Coffee Shop

  The next day was easier to fake a smile. He and Enoch made some brownies and watched a movie. Skyler told Enoch he was going out with a friend for the night. Thankfully, he believed it. The lie was so simple, and yet, so believable.

  7:30 came and Skyler's heart raced. He was dressed as usual, but felt shaky. Damn my emotional ass!

  A knock at the door made Skyler pause as his stomach jumped. He raced to the door and flung it open to see a smiling Yoshika. He was dressed in a white collared shirt and black jeans. His hair was up in a ponytail and his black glasses sat neatly on the bridge of his nose.

  "So, are you ready to go?" He asked. Skyler nodded. He followed the long-haired boy back to his car and got in.

  "...Where are we going?" Skyler asked nervously, glancing at Yoshika.

  "How about that one coffee shop that just opened? Wasn't it called Tebanasu Coffee?" Yoshika asked. Skyler nodded. Yoshika grinned wider and pulled away.

  Skyler stared out the window blankly. He tried to let his mind wander, for he didn't want to think about anything that could send him into a panic attack.

  They passed familiar buildings and roads. There wasn't really any conversation, thankfully. But, there was tension and awkwardness. The air tasted bitter, but somewhat sweet. It was like a Sour Patch Kid was made into an aroma.

  The car slowed and pulled into the small parking lot of Tebanasu Coffee. Skyler was about to get out but was abruptly stopped by Yoshika gently grabbing his shoulder.

  "Don't make a scene, okay, darling?" He said with a grin and a soft wink. Skyler nodded a few times and wriggled from Yoshika's grip.

  They walked into the small shop and didn't try to stop and admire the cleanly polished décor and the new leather seats. They quickly found a small, round, marble table with two chairs across from each other. Skyler pulled back a seat and put his elbows on the table.

  Yoshika crossed his legs. "So, how many pets have you had in your life, Skyler?" He asked unexpectedly. Skyler raised an eyebrow.

  "Uhh… T-three," he answered slowly.

  "What were their names?"

  "I had a cat named Kola, a bearded dragon named Spiker, and a dog named Junto… Why?"

  Yoshika put his hands on the table and folded them. "They helped you through tough times, didn't they?" He asked. Skyler knew he was going somewhere, but he wasn't sure where.

  "Of course. Whenever I felt sad, or scared, I would talk to my pets. And somehow, they always calmed me down," He said, smiling softly, remembering how he used to cuddle up to Junto.

  "Then how about me," Yoshika said. Skyler's head shot up in surprise. "How about I be the one who calms you down, now?" He smiled softly. Skyler couldn't help but Scoff coldly, which made Yoshika's grin lower a little.

  "I just met you a few days ago! I don't even know who you are! The only person I'd talk to is my close friend, but he can't know about any of this!" Skyler put his head in his hands. "It's like I'm leading a double life," he muttered. He heard Yoshika sigh. He looked up to see him staring at the ground, deep in thought.

  "Well, If you can't talk to Enoch-"

  "How did you-"

  "Then your only choice left is me," Yoshika made a toothy grin, which made Skyler grit his teeth. The worst part was… He was right.

  "I hate you," he growled.

  "Common words I hear," Yoshika replied. "So, tell me what's wrong?"

  Skyler shook his head, thinking. "This is all wrong. Everything is wrong. I-I've been depressed lately, crying a lot, my friends are getting worried about me. But I can't tell them anything or they could be in danger. I don't want to be in this cult. It seems the only way out of this is fucking killing mys-"

  "Don't say that," Yoshika said sternly. This slightly surprised Skyler. Did he care about him…? No, probably not. He just wants him to suffer in this cult most likely.

  Yoshika sighed. His eyes glittered with empathy. "It's very tough the first few weeks, but you'll get around to it," he said softly. "I'm here to help you, I promise. I'll be here if you need me,"

  Skyler stared at him. He nodded slowly. "Okay…" He whispered. Yoshika smiled and glanced at his watch.

  "It's almost time, are you ready?"

  Skyler's heart dropped slightly. He gulped. "N-no…" He said shakily. Yoshika hooked his arm around Skyler's shoulders.

  "C'mon. We'll do this together," he said as they began walking out of the coffee shop. Skyler felt ashamed he needed to go to the person he hated most for help. He seemed willing, though. I'm just happy I found someone who's here with me.