Chapter Text
Yamaguchi wasn’t one for extensive conversations. This being the main reason why he decided working at a small bookstore was a good idea. It was a quiet and overall relaxing workplace and he never really found himself dread going to work. Sure he still had to interact with customers, but even then these customers were regulars and knew he preferred to not speak.
The thing with social anxiety was that no matter how long he knew a person, it would still be a struggle to start a conversation with them. Whenever he had to talk to a person, he couldn’t stop the questions that began popping up in his mind. What if he said something dumb? Would someone get annoyed with him if he couldn’t help them find a book? He always over analyzed situations, preparing himself for the worst outcome. Eventually he would realize he was nervous over nothing, but that never stopped him from doing the process all over again.
Yamaguchi sighed. He didn't get much sleep the night before due to the fact today was the day his manager, Takeda-san, was going to stop by to check on things. Although Takeda-san was kind and a bit dorky, Yamaguchi was still anxious for his visit. That night he mentally made sure everything he was supposed to do was done properly. Before he knew it, it was 4am. Unfortunately for him, he had work at 8.
Rubbing his puffy eyes, Yamaguchi slunk down in the chair at the front desk. It had been an hour since he had arrived to Karasuno Bookstore and so far no one had stopped in. He could faintly hear Hinata humming from the children’s section, most likely reading the new arrivals. Yamaguchi never understood how someone so lively and energetic such as Hinata would work in such a quiet environment. Sometimes, however, Yamaguchi would be startled by Hinata's cackling whenever he found a book amusing. It goes without saying that Hinata’s favorite section was the kid’s section. He found the illustrations hilarious and would often show Yamaguchi a few.
Hinata was one of the few people he could talk to without having to worry about being judged for what he said. Maybe it was because Hinata was very vibrant and had this loyal air about him. Or maybe it was because he was significantly shorter than Yamaguchi. Who knows.
"Nee Yama-chan, do you know when Takeda-san is coming?" Hinata called out from wherever he was at now.
"He said he would be here by lunch but he never gave an exact time, sorry." Yamaguchi sheepishly said.
“Yama-chan, why are you apologizing? Geez, how many times do I gotta say if it’s not your fault you don’t have to be sorry!” He was always reminding Yamaguchi not to apologize for unnecessary reasons.
"I'm sorry! I just can’t help it..." It was a habit he was trying to break but it was just so difficult.
—————
At around 11, the front door bells jingled, signaling Takeda-san’s arrival. Yamaguchi had been passing the time listening to music. Takeda-san wasn’t very strict on what they could or couldn’t do as long as when a customer walked in they would attend them immediately.
"Hey guys! Sorry I showed up unexpectedly. Though it wasn’t actually unexpected since I did tell you I’d be here but i don’t think I actually gave you guys a specific time. Sorry! But I mean I'm here now. Speaking of which, the traffic was soooo bad cause I think there was a acci-“
“Takeda-san you’re rambling again!" Hinata giggled.
“Oh gosh I'm sorry! But I’m just so excited! I stopped by today to let you guys know that a tattoo shop is opening next door!"
"A tattoo shop?" Yamaguchi was confused as to why a tattoo shop would open up beside a bookstore.
"Yes! Apparently there aren’t many around here and since the gift shop moved out from next door, that was the only space available.” The gift shop had been successful until the owner, an elderly man, passed away. The old man’s grandchildren decided to relocate the shop.
“Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know that for the next week or so, it may get a bit noisy since they are going to be remodeling and moving their equipment. I know you don’t like loud environments and there’s going to be new people, Yamaguchi-kun, so if you wanna take the next few days off, you can.” Takeda-san said, eyeing Yamaguchi.
Yamaguchi felt a blush taking over his face. Takeda-san was like an older brother who always looked out for him, making sure he was comfortable most of the time. Yamaguchi really appreciated it but he needed the money.
"Um, it's fine. I think I’ll be able to manage some noise for a couple of days." He decided.
"Are you sure?" Yamaguchi nodded. "Alrighty then! Well I'm going to introduce myself to the owner whenever he gets here so, carry on!” Takeda-san then left towards the back room.
After a few moments, Yamaguchi let out a sigh. It was going to be difficult but he didn’t want to miss work over something so small. He was always startled easily; however, it was impossible for every moment to be peaceful. As long as he distracted himself he would be fine.
—————
Sure enough, the next couple of days were everything Yamaguchi expected them to be — loud. The renovations of the shop next door had begun and the workers made it known. Harsh banging and drilling, though muffled, could be heard through the wall, occasionally startling him. Thankfully, Takeda-san had allowed him to listen to music as long as no customers were around. Yamaguchi was thankful for this — music was the only thing that truly calmed him. At home, music served as background noise while he cooked, cleaned, or just lazed around. Most of the time he’d sing and dance around his small apartment. He didn’t have to worry about being judged when he was alone.
A strong bang nearly had him falling out of the chair he was currently sitting in. He looked outside the shop and noticed a moving truck parked out in front. Movers were quickly but carefully unloading furniture from the truck and into the shop. The furniture consisted mostly of black reclining chairs and stools. They were all wrapped up in clear plastic to keep them from being damaged.
After the movers were finished about half an hour later, a man with bleached hair kept out of his face with a black elastic headband walked up to them, paid them, and saw them off. Unexpectedly though, he turned around and made eye contact with Yamaguchi.
“Oh no…” whispered Yamaguchi to himself. He knew that look, the one people gave him when they were about to begin a conversation.
As expected, the man entered the bookstore and strode up to the front desk where Yamaguchi was sitting at. He was an attractive man with a nice smile. He looked young, probably in his late 20’s. He was a bit intimidating with his tattoos and bleached hair, but seemed like a friendly person overall.
“Hey there! Sorry about all the commotion we’ve caused the past week. It’s been really hectic trying to get everything ready before the opening date. I’m Ukai Keishin, the owner of Black Crow Tattoo Parlor,” the man, Ukai, smiled and held out a hand for him to shake.
“Y-Yamaguchi Tadashi. Nice to m-meet you,” Yamaguchi stammered. Gosh, his hand was shaking slightly when he reached out to shake Ukai’s waiting hand. Ukai had a strong, confident handshake.
Usually at this point Yamaguchi would run out of things to say. He awkwardly looked around, not knowing how to continue the conversation.
“Pretty nice bookstore, by the way. Haven’t been to one since I was in school, not that I read for fun or whatever. Kind of refreshing knowing that not everything is electronic,” Ukai broke the silence, seeming lost in thought.
Yamaguchi dumbly nodded, taken aback by how easily Ukai had ignored the awkward aura he was sure surrounded him. Not many people would try to continue talking to him when they saw how uncomfortable he looked.
A shrill sound ripped through the bookstore, effectively making Yamaguchi jump.
“Oh, sorry,” Ukai grabbed his phone from his back pocket, frowning when he saw who was calling. “Guess they noticed I’m missing so I should go back. It was nice meeting ya. Oh and tell Takeda I said hi.” And with a wave he walked out the bookstore.
Blinking at the spot where Ukai had just been standing, Yamaguchi was left dumbfounded. Well that went better than I expected. As usual, this had been one of those times where he had overthought how meeting Ukai would go. There was no reason for him to get so riled up when everything had gone smoothly. Despite being pretty awkward, it hadn’t discouraged Ukai from conversing with him.
Letting out a shaky breath, Yamaguchi rested his head on the desk. He really needed to chill out. Becoming anxious over any contact with strangers was tiring and totally unnecessary. Knowing this, he still continued to listen to the small voice in the back of his mind telling him he would make a fool of himself, leading to unfavorable consequences. His self-confidence was lowered due to the teasing aimed at his freckles, but more than that, the bullying had taken a toll on his ability to trust others and speak his mind. No one had bothered to help him out, even when the bullies turned towards physical methods. This eventually lead to him losing hope in others and especially himself since he couldn’t stand up for himself. He remembers being called a pushover in high school — he probably still was. It’s easier to do what he is told without arguing, it meant less confrontations.
Yamaguchi peered at the clock, he still had a couple hours till closing.
—————
The time to leave had finally arrived. Today was Yamaguchi’s turn to close the bookstore, meaning he had to stay about an hour later than his coworkers.
All he wanted was to go home, take a shower, make food, and maybe watch some Netflix. All he had done today was help an elderly woman find a book for her granddaughter and talk to Ukai. Even though he hadn’t done much, he was still exhausted from not sleeping well. Again. Insomnia was a terrible force following anxiety.
After making sure everything was in its place, Yamaguchi grabbed his belongings. He popped in his earphones and began turning off lights and shutting blinds before stepping outside. He smiled as he recognized the song that started playing, steady beats and flowing rhythms filling his ears. His body suddenly felt lighter as the music progressed, dissolving his worries and nerves.
Gently bobbing his head, Yamaguchi locked the front door. As he spun around to begin his trudge back to his apartment, he found himself crashing into someone who appeared to be in a hurry. As his butt made contact with the sidewalk, Yamaguchi winced as he heard the faint sound of a crack. His iPod, which had been in his back pocket. He cautiously looked up to see who had put him in his current situation.
The first thing he noticed were a pair of piercing amber eyes staring down at him.