet!" I put the phone away from my ear again.

"Shut up Riki!"

"You're mad at Ethan hyung!"

"Hahaha ! He even suggested that we have ramen!"

"His favorite is ramen and you didn't order him? Bonding isn't like that!"

I was about to speak but I was interrupted when I was on the other side of the line.

"Please add two more orders of seaweeds and one frozen gyozan. That's all thank you."

Huh? Why does the voice of the person I'm talking to seem different?

"Uh, is this still the one from HBLE?" I asked.

"Yes."

I gasped because of the depth of his voice. I wrote down his additional order before speaking.

"Okay Sir, that would be 3,587 pesos. What mode of payment would you prefer, Sir?"

"Cash on delivery, please."

"Okay. Thank you for ordering. Your order will be there after 20 minutes."

I hung up the phone but he spoke again.

"You won't ask the customer's name?"

Of course. "What's the customer's name?"

"Ethan."

Then the call died.

Attitude amputees.

***

I continued to work and the customers increased more and more. After five minutes I took a lunch break. I went to the staff room and approached my locker.

I was taking off my apron when the door opened so I looked over there. I saw Lexie come in.

"Sister Lily, boss M said you should be the one to deliver at HBLE first. Because they don't have brother Dino yet. "Besides, you're also the one who took the orders."

It's really boss M.

"But I'm on break?" I whined.

"I told the boss the same. But he said it was you. You can take a break after you deliver."

"I won't take a break after I deliver. I'm going home."

I didn't do anything anymore and hailed a taxi that would take me to HBLE. I even asked the driver to help me carry the paper bags.

Outside, you'll be dizzy from the sight because of height of this building. It has 23 floors. The building is made of brick. From the 5th floor up you can't see what's inside. Because it's so tinted.

Before we could finally enter, a guard stopped us. Because it's so big HBLE is a company, their security is tight. It's also to protect the company, their workers, and artists.

"What are we doing inside?" asked the guard.

my ID before answering.

"Delivery Brother, it's for..." I looked for the receipt in the paper bag I was holding to see your customer's name. "It's for Sir Ethan, brother."

"Ah, you're one of the trainees. Oh okay Ma'am, let's just check what you brought."

He let us inside and went to their mini guard desk. While brother Guard was checking the delivery, I paid the driver. . I also gave him a tip of 20 pesos. Char.

I looked around inside HBLE. The ceiling of the ground floor or lobby is high with a large chandelier in the middle. Outside, the color of the building is gray and black. and at the top there were metal letters HBLE. The

inside is a mixture of black, white, and gray colors. There are two elevators on the left side and the comfort room is next to it. In the middle is the big reception desk area. On the right side is the staircase and their lounge area.

There is a man sitting there. He is wearing a black cap. He has his arms crossed and his eyes are closed. He is wearing a loose green checkered top and a black sweat pants below.

"Okay Ma'am all goods now. Proceed to the reception," said brother Guard.

"Okay, thank you, but I'm going to leave it here first, right?"

"Oh Ma'am, I really leave the shipments from outside here. The person who ordered it from you will pick it up here."

"Oh, is that so? All right, thanks."

I went to the reception desk. Ateng greeted me with a sweet smile in front. It looks like she's not stressed about her work. I hope everyone.

"Good morning," I greeted.

"Good morning too, ma'am How may I help you?"

"I'm from Jutsiken Ramen House. Sir Eltan has a delivery."

"Eltan? Wait a minute Ma'am. I'll just check if we have a personnel named Eltan."

I nodded to Ate. Then she typed on her computer and I saw her frown.

"I'm sorry Ma'am but we don I don't have Eltan here. Are you sure that the delivery is for here?"

"Yes, yes. Please just check again."

I'm upset if Eltan doesn't order from me. Maybe the Ramen House has been pranked again?

"We only have Anton, Benson, Castor and Ethan Ma'am. Based on what I've searched."

"Oh Miss!Ethan, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

It's stupid again. It's Ethan. Where did the Eltan come from? I left the receipt on the guard's desk.

"Oh, okay Ma'am. I'll just call it upstairs."

While my sister was talking to someone on the phone, I looked around once more. It's beautiful, how much is their electricity bill? It's very bright.

"Okay... thank you, " My sister put down the phone and faced me. "I'm sorry Ma'am but Ethan's not around. But it was confirmed that he did order from your Ramen House."

"Oh, is that so? Alright...but what about the payment?"

"Oh right! Here Ma'am fill this form for the payment."

I immediately filled out the paper and handed it back to my sister. I thanked her before leaving.

But before I could leave, I heard someone call my name.

"Lily ..."

I looked behind me and saw the man with his eyes closed earlier. He is now standing with both hands in his pockets.

I frowned when I didn't see you call me. That's why I walked out. I

stretched before looking for a taxi back to the ramen house. When I saw a taxi coming, I was about to raise my right hand to stop it. But something grabbed me and pulled me in front of him.

I didn't immediately process the incident, I just stared at the man who pulled me. The man I didn't know. But he was the man sitting in the lounge were earlier.

I want to look away, but those eyes of his....

He has those crescent shaped shinning eyes. Perfect nose, thin lips and I cannot believe I am saying this but....this man in front of me...was one of the most perfect creation of Him.

I was already tall at the age of 17, my height will pass at the age of 20-23. But I looked up at the man in front of me. And he's still holding my hand.

We stood still for a few seconds and it was interrupted when we heard someone honking.

I broke free from him and faced the one who honked, that taxi.

I left him there and approached the taxi. I opened the door and was ready to get in but someone closed it. That guy on the sofa.

What is the problem?

The taxi honked again so I opened the door again. But just like before, Sofa Boy just closed it again.

I frowned at him and shook his hand. But he was quick and grabbed my hand. He went to the front window and knocked on the window.

"Would you ride or not?" he asked.

"Yes—"

"I'm not sorry."

Why not?! How can I get back to the ramen house?

"I'm sorry! You're disturbing the work. If you have a fight with a shota, don't involve the working people!" The driver shouted.

"I'm really sorry," said Sofa Boy and handed over a five hundred peso bill.

Then the taxi left and the two of us were left. I watched the back of the taxi leave.

Have a fight? Have a sweetheart? who? And work!

I faced Sofa Boy. "What is your problem?"

"Pay," he said.

"Huh?"

He took some money and handed it to me.

I don't get the situation. Why would he give me four thousand? Is it obvious from my face that I need money? Even strangers give me money?

"Pay for ramens."

"Yes? Did you order?"

"Yes."

"What is the customer's name?"

"Eltan," he said with a laugh.

"Eltan?"

"Isn't that what you said earlier at the reception desk?"

Shit! Is this Ethan? It's embarrassing that he knows the name I mentioned is different.

"Ah, Ethan!"

"Oh, it's good you know?"

"Yes Ethan by the way."

"Over again?"

Confirmed. This is your Ethan earlier. Attitude, at least in his personal attitude.

"Ah, okay. But your change—"

"Keep the change."

wow Feeling close to you. He has been interrupting what I say and do.

I smiled at him. "Thank you, sir. Enjoy your meal. Order again, right? Thank you again," I said and turned away from him.

Just as I turned my back on him, a taxi drove by. I stopped it and got on.

When the taxi was a little far away, I looked at the back. I saw that Sofa Boy was still there. But he is no longer the only one standing there. There were three guards and a man with him.

Even from a distance I could see him looking at the taxi I was riding. It seems that his companions are saying something. But he was looking at what I was riding.

Ethan. Trainee of HBLE. So, in the future if he debuts, it will be one of the craziness of the youth.

I laughed at myself. What youth? It's too much #titafeels, I'm young too.

***

When I arrived at work, I immediately deposited the payment I got to boss M. He was even surprised because I gave too much. I just said that the customer's tip was too much for the Ramen House.

"The HBLE trainees are very brave. It's enough to tip. But if anything, while they were training, they got paid," he said.

"They're making money even though they're not artists yet?" I will ask.

"Yes, according to what my friend said. His brother is a trainee there.

I just nodded and said goodbye.

"After you break, you can go home.

"Then you're going to deduct my salary again? Never mind! Even if I want to go home early and rest, no thanks. I'm going to finish my shift."

Before, he also told me that I can go home. Then I went home. On salary day, I wondered why my salary was deducted 250 pesos. He told me that I didn't because I finished my shift. So since then, when he says I can go home, I don't go home.

"It's true Lily. There is no deduction from the salary," said boss M with a laugh.

"Sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll go first. Thank you brother," I said.

"Go ahead. Take care on your way home."

I said goodbye again before going to the sav staff room. To tidy up and get my things.

***

While in the jeep, I was still wondering why Boss M is so smart now. Usually because he was very rude back then. And sometimes the schedule is tight.

But even so, I am very grateful to him and to Cali. I met Cali there because she also works there. But we are only on duty together on Saturdays.

I am thankful to Boss M because, even though I was too young, he still accepted me. During my first months I was only in the kitchen. Dish washer.

Because I was used to a luxurious lifestyle, it was difficult for me to adjust. Not a day goes by that I don't break or break anything.

Now I am a waitress. Sometimes a cashier.