Prologue: Character Glimpses 2
Yuvin__ Convenience Store: Scene
The blue hour settled over the quiet street, it's gentle glow fading across the nearby shops and cafes, while the soft hum of conversation from passersby filled the air.
Before long, the flickering of neon lights of a convenience store cast a colorful glow over the sidewalk.
With steady, deliberate strides, Yuvin made his way towards the convenience store and up it's entrance. As he pushed the door open, it creaked slightly, and the small bell above chimed gently.
Upon hearing the sound, the tired cashier straightened up in his chair. They exchange brief nods, before Yuvin ultimately strolled around, his eyes scanning the shelves with practiced ease, like someone who had been regular here.
He picked up a carton of eggs, a loaf of whole grain bread, and a packet of freshly ground coffee beans.
As he approached the counter, his gaze fell on a small girl fumbling through her purse, clearly in a rush. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and with a gentle nod, he gestured for her to go ahead of him.
The girl thanked him profusely before hurrying out. While the cashier scanned Yuvin's items.
"That'll be 2,500 wans" he said.
Yuvin pulled out a sleek black wallet and handed over the cash.
Just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and answered, his voice low and smooth.
"Hello?"
The line remain quite.
His eyes narrowed slightly before speaking again.
"This is your third time already...if you're going to keep calling, at least dare say something." His tone remained calm, yet beneath a hint of warning simmered.
"If it's some kinda joke... plz quit it."
Upon no reply form the other side, he got a little frustrated, and ended the call before slipping the phone back into his pocket as he steeped out.
The cool air greeted him as he scanned the street. His broad shoulders and fitted blue top accentuated his athletic build as he moved down the sidewalk with long, effortless strides.
As he was about to pace up, his gaze drifted to a group of friends laughing together, across the streets, and his steps slowed.
For a brief moment, he simply watched them.
A faint pang of longing crossed his face, his eyes holding thousand unspoken words.
Their laughter echoed down the street. For a moment, something about it felt familiar__ like a memory he had long buried down. His thumb brushed lightly against the bracelet on his wrist, before he slipped his hand back into the pocket.
Yet, the expression faded as quickly, replaced by the same calm indifference, masking the turmoil inside.
"Hey, I think you dropped something."
The voice came from behind.
Yuvin turned slightly, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the girl who had approached him.
Ryoko smiled and gave a playful wink.
"Your heart, maybe?"
Yuvin regarded her quietly. His expression remained polite, but distant.
"Thank you for your concern," he said evenly "but I think I've everything under control."
Ryoko smile faltered as the rejection settled in.
After a moment of silence, she composed herself and tried to salvage the situation.
"I couldn't help noticing you seemed a little... lost back there," she said, nodding towards the laughing friends.
Yuvin's glanced them briefly before returning his gaze to her.
"I was just thinking about a few things." he replied gently. "Nothing you should worry about."
Ryoko's forced a small smile and bid him farewell.
"Take care of yourself.... then."
Yuvin nodded.
"You too."
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
The paper bag rusted slowly in his hand as he disappeared down the empty streets, leaving Ryoko standing under neon lights__ disappointed, though not entirely surprised.
She had known it was a long shot, but she'd had to try.