𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

[28]

Two of hearts

28

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The early morning mist enveloped Y/n as she stood on the pier, the rhythmic lapping of waves against the wooden pylons creating a serene backdrop. Clad in a hoodie, the cool breeze danced with strands of her hair as she marvelled at the horizon painted in hues of dawn.

She stored her newly bought phone in her pocket, a modest purchase made with the savings she carefully stowed away after losing her phone in Hosu. The device felt foreign in her grasp, yet it symbolised a connection to a world beyond the shadows that lingered in her recent memories.

Y/n's nimble fingers traced the contours of a stolen lighter, an artefact from a past she was trying to distance herself from. As she flicked it open, a familiar spark kindled, casting an ethereal glow on her features. Flames danced around her fingertips, a silent spectacle against the canvas of the awakening sky.

As the flames twirled and leapt, a semblance of tranquillity washed over her. The crackling warmth mirrored the flickers of resilience within her, a quiet declaration that, despite the scars etched on her skin and soul, she was still capable of casting her own light. The pier bore witness to this solitary dance, an intimate display of strength and rebirth against the backdrop of a new day.

The rhythmic lapping of waves provided a serene soundtrack to the quiet pier, where Y/n found solace in the dance of flames between her fingertips. The early morning held a fragile tranquillity, only disrupted by the subtle shuffling that reached her ears.

Turning around, the play of fire casting shadows on her face, she discovered Toshinori standing before her. His tired eyes betrayed the remnants of sleep, and a yawn escaped him as he rubbed his eyes. A genuine smile tugged at Y/n's lips as she remarked, "Didn't think you'd come."

Toshinori's gaze met hers, a blend of weariness and warmth evident in his eyes. He chuckled softly, "Early mornings aren't exactly my forte, but you seemed to be in need of some company." The muted glow of dawn painted the scene, and the two shared a moment amidst the whispering waves and the flickering flames.

"So... why exactly did you want to meet this early? I never pegged you for a morning person." Toshinori sighed, walking up and leaning against the barrier of the pier.

Y/n shrugged lightly, the flames on her fingers responding to the casual motion. "Guess I needed a change of scenery, or maybe just some quiet time," she mused, gazing out at the horizon where the sun started to cast its gentle hues on the waking city. "And... I just needed a break. I can't stand being at home."

A small chuckle escaped Toshinori's lips. "That seems like a reoccurring pattern for you."

"I guess..." 

Toshinori nodded understandingly, his eyes also drawn to the emerging daylight. "Sometimes the early hours offer a different perspective, a break from the chaos," he remarked, joining her in leaning against the pier's barrier. "So, what's on your mind?" he inquired, a hint of concern in his tone.

Y/n took a moment, her fingers still dancing with the flames as if trying to find the right words. "I needed someone to talk to, someone who might understand," she admitted, her eyes flickering from the flames to Toshinori's gaze.

Toshinori nodded encouragingly. "I'm here for you. What's been on your mind?" he asked, genuine concern etched on his face.

"I've been replaying the events in Hosu, especially what Stain said to me before he... tried to kill me," Y/n confessed, a shiver running down her spine at the memory.