The Case Files of Jeweler Richard
Because they don't get enough love and appreciation.
Oneshot. (Maybe Twoshot.)
(Platonic) Richard x Seigi
Today was just like any other day, when the jewelry shop would have an average 5 customers on that day. Seigi, being Seigi, often said some reckless compliments. As Richard always said, many misinterpret the compliments to be insults.
Customer No. 1 was a lovely lady in her mid-20s, looking for a ring for her fiance's birthday, either a diamond, or a nice rich-red ruby. Richard expected Seigi to say something, but he just said it was thoughtful of her.
Customer No. 2 was a girl who was 16. She said that she wanted to get a ring like the one her deceased father had. So that she could have a ring, and his shrine would have a ring as well. Everything went smoothly. The blonde male noticed how Seigi wanted to say something, but didn't. This brought Richard to be confused.
By customer No. 3 Richard knew something was up. Once the blue haired brought the tea to both of them, he quickly excused himself and left with the empty tray. The man in his late 60s said he wanted an amethyst crystal put into a key chain for a gift to his newly graduated daughter.
Customer No. 4 was no different. With Seigi being much less social than before, it made Richard on edge. But that didn't mean he wasn't composed when it came to the 23 year old non-binary, who wanted deep blue sapphire earrings for their brother's 18th birthday gift. Their brother loved earrings, especially sapphire ones.
Finally, when customer No. 5 left after purchasing opal rings for their wedding, Richard sighed realizing that Seigi was still cooped in the kitchen. When customer No. 5 was there, all Seigi did was Greet, serve tea, then excuse himself. Richard was starting to get concerned for the boy’s mental health. It didn’t look like he was scarred physically, so he had to be patient when it came to helping the apprentice.
Later when Richard was closing the jewelry shop, he thought of an idea that would most likely happen only due to luck. And today, luck was on his side. Richard went up to Seigi and informed him about the closure of the shop for the day.
"Hey, Richard?" Seigi looks over at Richard. "Is it okay if I stay in a bit longer? I need a quiet place to catch up on homework."
The jeweler was relieved for his plan to come to action so soon. "Sure, just make sure to tidy and clean up when you're finished."
The younger promised and head off to the kitchen. Richard went up to the door, opened it, but instead of going out, be closed it again. Making it seem like he's left.
Swiftly, he walked into his office where Seigi never goes into, knowing that he wouldn't be found.
Richard continues to listen as he hears Seigi walk out of the kitchen and sit onto the couch in the main room. He listens attentivly. Richard knows this is a small invasion of privacy, but he knows that Seigi is the type to sway it off if you asked him directly. Even if he asked repeatedly, Richards knew that he'd get no where and maybe he would make Seigi lose trust in him. Which is definitely not something he'd want.
Out of the blue, he hears small sniffles coming from the blue haired, only to realize that he was crying. This wasn't normal, Richard can't remember the last time he's seen Seigi sad, let alone cry.
Richard shouldn't get himself involved in something personal, but he couldn't help opening the door and walking out of the office. Even he has some urges that he cannot help but fall into. Seigi whips his head up to spot Richard in front of his wide open office door.
Seigi immediately wipes his eyes, drying them as fast as possible. He then stands up and walks over to Richard.
"H-hey Richard, I thought you've already left? Or did you forget something?"
"Indeed." He lied, glad that Seigi would give him an excuse instead of needing to make one up in such a rush. "But Seigi, it seems that you are troubled. May you tell me what's going on?"
"What? Nothing's going on, don't worry!" Seigi assured him, putting his hands up to head heigth.
"I will worry, especially without your carefree atmosphere, this place feels more businesslike than an actual business. And your atmosphere is quite important here." He paused, letting this sink in to the other. "And you haven't been speaking much to customers, which may give them the slight impression that I am treating you as a servant."
Seigi stared blankly at Richards face, then bows down 90 degrees. "I'm so deeply sorry for causing you so much trouble." He stands up straight. "I just thought that if I were to talk, I may give someone an accidental insult. Which you've corrected me for many times. And I just didn't want to disappoint you so I thought it'd be better to limit how much I interect with others."
"I see, well I appreciate how you tried to help, but please do interact with other customers more. If you cannot do it straight away, please take your time into adjusting to speaking with then every time a new customer comes in."
"Alright, thank you for listening, Richard. It means alot." Seigi smiles warmly to Richard, but it doesn't seem like it's actually helped Seigi fully.
Richard then leaves the shop, wondering why Seigi didn't look like all the weight was taken off his shoulders. Did he have more problems? Was the response that Richard gave him not the one he wanted? He wasn't sure. But maybe it was better to leave it alone.