Secrets & Prejudice = Keep it secret, you will hurt
Hidden story fifteen POV

My days felt better after we made up. Living by seeing Alana smile is fun. I don't mind my full schedule from morning to night, because at night I can 'go home'.

I'm still keeping my secret from Alana. Saying that the Shinta family runs the bar definitely makes her think no-no. So as long as Shinta hasn't told her, I will also keep her a secret.

Working in this place is quite fun. People appreciate each other. No one is forcing you to drink or forcing you to do anything that is not. Even if there is a bar owner will first reprimand until nothing bad happens. We take good care of each other.

There are plenty of bonuses to add to the earnings as well. Especially in crowded hours like the new year. I had to rewind my plan to meet Alana that day, so I could get some extra money to buy her something. I can't just keep accepting it.

New year's night, nothing special. Everyone worked happily as usual. It's just that our staff costumes are a little better and look mature.The typical new year's trinkets have been installed thanks to our hard work a few days before. Now just enjoy.

"hey." shinta's greeting made me turn towards her.

"happy lonely new year" he mocked. Well, this new year is a little lonely because my family is getting messy. But shinta? is he lonely too?

"a person of yours too?" my words don't believe. He just nodded weakly. I think I'm digging up an old wound. His expression made me want to apologize immediately.

""the house people don't even think I exist if I don't make trouble. That's why my life is a bit fun" he said bringing up the violations that he has often committed so far. Well, that makes sense now, he's just someone who expects the attention of two humans who are commonly called home.

"happy sad new year" I said. We have the same likes. So you can understand each other just by looking into each other's eyes.

"still improve slowly. I'll update later if we're okay."

"yep.the real man must take the initiative first.he has been struggling for a long time to know" he replied. Yeah, now I know.

...****************...

after the bar show was over I approached Alana as promised. It's a little too late actually, but I'm glad Alana still wants to see me.

"it's a new year's gift" I said. I chose it myself despite wasting a long time yesterday. But this is for Alana, so I want to give her something valuable.

"hmm. thanks.I'm sorry I didn't prepare anything for you" he said. She wouldn't know, meeting him on that new year's night was more than enough for me.

"it's okay. I'm happy to celebrate the new year with you." I said. I hope he likes his cards. Some chocolates and other gifts I hid under the box. May he realize his existence. I'm kind of sorry to hide it at the bottom. Alana was careless enough to throw away without checking first.

Her slightly faded smile that kind of bothered me a bit. But never mind, I'll make it back to how it was slowly. I had disappointed him many times before. So his hatred is unlikely to suddenly heal. It takes time, for him, and for me.