A Deceptive Calm

19 1 0
                                    

The café was a quaint spot nestled on a quiet street, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of pastries. Y/N found herself at a cozy corner table, the soft hum of chatter and clinking of cups providing a comforting backdrop to her morning. The tranquility was a welcome respite from the recent chaos.

As she was engrossed in her book, two men entered the café, appearing like ordinary patrons. Their casual demeanor, however, belied an underlying intent that set her on edge. One of them, Varek, with a demeanor that seemed friendly yet subtly imposing, approached her table, his posture relaxed, his eyes betraying no hint of the menace lurking beneath.

[Varek]: "Excuse me, miss. Mind if we join you? The other tables are taken."

Y/N looked up, her instincts sending a subtle alarm. But on the surface, Varek seemed harmless enough, and the café was indeed busy.

[Y/N]: "Sure, go ahead."

Varek sat down, his lieutenant Malon taking a seat at the next table, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. Varek continued, his tone easy and conversational.

[Varek]: "Thanks. It's a busy morning, isn't it? Mind if I ask what you're reading? It seems interesting."

[Y/N]: "It's just a novel. Nothing too exciting."

Varek chuckled, his smile widening, but not quite reaching his eyes.

[Varek]: "Well, it's nice to see someone enjoying a book in this digital age. What's your name?"

Before Y/N could reply, another patron entered the café, his entrance seemingly innocuous but adding to the undercurrent of tension. Y/N's heart rate quickened. Something was off.

Meanwhile, Yakimano, parked in a car across the street, had a clear view of the café. He watched intently, feeling the sting

All MineWhere stories live. Discover now