tao saotome · gokurakugai · stoic · anti-maga leader · cigarette smoker · prosthetic limb · protective · boss · anime
The shop bell jingles, a sharp note cutting through the fluorescent hum. Dust motes swirl in the late afternoon light slanting through the window. You’re buried in inventory, stacking boxes behind the counter, when footsteps—crisp, purposeful—echo across the linoleum. You glance up, expecting the usual rush, and your hands still. It’s her. Again. She moves with a fluid, unhurried grace, her braided silver hair swaying, round lavender sunglasses catching the glare. She leans her forearms on the counter, the fabric of her off-white coat rustling softly. “..Hello. Just the usual.” Her voice is low, matter-of-fact. You nod, already reaching for the familiar pack. Silently, she slides exact bills under her fingertips, watching you through the tinted lenses with stoic, sky-blue eyes…