“Ohoy Jack, you can't just leave right away, accompany me to the bookstore.” As usual, Nino immediately dragged her close friend and coworker to accompany her to the bookstore.
“You're not a kid just go by yourself.” Jack who was lazy didn't want to go with Nino.
Nino then whispered and told Jack something interesting. Although Jack was originally lazy to oblige, but once he heard it from Nino. Suddenly he quickly agreed to Nino's invitation to go to the bookstore.
Of course, to look for a special edition comic that had just come out. The comic that told the adventures of a beautiful cat and was so popular among elementary school children turned out to be one of the most important things Jack had to have.
"Hurry up a bit. Just exchange your leg for a snail,” Jack complained while dragging Nino excitedly. Meanwhile, Nino could only surrender. And this is the risk when Jack has to deal with the object he likes the most.
***
They arrived at a crowded bookstore. Inside, the shelves were full of eye-catching books and comics. Jack headed straight for the comic rack, his eyes sparkling as he searched for the special edition he was craving. Meanwhile, Nino tried to follow at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the atmosphere of the bookstore that felt like heaven for her who was a book lover since she was a child. And successfully made his eyes suffer from severe minus and required him to wear glasses with thick lenses that felt heavy.
But suddenly, Nino stopped his steps. His eyes fell on a woman in the corner of the shop. It was Samanta, their boss at the office who was known for her gossipy mouth. Nino knew that Samanta would definitely take this opportunity to spread stories about Jack's hobbies that would probably make Jack embarrassed in the office and be made fun of. As a good friend, Nino certainly didn't want Jack, his close friend, to get embarrassed.
“Jack, we have to get out of here right now,” Nino whispered frantically. Her eyes continued to watch around vigilantly in case Samanta suddenly appeared like a ghost in front of them.
“What? Why?” asked Jack in confusion, still engrossed in his search for comics. She seemed completely unperturbed and still busy in her own world.
“Samanta's here!” replied Nino as she tugged on Jack's arm anxiously. It was funny how Nino felt more panicked than Jack, who still looked so relaxed.
Jack turned his head and saw Samanta who was looking through the bookshelves at the end of the room. He understood Nino's concern and felt a bit of tension. But then, a crazy idea crossed Nino's mind.
“You have to hide,” Nino urged.
“Where?” asked Jack confused.
“Under that bookshelf!” Nino pointed to a nearby bookshelf.
“What? I won't fit!” protested Jack who realized that he had a large body.
“There's no time, hurry up!” Nino pushed Jack towards the shelf.
Jack was forced to fold his body forcefully and hide under the bookshelf. This position was very uncomfortable, but Jack knew that this was to save his pride. Meanwhile, Nino stood near the shelf, trying to cover Jack with her body and pretending to be interested in the books on the shelf as if she knew nothing at all. Although it was clear that reality was the opposite.
Samanta walked over, making Nino panic even more. With all her might, she tried to act casual, even though cold sweat began to run down her forehead.
“Hi, Nino!” greeted Samanta in a cheerful voice that made Nino's ears flutter slightly. "What are you doing here? Ah, looking for books, of course. Someone like you must have a quality hobby as you wear glasses with thick lenses." As usual a scathing greeting always comes out of Samanta's mouth without sin.
“Oh, hi Samanta!” Nino tried to sound casual. “I was just looking for some books to read.” Nino, who knew her boss' behavior well, wasn't too bothered, she was more worried about her friend Jack, who she was hiding at the moment.
"Really? I'm also looking for books for the weekend. You came here alone?” asked Samanta as she glanced around. Her eyes looked so keenly at her surroundings.
“Yes, I'm alone,” Nino replied quickly, hoping Samanta wouldn't look at the shelf where Jack was hiding. If she got caught, her efforts would be in vain.
“I see,” Samanta replied with a meaningful smile. "Well, I'll go look for my book first. See you at the office, Nino! Don't forget to keep those eyes healthy."
“Bye,” Nino replied with relief as Samanta waltzed away.
After Samanta moved away, Nino immediately pulled Jack out of hiding. Jack stood up with difficulty, feeling sore all over his body from the uncomfortable hiding position earlier. Just imagine that his tall body had to be forcefully folded to fit inside his hiding place. It was self-torture to not get caught by his superiors.
“We did it,” Nino said with relief.
However, as they exited the bookstore, they were suddenly accosted by a familiar voice.
“Hey, Nino! Jack!”
Both of them were petrified on the spot. Samanta stood in front of them with a wide smile.
"Where are you guys going?
Why are you in such a hurry?” she asked in a suspicious tone.
Nino felt her heart racing.However, Jack just put on a flat face and tried to remain calm as if nothing had happened. It was a stark contrast to Nino who now looked like a thief caught stealing the neighbor's mangoes.“Oh, we just... uh, wanted to go home quickly,” Nino replied stammeringly.
“Really?”Samanta looked at them with a probing gaze.
"Yes, it's true.We had some sudden business,” Jack added in a calm voice."Alright, then.Be careful on the road,” Samanta said as she waved goodbye.
After Samanta left, Nino and Jack looked at each other and breathed heavily.
“You know, Nino, I shouldn't have come to the bookstore,” Jack said with a laugh.
“Yeah, but look on the bright side, we got a special edition comic,” Nino replied with a big smile trying to cheer her friend up."I really don't want to fold my body forcibly into the shelves like before.It feels like a simulation of hell,” Jack complained while massaging his shoulders."I can't help it, it's all for your self-respect too.I also don't want you to be humiliated in the office by those foul-mouthed bastards." Nino herself did not want her friend to be humiliated.
"That's very kind of you. How about I buy you your favorite toast,” Jack said.
Nino smiled."Okay. As long as you don't complain about the extra cost.""If you over-order and leave me penniless. I'll just leave you alone there and be done with it."
“You ungrateful bastard,” Nino said.