In one of many browsed bookstore in City A,

[Bookstore R]

In the counter, Yuan positioned himself more comfortably in his seat as he flipped the chosen book he held in his hand.

He occasionally gave a glance at the front to know if a customer was present —though he could actually used Momo to surveil the surroundings just to notify him if there was someone passing by, however, this would confuse his mind — Reading while someone keeps talking to you and you need to pay attention on is a bad idea, Yuan decided to do things manually as he also let's Momo go get some rest.

By chance as he raised his head to look up, his sight stopped on the man who had walked near him holding a book trapped in his arms. The man noticed his gaze and quickly opened his arms to place the book into the flat surface of the table.

"Can I buy this one?"

The man asked, his voice peered with uncertainty.

"You can." Yuan replied nonchalantly as he quickly placed the bookmark into the page he was currently reading and closed the book before putting it down.

"Really?" The man asked.

Yuan replied, "Like as I said, you can." Then raising his head up once more, Yuan then asked, "You have more books to buy, am I right?"

"Yes, you are right." The man smiled, "I'll put this book on here first, I'll go and take the rest."

After saying that, the man turned around to leave.

Yuan watched the man leave to take a pile of books and return to the counter to buy the following.

"A western food guide, some mangas, hmm, novels..." Yuan said aloud as he inspected the book before handing it over, "...All costs $15, will it be by credit or cash?"

The man paused for a minute before taking son cash out of his purse, "I'll pay it with cash."

Yuan took the $20 dollar the man reached out and smiled, he then dropped his head down to get some change when the man spoke out, "No need for the change, you can have the rest."

"Pardon?" Yuan asked, quite conflicted.

"I don't know why someone as young as you would be out doing jobs instead of going to school," The man said. "If it's not for money, then what?"

"I," Yuan sighed a bit before saying, "Am I that young looking, sir?"

The man inspected Yuan for a couple of seconds before replying, "Yes, you are."

"Oh well, then suit yourself." Replied Yuan as he placed the books in a paper bag and gave it to the man who smiled, the man then turned around and left the store.

"Another one?"

Yuan turned to face his right and saw his colleague, Amie.

Amie was the typical woman on her thirties, though, more brighter and a sunny air waved around her.

She was the person who likes to chat with anyone and the hidden gossiper.

Yuan met her upon the second day he surveyed the city, she was the one who took him in and told him about working in the available spot in the bookstore her cousin owns.

Considering her as a friend as his said age was close to her, Yuan did not hide the fact he was older than her and she, as easygoing as she is, welcomed the strange fact surrounding the youth.

It wasn't that really strange as there were cases of people preserving their youths such like baby faced men and women.

"I would like to tell him my age but," Yuan paused a bit before adding, "We aren't close friends or such, it would be a waste of time."

"Oh, I see." Amie replied with a tilt of her head, "anyways, have you finished writing the second volume?"

"Sadly, I have yet to finish." Yuan replied honestly.

"Aw, " Amie sighed disappointedly, she then took a random book from the shelf.

Yuan retrieved his gaze from the woman and placed it on the book in his hand. Glancing at the clock on the wall, Yuan tapped his finger on the table.

As a minute passed, Yuan then shifted his gaze at the window beside the counter where the view of the ocean could be seen. The light from the setting sun blinded the bookstore with orange hue, frowning, Yuan stop up from his seat and closed the curtains.

"Yuan, will you be on the nightshift this time or me?" Amie called out.

"Yesterday, I was free, but today, I have to hurry as the show I was watching would continue tonight." Yuan replied.

"Oh, I see, then.." Moving her hazel eyes to fix upon the black haired and green eyed boy, Amie knocked the book she was reason back into the shelf as she took her phone out from the pocket, "I'll be on shift tonight." She said, her voice was nor upset but cheerful instead.

"Thank you." Yuan thanked.

"Yeah," Amie bobbed her head in approval making her brownie hair follow on.

Then she pointed her hand at the young looking man standing a few meters away, "You must promise to finish the volume and things will work out."

"Quite tenacious, I see."

"For reading, I am."

Replied Amie who had half shut her hazel eyes as her gaze remained on the half read book in the other's hand.

"You can't."

Said Yuan who had caught the woman's gaze, he hid the book into his trousers' pocket.

"I was just about to ask why you always bring that certain book with no title with you..Guess it does not matter."

Amie shrugged as her mouth pointed towards the left.

"Things are better off unsaid."

Yuan muttered.

+++++

First person POV.

Y U A N ' S

The sun had finally set, leaving the world with darkness. The shops around began turning on their lights, the once normal city at day became a neon filled sight.

I waved my hand at Amie who had taken over my seat.

It was evening, and as I have decided to skip my night shit, I gave a goodbye towards Amie who had also waved in exchange.

"Oy, wait, don't go yet!"

Suddenly, I heard her loud shout as I pushed the door forward, turning my head back, I asked her, "What is it?"

"Can you buy me some cup noodles, please?"

"Can't you just buy it yourself?" I asked, quite annoyed by what she asked.

"Can I not ask you to buy it instead?"

"Certainly not!" I said.

"Oh, well, then, forget it." Amie shook her head as she pushed the door in my stead.

"Bye, see you tomorrow." I said without batting an eye at her.

"Pretty much, you must remember about the deal." She muttered.

•••••••

It took me a few minutes to arrive in front of my apartment complex.

I was thinking about eating out but I remembered about the ingredients I've bought last month which was no doubt going to spoil soon despite putting it on the refrigerator.

I looked at my rather large apartment that was half a meter larger than my past apartment ten years in the past in this world.

It was on the second floor, a floor above another tenant that was a shut in.

He's pretty much holed up inside his apartment, well, bothering less, that's not any of my problem.

Tapping the light switch, a smile blossomed on my face.

"Welcome home." I said to myself.

This was the only way to relieve my loneliness, whenever there's no Shen beside me, I feel so lone and sad...

"Momo, what do you think should I cook?" I asked after placing my bag at the sofa and walking towards the kitchen.

"I think Master should cook something simple, but I prefer Ramen, it's a popular japanese food."

Momo's voice came along. I nodded in approval for his suggestion and quickly opened the refrigerator to take out the ingredients, and based on the needed one, I realized that I had actually bought the right amount which was great news.

It took a great amount of minutes to prepare, and the result was very good. Momo, though couldn't taste and eat physically, was able to taste the food by mental power and he had even flattered me because of the exquisite taste.

If only Shen was here, she would also love my cooking and this apartment wouldn't be so cold and lonely...

"Master, the show is starting..."

"Yes, yes!" I replied hastily as I munched down the last portion of my dinner.

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This was the life I yearned for; the tranquility and the calmness of this ordinary life fit best.

.

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So, I was not expecting it to end, and turn into something I've never expected...

I looked towards the little girl before me who resembled both me and Shen.

It's quite troubling if I can't put my finger on the picture as this child begins calling me her daddy....