Warm sunlight cast a gentle glow over the quiet street, illuminating the nearby shops and cafes. The sweet scent of cherry blossoms and the soft hum of conversation from passersby filled the air, making the atmosphere feel alive. The neon lights of a convenience store flickered in the background, casting a colorful glow over the sidewalk.
Yuvin strolled into the store, his eyes scanning the shelves with practiced ease, as if he were a regular customer. 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 as she left the counter, and the cashier efficiently scanned Yuvin's items. "That'll be 2,500 won," she 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? Do I know you? This is the third time you've called me." His tone was gentle, yet beneath the surface, a hint of depth and complexity simmered. "I'll let it slide this time, but please be more careful next time," he declared, walking away from the counter.
As he emerged from the store, Yuvin's eyes scanned the surroundings with confidence. His broad shoulders and fitted blue top accentuated his athletic build, and the watch on his wrist glinted in the sunlight. He navigated the sidewalk with ease, his long strides eating up the distance.
But when he spotted a group of laughing friends, his gaze drifted towards them, and for a fleeting moment, he froze. A pang of longing crossed his face, and his eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. Yet, his expression remained unchanged, masking the turmoil inside.
Ryoko took that moment to approach him, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, I think you dropped something." Yuvin turned to her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her presence. Ryoko smiled and winked, saying, "Your heart, maybe?" Yuvin's eyes, though polite, were distant, and his voice was calm and even, but lacked warmth. "Thank you for your concern, but I think I've got everything under control."
Ryoko's heart sank as she realized she'd been rejected. After a moment of silence, she composed herself and tried to salvage the situation. "I couldn't help but notice you seemed a little... lost back there," she said, nodding towards the group. Yuvin's eyes lingered on the group before returning to hers. This time, his voice was softer, more polite. "I was just thinking about some stuff. It's nothing to worry about."
Ryoko's face fell, but she forced a smile and bid him farewell. "Take care of yourself, then." Yuvin nodded, his expression polite but distant. "You too." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ryoko feeling disappointed but not surprised. She had known it was a long shot, but she'd had to try.