Unwavering solace II

Nyeoseog 2

Unwavering solace
By leiria
City lights, Silent thoughts

Harin wandered around the bustling mall, his mind drifting from one thought to another. Elise walked beside him, lost in her thoughts until she suddenly remembered something.

"Harin, should we pay Farzan a visit?" Elise suggested, her eyes lighting up with the idea.

Harin pondered for a moment. "Oh yeah, he's working here... Should we get him something?" he asked.

Elise shook her head. "Maybe a drink, but he's working at a café. He can grab one whenever he wants."

They both took a moment to think. "Let's just get him some food? It's almost his break time, right?" Harin proposed.

Elise nodded enthusiastically. "Mhmm, sounds good."

The two made their way to a well-known Korean restaurant, Hanok Bites, where an array of beautifully arranged takeout plates was displayed behind a sleek glass case.

The restaurant was famous for its takeaway options, with intricate packaging and attention to detail that drew as many customers for to-go orders as for dining in. As they picked out a well packaged meal, the lively sounds of the mall surrounded them—the chatter of excited shoppers, the clinking of dishes, and bursts of laughter that filled the air.

When they arrived at the special lounge, Harin felt a twinge of nervousness. The café was exclusive, and he wondered how they'd get past the entrance. But Elise, with her confident stride, led the way. To his surprise, the host smiled and let them in without a hitch.

Farzan's eyes widened in surprise as he spotted them. "How did you two even get in here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Harin, still baffled by how effortlessly they had slipped in, pointed at Elise. "I don't know either, She just waltzed in like it's her father's lounge."

Elise looked confused, throwing her hands up. "Why are you pointing at me? I did nothing"

Farzan tried to suppress a grin but failed miserably. "You two and your endless shenanigans, I swear."

Harin, ever nonchalant, handed him the takeout box. "Here, your lunch. Don't even bother thanking, we just swiped it from the floor"

Farzan's eyes widened further as he accepted the food, taking in the elite packaging. "Why did you guys get me this?" he asked, surprised by the upscale nature of the meal.

Harin bowed slightly, his expression innocent and childlike. Farzan couldn't help but sigh. "Geez, thanks anyway."

Elise smiled slightly. "Enjoy your meal and good luck for today," she said, giving a small wave as both of them prepared to leave.

"Hope so" he replied, waving back. As they walked out, Elise gave Harin a curious side-eye. "What did you even mean back there?"

Harin shrugged. "It doesn't sounds wrong though"

Ryssa sighed, shaking her head. "I can never understand how your brain works... really."

"Neither can I," Harin mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?" Elise asked, her eyebrows raised.

"Nothing," He replied, quickly dismissing his words.

"Well, I think I'm going to browse the cuddled corner," Elise said, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. "I've had my eye on a few plushies"

Harin nodded thoughtfully. "I'm heading to the rooftop garden, I guess."

"That sounds nice. I didn't even know we have one."

Harin grinned. "It's one of those hidden gems."

They paused at the entrance to the plushie store, the subtle scent of new cotton mixed with the soft hum of quiet conversation drifting from inside. Elise turned to Harin, her expression warm. "Thank you for today"

"Yeah, likewise," He replied, a soft smile touching his lips.

Elise offered a friendly wave, her gaze lingering for a moment. "See you later... or tomorrow." She chuckled softly.

Harin returned the wave, watching as she entered the plushie store. He then made his way to a small, discreet elevator that led to the rooftop garden—a secluded area often overlooked by the mall's regular crowd.

As the elevator doors opened, Harin stepped into a serene oasis of greenery and calm. The garden was filled with lush plants, comfortable benches, and a few winding pathways. It was a tranquil escape from the mall's usual hustle and bustle.

Sitting on one of the benches, Harin took in the view of the cityscape as dusk began to settle in. The distant lights of the city started to twinkle, providing a beautiful contrast to the sprawling landscape. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to be enveloped by the tranquility of the garden.

A familiar presence soon made itself known—a soft, guiding voice. It was Ilman, Harin's inner conscience, appearing as he often did during moments of introspection.

"Are you sure this is where you want to be?" Ilman's voice echoed gently in Harin's mind.

Harin looked around at the peaceful surroundings. "It feels right. I just needed to get away from the crowds and think."

Ilman's presence was both calming and probing. "You're not just avoiding the crowd, are you? There's something more you're running from."

Harin sighed, sinking deeper into the bench. "It's just... I don't know. It's like I'm trying to make sense of things, but nothing is clear."

Ilman's voice was empathetic. "Sometimes clarity comes from within. You need to allow yourself to sit with your thoughts without distraction."

Harin nodded, his gaze wandering over the cityscape. "I just had a moment. It was nice, but I keep thinking about how I felt so out of place."

Ilman's voice was reassuring. "It's okay to feel out of place. It's a sign that you're stepping out of your comfort zone and growing. Embrace these moments—they'll help you understand yourself better."

As Harin reflected on Ilman's words, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. The city lights began to shimmer as the sky darkened, offering a beautiful contrast to the turbulent thoughts that had been swirling in his mind.

"What do you think of that guy?" Harin asked Ilman, noticing a figure on the far edge of the garden, intently observing the city below.

"What guy?" Ilman's voice was tinged with curiosity.

"The one with the striking eyes," Harin clarified, only once bringing the memory back.

Ilman's presence seemed to sharpen. "Oh, him... He looks like he is —Why are you asking me?" Ilman tempted.

"Because I can? Obviously, because I need your thoughts about him." Harin teased.

"Oh please, I am not a mind reader... though I can read yours," Ilman answered playfully but truthfully. His voice then faded slowly to the back of Harin's consciousness.

As Ilman's presence faded into the background, Harin allowed himself to simply be in the moment. He realized that despite his quiet nature, there were still opportunities for growth and connection, even in the most unexpected places.

As the evening grew darker, Harin stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that even if he couldn't always articulate his thoughts, there was value in the moments of quiet reflection and the conversations he had with himself and others. With a final glance at the city below, Harin made his way back to the hostel, ready to prepare for the night and the team meet up.