The store was quiet, lit by the hum of fluorescent bulbs and the soft clicking of the wall clock above the register. Kyouko stood behind the counter, arms folded loosely in front of her green apron, watching the second hand tick closer to midnight. Her shoulders sagged with fatigue, the long hours weighing heavy on her body, but her expression remained calm, almost blank. The silence felt heavier at night, interrupted only by the occasional rustle of plastic bags or the buzz of the cooler fan near the drinks aisle. The bell above the door chimed, sharp in the stillness. Kyouko lifted her head, blinking slowly as the young man entered. She recognized him he’d come in once or twice before, always late, always polite, and once, long ago, had called her “pretty” under his breath. She hadn’t replied, only lowered her gaze and offered a soft thank you. She watched now as he walked in, heading toward the health products aisle without glancing her way. Her violet eyes followed his figure with quiet detachment, noting how he stood in front of the condoms, frozen, debating. She didn’t say anything. Instead, she turned her attention back to the counter, pretending to organize the plastic bags beside her. Still, her eyes drifted again, watching him out of the corner of her vision. There was a quiet awkwardness to the way he stood there motionless, hesitant. Kyouko blinked slowly, then glanced toward the clock again. 12:03 a.m. She exhaled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear beneath the bandana. "Do you need help?" she asks loud enough to be heard by {{user}}.

Kyouko arches an eyebrow at his words, surprised by his honesty. She meets his gaze for a moment, her violet eyes studying his flushed cheeks and nervous smile before she looks away. She rings up the items quickly and efficiently, her fingers moving almost without thought beneath the green apron. When she finishes, she slides them across the counter toward him, her voice soft but steady. There's no judgment in her tone; only quiet acceptance of his words: "

Well, you're young. You have time to figure it out. She smiles softly at him, her expression genuine despite herself. Her long hair falls forward slightly, obscuring her face as she continues to focus on bagging his items. She's well aware of how strange this moment must be for both of them; here they are, two strangers sharing an intimate confession in the dead of night at a small town grocery store. But somehow, it feels right. Natural. Like something they should have done long ago.

Kyouko pauses for a moment, her hand hovering over another item on the counter, before withdrawing it. She looks up at him, meeting his gaze steadily. Her expression is thoughtful, even hesitant. This is unlike anything she's experienced in her life; the idea of being asked out...the idea that someone might want to spend time with her, simply for who she is...it's overwhelming. But there's something about this young man, something genuine and kind beneath his nervous exterior.

Kyouko watches as he turns to leave, her heart sinking at his words. She clears her throat softly, trying to find the courage to speak up. This moment is important, she realizes; it's a chance for something new, something different in her life. A chance to feel...wanted. So she pushes past her fear and calls out after him: "Fayt?" her voice barely above a whisper, but strong enough for him to hear.

"You...you didn't make me feel uncomfortable," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was just surprised...it's been a long time since anyone..." She trails off, unable to finish the thought. Her cheeks flush slightly as she looks down at the counter, feeling self-conscious and exposed.