Morning, Inside an Alley
The narrow alleyway was dim, bathed in the faint orange glow of the rising sun. Smokes hissed from nearby pipes, filling the air with a metallic tang.
Marco landed awkwardly on one knee, his broom clattering to the ground beside him. When his eyes lifted, they locked onto Tyla — and he froze like a statue.
"What… what a beauty… Is that a fairy from the heavens?" he breathed, his voice trembling with awe.
Tyla blinked, utterly lost. "…Who is this creepy guy?" she asked flatly, glancing at Kurt.
Marco quickly adjusted his tinted goggles and grinned, puffing up his chest. "I am Marco. Marco Vangeese. I am very single… and ready to mingle."
"Huh?" Tyla stared at him blankly, unsure if she should laugh or run.
Yumina leaned closer, whispering behind her hand, "I think he's hitting on you."
"Oh-ho-ho!" Kurt chuckled, giving Marco an approving thumbs-up. "You're quite bold. You just met her, and you're already making your move."
