DELTAREI: A Deltarune AU. [16+] (NOW COMPLETED)

Chapter 15: パン (Bread)

I stepped outside into the cool night air, the rain falling lightly around me. I'd spent the entire day playing Valorant, and now that the snow had melted and the weather had warmed up, I needed a break from my video game obsession. As I walked through the rain, my sneakers getting soaked, I noticed an unusual sight. Sitting under the covered steps of the local diner, there was a Japanese human teenager - about 18 going on 19, and only an inch taller than I was at 5'7 - seemingly unbothered by the cold and rain around him. 

"Mind if I sit with you?" I called out over the rain. The teen looked up, his eyes peering at me from behind his circular glasses. He nodded silently, gesturing for me to take a seat next to him.

I settled down next to the boy, setting my umbrella aside. Up close, I could see the fine details of his appearance. His black hair was neatly combed, and his circular glasses framed his eyes. A black facemask covered his mouth, giving him an air of mystery. He was dressed nicely, in a black suit and tie. Despite our different styles, he exuded authority and wisdom.

Jack- "I'm Jack," I said, offering my hand, as he then shook it after and started talking as he looked at me directly in the eyes it seems.

Bread- "Nice to meet you, Jack. You can call me Pan." he said to me, adjusting his glasses in the cold rainy night with snow still seen on the ground, as it was 20 degrees Fahrenheit after all.

Jack- "Pan? Is that your real name?"

Bread- He chuckled. "It's the Japanese pronunciation. But since you speak English, Bread works just as well."

Jack- "Got it, so, how old are you? If you don't mind me asking."

Bread- "I'm 18, turning 19 in February. How old are you? What brings you out here alone on a Saturday night?" Bread replied.

Jack- "I'm 17, and I'm out here tonight because most of my friends are busy, and I've been spending too much time playing video games lately, have you ever heard of the Dark World by the way?"

Bread- "You know about it?"

Jack- "Yeah, I do."

Bread- "I thought so, you have that look in your eyes."

Jack- "What look?" I asked, confused.

Bread- "The look of someone who's been through something extraordinary, I can tell you've been to the Dark World."

Jack- "You're right, we've been to the Dark World a few times now."

Bread- "I thought so, it's quite a magical place, isn't it?"

Jack- "Yes, it is."

Bread-  "Be careful though, the Dark World can be addictive. You'll find yourself wanting to go back, again and again."

Jack- I raised an eyebrow. "That's what makes it fun." I said, my youthful optimism clear in my voice. "It's an adventure."

Bread- "I understand you, I guess, but just be careful, alright?"

Jack- "Sure, sure." I stood up, ready to head home. "It's probably getting late anyway."

Bread- "Looks like it," he agreed. "I'll see you around."

I gave him a small wave. "See you at the Dark World next time," I said before walking away.

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