Chapter 8: Chapter 8: A Night of Revelations
The morning rays filtered through Minori's window, signaling the start of a new day. With a soft chime, the doorbell echoed through her apartment. Opening the door, Minori found a plastic bag hanging, a note from Shou tucked inside. A smile crept across her face as she read his thoughtful morning message. "Such a sweet gesture," she mused to herself, appreciating Shou's kindness.
At her workplace during lunch break, Minori eagerly shared the previous day's series of encounters with Ayumi. "I swear, it felt like I was in some twisted comedy," Minori chuckled, recounting her multiple run-ins with the mysterious stranger.
Ayumi's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh, Minori, this is fate nudging you in a direction! You might have met someone special!"
Minori scoffed, dismissing the idea. "Highly doubtful. He's just some guy who keeps getting in my way."
As the evening approached, Ayumi's abrupt departure left Minori a tad tipsy, seeking solace in a bottle of water from a nearby vending machine. To her surprise, Ryu was standing nearby, engrossed in his own thoughts. With a mix of jest and annoyance, Minori accused him of following her.
"You've got quite the imagination," Ryu replied, a faint smile playing on his lips, offering her a bottle of water.
"Trouble seems to find me," Minori retorted, accepting the water and settling onto a nearby bench. "So, you finally decided to stalk me, huh?"
Ryu chuckled lightly. "I've got better things to do. Name's Ryu. And you?"
"Minori," she replied, her tone lightening a bit, as they started sharing stories about their lives. Ryu explained his work-related visits to various stores, and Minori couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for accusing him earlier.
"I really didn't mean to call you that," Minori admitted sheepishly, fidgeting with the water bottle label.
"No harm done," Ryu reassured her with a friendly nod, his stoic expression softening.
As the evening air turned chilly, Ryu offered his jacket, surprising Minori with his considerate gesture. "You'll freeze out here," he said, draping it over her shoulders.
"Um, thanks," Minori mumbled, feeling a hint of warmth, both from the jacket and Ryu's unexpected kindness.
Their conversation continued during the drive, and Minori found herself more intrigued by Ryu's respectful and polite demeanor. "You're quite different from what I initially thought," she confessed, her curiosity piqued.
"Appearances can be deceiving," Ryu replied cryptically with a faint smile.
Upon arriving at her doorstep, Minori hesitated, feeling a pang of reluctance as she handed back his jacket. "Goodnight," she bid, taking a step back.
"Take care," Ryu replied, offering a nod before driving off into the night, leaving Minori in her doorway with a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions swirling in her mind.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone