「 ⩩ 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇 Vienna, amidst the bullying at school, crosses paths with a charmingly mysterious thug who swiftly becomes her protector. They both become each other's comfort despite being polar opposites, discovering in each other the hope a...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ˳༄꠶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
↳ currently playing ;; [ Stay with me ] - [Miki Matsubara]
Weekends held a unique charm for Vienna, each one a tapestry of varied experiences. Some spent their days with friends or family, while others buried themselves in homework and studies.
She strolled through Kyoto's bustling streets, earphones drowning out both external noise and internal thoughts, making her way to the public laundromat to wash the white T-shirt boy's jacket.
Vienna's sister received her paycheck from an unknown source—Vienna wasn't entirely sure what her sister did for a living.
Sometimes she sold products, but Vienna doubted they could bring in this much money. Nonetheless, she was grateful because otherwise, she would have had to wash the jacket herself.
Vienna waited anxiously for the jacket to finish washing. Since it was the weekend, the laundromat was packed, and by the time the jacket was dry, it was already dinner time.
Hurrying home, she hoped to catch her sister, but it was already 8 PM. Realizing she would spend the night alone, Vienna sighed softly, resigned to the solitude of the evening.
Vienna carefully stashed three hundred dollars into her bag and kept the remaining one hundred in her pocket. She glanced around cautiously before hurrying away. As she passed the intersection, the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing her into the nearby bakery.
She intended to buy two loaves for dinner and handed over the hundred-dollar bill to the shop-owner, waiting for her change. With the remaining money, she rushed to the market that she'd usually raid with her sister, she noticed the strawberry sweets on display.
The cashier, a woman in her fifties peering over her glasses, quipped, "What's the occasion?"
Vienna replied casually, "It's your lucky day."
While walking, Vienna longed for Mei's presence as she stumbled upon a street performer singing her favorite song, "Stay with me" by Miki. Smiling warmly, she reached into her pocket, intending to tip the singer generously with a $20 bill.
However, in a split second, the bill was snatched from her hand, leaving her in disbelief. Determined, she chased after the thief, her fragile body barely keeping up, knowing the money was crucial since she didn't know when her sister would return.
Vienna's breath came in short, desperate gasps as she tore through the crowded streets of Shibuya, the throng of people parting like water around her. She clutched her bag tightly to her chest, eyes darting around for any sign of the thief who had snatched her belongings.
Turning sharply into an alleyway, Vienna's footsteps echoed off the narrow walls. Her surroundings grew darker, the bright lights of the main street fading into a dim, oppressive glow. She pushed herself harder, her legs burning with the effort, but she refused to slow down.
Her pursuer, confident he had lost her, slowed his pace. Thinking himself safe, he turned into the very alley where his hideout lay hidden among the labyrinthine backstreets.
Vienna stumbled into the same alley moments later, her breath ragged and her vision swimming. She paused, leaning forward with her hands on her knees, panting heavily.
The thief, oblivious to her presence, was just ahead, fumbling with the lock to a door concealed in the shadows.
She watched him, her pulse gradually steadying, anger and determination flaring within her. She had reached him.
Her voice trembled as she demanded, "I want it back."
The boy, seemingly her age, scoffed, "Finders keepers."
Swift and determined, she reached for her money, but his reaction was swift too—he grabbed her neck with a curse. She struggled against his grip, futilely attempting to break free.
In a desperate move, she sank her teeth into his hand, causing him to shove her aside in pain and anger. As she stumbled back, cursing under her breath, she watched helplessly as the thief turned to leave.
Just as hope seemed lost, a shadow loomed behind him—a taller figure, blocking his escape route.
"Riki?"
Vienna peered cautiously from under the protective curve of her arm. There he was, the boy in the white t-shirt, standing amidst the soft glow of the setting sun.
His pale, slender frame cut a stark silhouette against the darkening sky, a cigarette dangling lazily from his hand, its smoke swirling into the evening air.
"Return the money to her," Riki's voice cut through the tension, his tone unwavering as he blew out a cloud of smoke. With a casual flick, the ash from his cigarette fell to the ground.
Reluctantly, the thug tossed a wad of cash at Vienna and turned to leave.
Confusion clouded Vienna's mind as she watched him go, but she pushed the thoughts aside. Her gaze shifted to Riki, noticing fresh bruises above his eyebrows and numerous scars on his arms.
Initially, she had seen him as a victim of bullying, someone oppressed and tormented. Now, it was clear both he and the thug shared a similar life.
Riki stood firm in his place, his reluctance to intervene evident. Vienna knelt down to collect the scattered money, dusting off her books which were always with her for studying.
She methodically placed everything back into her tote bag, straightening up with a resolute expression as she slung the bag over her shoulder.
Riki approached Vienna, his towering frame casting a dark shadow over her as he stood in front of her.
When she glanced up, all she could see was his jawline; she avoided meeting his gaze, instead shrugging her shoulders, signaling her intention to leave.
"Hey," he said.
Vienna lowered her head slightly. She knew she should at least thank him for his help.
Frowning, the youth in the white t-shirt couldn't tolerate Vienna's apparent indifference. "Hey, Little Duck," he added, trying to catch her attention.
Vienna could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she lowered her head and softly murmured, "Thanks."
The youth snorted in response, his expression unreadable. Uncertain whether he was mocking her or showing disdain, Vienna glanced around and noticed a commotion nearby.
A group of rowdy thugs caught her attention. They seemed to be calling out to someone—probably him.
Turning away from Vienna, the youth headed towards his companions. As he walked off, Vienna quickly tied back her hair and clutched the bag of bread tightly. She chose to go in the opposite direction, eager to put the encounter behind her.
