“There’ve beenincidents,” Alex whispers.
“You’ll be fine,” Simon repeats. He grabs the cashbox from the counter and hands it to me. “Here—I’m going to assume you know what to do with this. Remember, no public bathrooms! And if you get any weird questions, just tell them you don’t speak English.”
“How long do I have to be out there?”
“We’re supposed to take turns,” Alex says with a shrug. “So, it won’t be all night.”
“Should I come back after—” I start.
“No, we’ll getyou,” Simon says, patting me once on the shoulder.
I glance at the door and back at him. I was looking forward to working inside, enjoying the view of the lobby. “I guess I’ll head out there then.”
“Have fun,” Simon says with a quick wave.
I stand there a moment longer, hoping for more instruction. But they both turn back to the counter, chatting casually as if I’m already gone. So I grab my things and leave through the door.
The box sits between theentrance doors, in the awkward space that keeps leaves from blowing into the lobby. It’s a small shrine of glass, made to fit a single person, like those fortune teller machines at a carnival. I set my things down and take a seat in the chair. There’s still plenty of daylight out, giving me a clear view of the street. Crowds pass back and forth, snapping pictures under the marquee lights. There’s not much to do but sit like an old guard, giving directions to strangers here and there. The hours tick by slowly. I keep checking the time, wondering when the others will come get me.
There’s a broken desk bell in the drawer. I’ve been tapping away at it to pass the time. I can’t seem to get it working again. The dull sound of metal fills me with a strange emptiness. What are Simon and Alex doing? It’s been a few hours with no word from them. By the time daylight fades to a night sky, no one has taken my place.
People start trickling out the doors, signaling the end ofthe shift. I guess that means it’s time to close up. I’m still figuring out which key works with the lock. That’s when I notice them through the window. Simon and Alex are leaving together, already changed out of their work clothes. They’re loud with conversation as they walk right past me. I almost call their names, in case they forgot I’m in here. But they don’t even turn their heads as they vanish through the doors.
I can’t help taking that personally. So much for making friends on the job. I let out a breath as I reach down for my bag. A shadow moves over me, accompanied by the sound of a bell as someone approaches the window.
Isn’t the desk bell broken?
I lift my head up. Haru stands at the window, smiling back at me. He’s wearing a light gray jacket over a white shirt. I shout through the glass as I drop my bag, “Haru? Oh my god. You’re here!”
“Surprise,” he says with a smirk.
“When did you get—” I pause, realizing there’s a better way to do this. “Wait right there—” I turn around, stumbling as I open the door. I take a quick look around before I rush to Haru, throwing my arms around him. “I’m so glad to see you!”
“I would have come sooner had I known you missed me this much,” he says.
“Where have you been?” I ask. “You left the Skydeck without saying anything. I didn’t know if you were coming back.”
“Sorry for taking off,” he says, moving the hair out of my face. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “It’s alright. As long as you’re back now.”
Haru smiles, moving his hand along my shoulder. “Of course I am.” Then he turns his head, glancing back at the box office. “So this is where they have you working?”
“Yeah. For tonight, anyway.”
“Mind if I take a look?”
“Sure.”
Haru opens the box office door and sticks his head inside. “It’s very… small,” he says, looking around. “Small but charming.”
“The glass is bulletproof.”
Haru gives me a look. “Bulletproof?”
“Theater can be rough,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “I’m really putting my life on the line out here.”
Haru cracks a smile. “Well, glad to know you’re protected.” Then he glances at the floor, noticing my bag. “I see you brought your camera with you. What are you working on?”
