Chapter Text
The day had been long, and the sun was finally retreating below the horizon, leaving streaks of pink and orange across the sky. You had taken your usual route home, meandering through the streets and alleys that felt like they belonged to you. It was the time of day when everything seemed quieter, more peaceful.
As you passed by a familiar building, you noticed something—or rather, someone—on the rooftop. A boy, sitting on the edge, a notebook open in front of him. He was framed by the warm glow of the sunset, his features softened by the fading light. There was something about the way he sat, so still, almost as if he didn’t belong in the world you knew.
You slowed your pace, suddenly intrigued. He didn’t seem to notice you, too absorbed in whatever he was writing or drawing. His hair blew gently in the wind, and despite the cool evening air, he didn’t seem to mind the chill. There was something strange, but captivating about the scene—his calmness, the way he seemed at home in the quiet of the moment.
For a second, you stood there, watching him, trying to make sense of why this felt so different. Then, without warning, his head turned. His gaze locked onto yours, sharp and unexpected. It was like he’d been waiting for you.
You felt a sudden warmth rush to your cheeks, unsure whether it was the remnants of the sunset or the intensity of his stare. He didn’t look away right away, his eyes holding yours for a moment longer than was comfortable. Then, just as quickly, he smiled—small, soft, like he had been waiting for that exact moment.
“Hey,” he called out, his voice surprisingly gentle, though it carried across the distance between you.
You blinked, caught off guard by the simplicity of his greeting. “Hi,” you managed, feeling a bit silly for standing there, still frozen.
He chuckled, turning back to his notebook. “You caught me,” he said, a playful tone in his voice. “I’m usually more discreet.”
Curious but hesitant, you took a step closer. “What are you working on?”
He glanced up at you again, eyes momentarily flickering in a way that seemed almost… distant. “Just some sketches,” he replied. “I like to draw when I get some quiet.”
You nodded, not really sure what else to say. There was something about the way he spoke that made you want to know more, but you weren’t sure if it was just his calm demeanor or the mysterious air about him. Something made you feel like there was more to this encounter than met the eye.
For a brief moment, the wind shifted, carrying the scent of something faintly floral, mixed with the fresh air of the evening. His presence felt oddly comforting, yet you couldn’t shake the sense that something was different about him.
But then he smiled again, this time with a warmth that made the feeling dissipate. “I’m Ni-ki, by the way.”
You smiled back. “I’m—”
Before you could finish, he raised a hand. “No need. I already know.”
You blinked, surprised by his statement. He didn’t seem at all put off by the oddity of it.
“I guess we’ll meet again soon,” he added, his voice a little softer now, almost as if he were speaking to himself.
As you turned to leave, you couldn’t help but glance back. Ni-ki was already absorbed in his notebook again, the light of the setting sun casting a gentle glow around him. There was a calmness about him that lingered even after you walked away, and for the first time, you found yourself wondering if you would ever see him again.