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"Here's your change of 50 jenny. Have a good day nyow~"
On this weekday afternoon at East Gordeau Deli and Grocery, Neferpitou repeated their typical send-off as the two teenagers left with their Chocorobo-kun chocolate. Further down along the shelves past Pitou's cash register, the tall Shaiapouf sat behind a modest sandwich counter, reading a novel. It was a quiet afternoon at this corner store in the bustling city of Yorknew, but peace was just fine for the two employees.
The door chime soon announced the arrival of a customer, and Pitou paused the video on their smartphone. Confirming the familiar messy white hair tied into a bun and the tapping of a cane against the flooring, Pitou lept from behind the counter.
"Good afternoon, Komu--"
"Greetings, Komugi. How may we help you today?"
A masculine voice overlapped with Pitou's, belonging to the figure who seemingly teleported from the backroom to the space in front of Komugi. Pitou returned to their stand with a knowing grin. As usual, their boss Meruem insisted on helping Komugi personally, and Pitou knew better than to be a third wheel.
"Good afternoon, Mx. Pitou, Mr. Meruem!" The petite human woman beamed, unfazed by the sudden arrival of the shopkeeper. Today Komugi was wearing a business casual blouse and pencil skirt, evidently visiting after her office job. "I wanted to pick up a few groceries. Hmm, let’s see…” Komugi retrieved her phone from her bag, and Meruem patiently waited as her phone played out her audio shopping list.
When Komugi first moved to Yorknew, Komugi would’ve never imagined that she’d befriend the intimidating yet popular proprietor of East Gordeau Deli. After some chance small talk, Komugi found out that Meruem was a strategy game enthusiast who was getting into Gungi, and Meruem found out that Komugi was a Gungi tournament champion in her hometown. It soon became a regular occurrence for the two to play Gungi in the afternoons and after a few years of shopping and playing Gungi matches, the bodega felt like a second home.
“Understood,” Meruem confirmed after hearing her list. “We’re walking to the rightmost aisle for the bread, Komugi.”
“Yessir!”
Meruem started leading the way, keeping his tail a safe distance from both the shelves and Komugi. He wasn’t the most expressive shopkeeper and his words seemed curt to most people, but Komugi knew that Meruem was serious at both work and Gungi.
“Hello, Mr. Pouf!" Komugi greeted the blond as they passed the sandwich counter, deducing Pouf’s presence from his usual schedule. "The smoked turkey sandwich I bought this morning was delicious! Thank you again for making it!"
Shaiapouf, the image of a perfect employee, already stood at attention in the presence of a valued customer. "Thank you, dear Komugi, I am honored by your kind words. I work hard not to profane the proud name of East Gordeau Deli and Grocery." How it pained Pouf to be complimented by his rival for Meruem’s attention, but Pouf took genuine pride in his creations.
“Oh, um, and please give my regards to Mr. Youpi as well!”
“Do not fret, for I shall pass the message along!”
“Komugi, it was Youpi who rang you up this morning, correct?” Meruem entered the conversation. ”Apologies for not being present this morning, for there were matters to deal with regarding our other store. I hope that you found Youpi’s service acceptable?” Meruem’s gaze pierced through Pitou and Pouf, sending a shudder down their spines.
Komugi answered, oblivious to the employees’ fear. “Oh, n-no need to worry about Mr. Youpi! I only bought a couple things, and he treated me well!” She was accustomed to Meruem occasionally asking her about their service, and figured it had to do with performance reviews.
Pitou and Pouf waited with bated breath for one long second. Finally, sensing nothing amiss in Komugi’s reply, Meruem replied with a “very well” and the two continued towards the first stop of Komugi’s shopping trip. The employees were safe from Meruem’s wrath, for now.
Having reached the first shelf where they were shopping, Meruem handed Komugi plastic-wrapped sandwich bread. “The six-slice size, correct?”
“Yes please!”
As always, Meruem never made mistakes when it came to memorizing Komugi's shopping list. One by one, Meruem helped fill Komugi’s shopping basket, and Pitou put aside their phone to scan Komugi’s items. Task completed, the straight line of Meruem’s lips curved into a smile.
"Well then, shall we?"
"Yes, let's!"
The two didn’t need to speak any more as they settled into their usual routine. Komugi cheerfully followed Meruem to the back where a card table curiously stood in front of the hair supply shelves, having been set up by Pouf while Komugi was shopping. A flat gameboard with a grid design was arranged on the table, along with wooden jars containing game pieces. Mereum and Komugi were no longer shopkeeper and customer, but rivals on the battlefield.
"Are you pressed for time this afternoon, Komugi? I can have Pouf bring out the game clock." Anticipation colored Meruem’s voice as he took a cushioned game chair.
"No worries, I can take my time today! 'Sides, I know how much harder it is on you when you have less time to think!" Komugi giggled as she smoothed out her skirt in her seat.
"If you dare let your guard down worrying about me, I’ll make sure you pay." The smile never dissipated from Meruem’s face as they bantered. It was the privilege of the reigning champion to gloat, after all.
Meruem paused inventory work when Komugi arrived, but it was no matter. Strategy games, surprisingly enough, were his distraction from business management. Managing a small business in competitive Yorknew was the trial that Meruem's mother set for him, but he had passed with flying colors. Meruem found it trivially simple to defeat his bodega rivals in sales, but he couldn't say the same for his Gungi rival. It was maddening that he couldn't become the local champion in Gungi as he had become for chess and go, but this was the mental stimulation that kept his daily life interesting.
“9-9-1, marshal.”
“1-5-1, marshal.”
No matter what arose, it was now Pitou’s and Pouf’s job to make sure nothing disturbed the dance of pieces flowing across the gameboard. Meruem had made it clear that no rowdy customer was worth disturbing his important games.
Komugi held an undefeated winning streak, but this didn't mean that she let down her guard. Komugi sat up straight in her seat during Meruem's turns as she waited for him to announce his latest move. Would he fall for her traps, or manage to break through? As serious as her game face looked, however, Komugi was having fun.
When Meruem had first challenged her, Komugi wasn't used to anyone taking an interest in her niche hobby. Meruem was a business owner and local chess champion, after all. Just because Meruem shared similar interests didn't mean he'd have the time or interest to stick with Gungi, so she was determined to enjoy the games while they lasted. To Komugi's surprise, the challenges kept coming, and Pitou even gossipped about how the backroom was filled with Gungi textbooks. Meruem became a strong player in a short amount of time through hard work. As much as it touched Komugi's heart, she wouldn't be left behind!
***
"...Checkmate." Meruem announced, ending their second game of the day.
"Thank you for the game!" Komugi beamed, her furrowed eyebrows relaxing. As much as she relished the victory, her true happiness came from playing a satisfying match with a worthy opponent.
"Congra-mew-lations, Komugi," Pitou clapped, having come to observe after leaving an annoyed Pouf at the register. Even if this was an expected result, Gungi was a rare chance to see their perfect boss struggle at anything.
The two concluded their review of their latest match, and Komugi retrieved her belongings. The sun had already sunk below the horizon, and it was time for Komugi to head home. "Thank you for the games! Farewell, Mr. Meruem!" Komugi bowed.
"Until next time, Komugi. Pitou, escort her home."
"Thank you, Mx. Pitou."
Past Komugi would have been too self-conscious about imposing on the bodega workers, but with time she had come to accept the offer as part of Meruem's kindness. Her apartment wasn't very far anyway, Komugi reasoned.
"I wouldn't my-ind, boss,” Pitou started, an idea coming to their head. “But I think she'd feel safer if you walked her. Right, Komugi?"
"I-I'm sure you must be very busy, Mr. Meruem! Please don't trouble yourself!" Komugi blushed, fidgeting with the strap of her purse.
After an afternoon of grueling Gungi battles, now it was Komugi's turn to be flustered. Pitou was being impertinent, but truthfully, Meruem didn't dislike this side of Komugi. It wouldn't hurt to extend his break to be with Komugi a bit longer.