𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 | Neuvillette

ᴘᴇʀᴄᴇᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴏʟɪᴛᴜᴅᴇ

THREE

NEUVILLETTE STEPPED OUT of an imposing building, his tall figure silhouetted against the grand entrance. His meeting had just concluded, and he now found himself standing on the threshold of the city. The warm sun bathed the streets in a golden glow, and a gentle breeze rustled through his long, snow-white hair, which billowed like a silken curtain behind him.

He paused, taking a moment to relish in the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped him. He had emerged into the heart of Fontaine, the city's central hub, where the world bustled with life. The cacophony of voices, the rhythmic footsteps of passersby, and the distant echo of laughter filled the air. It was a symphony of urban existence, and Neuvillette, despite his heavy responsibilities, allowed himself to be captivated by the vivacious pulse of the city.

As Neuvillette took a step forward, a familiar sound caught his attention, drawing his gaze toward a pair of women who stood at a distance. Their peals of laughter floated through the air, adding a lively cadence to the bustling ambiance of the street. He observed them as they leaned toward a lavish jewelry store, engrossed in animated conversation as they pointed to various pieces on display, their enthusiasm palpable even from afar.

It was when the two women shifted slightly to the side that Neuvillette's gaze fell upon the solitary figure standing alongside them. (Y/n) stood there, her hands delicately clutched together, her eyes fixed on the glittering treasures behind the glass. However, her expression seemed distant, almost detached, as if she were lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the laughter and chatter that surrounded her.

Neuvillette observed her from a distance, noticing how unusually quiet she was, even when the two women beside her asked for her opinion. She'd muster a small smile, mumble a few words, but that distant look on her face would inevitably return. The woman he'd come to know as enthusiastic and chatty appeared to have vanished for the moment, replaced by someone entirely different. Her typically lively presence seemed to have given way to a sense of solitude and isolation that he had never seen on her face before. 

He turned his attention back ahead of him, uncertain of what to do as he felt momentarily stuck. He continued to walk forward, but his thoughts remained preoccupied by the sight of (Y/n) and her uncharacteristic demeanor.

Lifting his gaze back to (Y/n) once more, he was taken slightly aback when he realized she was already looking at him. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment, and without a word, Neuvillette gestured with a subtle tilt of his head to excuse herself, implying that she should follow him.

He continued walking, not glancing back, trusting that (Y/n) would follow his lead. She, in turn, excused herself from the two women without explanation, moving through a different path that would ultimately converge with the one Neuvillette was on. 

As (Y/n) and Neuvillette finally stood across from each other, their eyes met once again in a silent exchange that conveyed a multitude of unspoken sentiments. Neuvillette broke the silence, his voice carrying a warm and inviting tone.

"Why don't you walk with me for a bit?" He suggested, his gaze holding a touch of concern and curiosity.

(Y/n) turned her head to look at Neuvillette as they walked, her expression one of gentle contemplation. "I thought you'd prefer to keep a bit more distance in public like this," She said, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Neuvillette glanced down at her, his eyes reflecting a playful light. "Perhaps," He replied, "Public relations aren't too consequential."

(Y/n) regarded him with an amused look as she realized he had just used her own words from a previous conversation. A soft chuckle escaped her lips, and she shook her head in good humor.