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17. Pretend Couple!AU
"You know you don't have to if you don't want to," Junko said with a concerned expression. "We can come back someday when Sweaty McDandruff isn't working."
Chihiro looked through the window of the PC repair shop. It was a shop she'd relied on for years, their service was impeccable and their prices were more than fair. The only turn-off was the greasy guy who worked at the register sometimes. Chihiro really didn't like the way he looked at her, but she was too intimidated to ever do anything about it.
"I-I think I'll be fine if you just come with me," Chihiro said, smiling up at Junko. She did her best to put on a brave face for her friend.
Junko smiled back and agreed. "Alright, I'll come in with you. Remember, if he gets too gross, you just call on me." Chihiro nodded, and they both headed into the shop.
As Chihiro headed for the counter, Junko decided to peruse a magazine rack near the entrance of the shop. She kept her attention on the transaction out of the corner of her eye, however.
She couldn't make out what exactly was said, but she definitely saw the clerk smirking and Chihiro's face reddening. She put her game face on and marched right over to interrupt.
"Excuse me. I don't think my girlfriend appreciates you talking to her that way," she said in a steely tone, daring him to challenge her. Chihiro had grabbed onto Junko, who protectively put an arm around her.
The shop clerk sputtered and stumble over his words, looking for something to say. About the time he found it, Junko made a point of interrupting him again.
"No, you listen: Just because you're a cellar-dwelling breeding ground for fungi that haven't been discovered yet does not in any way entitle you to treat this young lady in such a disgusting manner! What's your name?" Without waiting for him to answer, she whipped out her cell phone and snapped a photo of his name tag.
"Now that I have your name, and where you work, it shouldn't be too hard to find you online. Maybe I can even find your mother too, and tell her all about the horrible things you've done to my girlfriend? I might just do that. Or, you can start treating her like the princess she is and thank whatever you pray to that she's merciful enough to continue shopping here after our offense!"
The fire in her eyes was enough to intimidate any man. The shop clerk just nodded mutely. Junko was pretty sure she could see tears in his eyes.
She nodded curtly. "Good. I expect we'll have that part in two days. Come on honey, let's get you some tea," she said soothingly to Chihiro, still holding onto her as they walked out of the store together.
