Chapter Text
i wander around the museum, momentarily stopping to admire a painting. 'the kiss', a widely favored painting amongst aesthetes and cognoscenti. till this moment, i'm incapable of grasping the beauty of this so-called 'artwork'. what radiance is there to stare in awe at? love is not inevitable, it mustn't be someone's second nature. oh, but i must take my leave; the antique store awaits me.
the warm amber glow of various street lamps paints the onyx sky and illuminates the cobblestone path beneath me. the bell chimes as my companion, tyson turns around, holding a dirty tablecloth.
"late again. you'll be laid off must you be not on time tomorrow," tyson warns me as the squeaking of the porcelain vase is the only thing hear after i roll my eyes.
"no one has came in for the past few hours; business is declining. it would be better for me to take me leave after i earn my final pay." i retort as he gives me a look of displeasure.
"you truly are a witty man, hudson. graduating from the world-famous 'imperial university'. i would never expect someone like you to become employed at a lowly antique store." tyson chuckles lightly as he places down the porcelain vase on the marble table.
"you consider your own antique store as lowly, fascinating." i respond as the bell chimes.
"welcome, dear customer. are you looking for anything specific?" tyson rushes over to the young man holding a black umbrella. his blond hair grazes his nape, blue eyes shimmer like a vast ocean. i would describe him as a standard of beauty in our time.
"i'm looking for a culinary knife. something still usable with proper sharpening and cleaning."
"of course, sir. we have a wide variety and collection of knives." i guide him to a small section of knives and he glances at me. his eyes contain no soul but his dispassionate expression leaves his face as he picks one up.
"this one." the blond man says as smile slowly forms on his face. but his holds another meaning, his lips stretched into a synthetic smile, as if he had practiced it several times.
"that will be seventy-five dollars," i inform the young man as he retrieves his wallet.
"keep the change." he hands a one-hundred-dollar bill and walks off all so suddenly.
"do you know him?" tyson asks as i pause for a moment.
i have seen him somewhere. was it in the newspaper describing his comeliness? i'm not able to recall. nowadays, my memory has not been the best.
"hey, are you thinking about quitting your job?"
"my apologies, i don't know him."
"seems like you were reminiscing about someone."
"i was not."
"sure, hudson. now, get back to work." he orders me as i sweep the floor. a broom in one hand and a dustpan in another.
several hours pass by as i find myself bored to death. it's almost 9:00pm, closing time.
"you're fortunate, victoria was sick for two days. she decided to work today but left a few hours later. i would've fired you if she hadn't persisted in coming in." tyson speaks firmly, a reminder for my many absences.
"i'm aware. i wish victoria a quick recovery."
"tyson, have you been drinking lately? your breath reeks of alcohol." i continue as tyson hesitates, he wavers before responding shortly.
"i have, but it is none of your concern, hudson."
"i'm afraid you might become a reveler, tyson. don't drink often, avoid the tavern."
"i partake in alcohol on a weekly basis, the scent mustn't be strong." tyson strongly retorts as the bell chimes. another customer enters the store as tyson quickly walks over to serve her.
"chanel, it's been awhile since i've seen you. what brings you here?"
"pardon me, i left the shop last time without further notice. i've been busy running my boutique, i've been having a plethora of buyers." chanel smiles widely as she scans the room, searching for something.
"i'm looking for a mid-tier vase, preferably light pink or white. i need new decorations and i've earned quite a lavish budget." she carries on while tyson hands her a beautifully crafted one. it was porcelain with an embellished gold trim.
"the original price of this is $125 but since you're a regular, i'll lower it to $115."
"thank the heavens, tyson. you're a saint!" chanel praises him as tyson's face becomes red in embarrassment.
after paying, chanel leaves while humming a soft tune. the radiance of the tall street lamps lit up evening sky. the stars shimmered peacefully as footsteps could be heard behind me.
"it's closing time, you can leave now."
"thanks, i'll be early tomorrow."
i close the front door as i stroll over to my tiny apartment on the 3rd floor of the building. the flight of stairs causes my legs to become jelly-like. i haven't ever been athletic.
i reach my apartment door and struggle to fall asleep. the city is still bustling in the late night, the atmosphere outside my window is extremely lively. i can still smell the scent of lilies and various other flowers from the near bazaar.
ultimately, i manage to sleep when the noise quiets down, leaving me in the world of my miniature apartment.