The Nanny // Faye Yoko AU

Chapter 33 Escort

Adam and Faye wandered through the narrow, bustling streets, the sun warm on their backs as they moved from stall to stall. It was one of those rare days when Faye allowed herself a break from the constant weight of her responsibilities. She had even convinced Adam to tag along under the guise of "blending in" with the locals.

"Pretty cute back here," Adam said, his tone amused as he picked up a hat adorned with faux flowers and feathers from a rack of assorted accessories. He turned it over in his hands before plopping it on his head, clearly enjoying the ridiculousness of it.

"Don't be such a tourist," Faye teased, barely suppressing a smile as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Adam's Hawaiian shirt, with its loud flower print, clashed humorously with the hat.

"On the contrary... it's the perfect camouflage," Adam said, straightening the hat and giving her a self-satisfied grin. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and he looked surprisingly comfortable playing the part of an eccentric vacationer.

Faye rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Wait outside then, chameleon," she said as she turned toward a nearby shop.

"Happily," Adam replied with a mock salute, already moving on to a stand with an array of oversized, flashy sunglasses. He hummed to himself as he tried on pair after pair, clearly enjoying his role far too much.

Once inside the candle shop, Faye was immediately hit with a wave of rich scents—lavender, sandalwood, citrus, and something sweetly floral. The shop was dimly lit, cozy, with shelves crammed full of colorful candles, crystals, and various charms. A large dreamcatcher hung in the window, casting intricate shadows over the displays.

"Welcome to Trinity Candles, where energy meets spirituality!" the owner Bunny greeted her with a bright, almost too-wide smile. His voice was overly enthusiastic, like he was used to dealing with tourists who needed convincing that his shop held the secrets to the universe. "Today, we have a special on purification and healing—"

Faye raised an eyebrow, cutting him off with a knowing look, and Bunny's demeanor shifted immediately. He recognized her. His expression smoothed out, becoming more professional, as he cleared his throat.

"Ah. The online order, yes? Right this way," he said, his voice quieter and more measured now, as if acknowledging some unspoken understanding between them. He gestured for her to follow, and Faye moved through the narrow aisles, her fingers brushing lightly over jars of herbs and polished stones.

"Remind me what you were interested in," he asked over his shoulder, his tone brisk. "Was it the 'new beginnings' gift box?"

"A pillar candle," Faye replied calmly, keeping her eyes on him. "Locally made. Preferably one that will burn fast." There was a hint of steel in her voice, a no-nonsense authority that left no room for debate.

Bunny's eyes flickered with a hint of something—surprise, perhaps, or curiosity. "I'm sure we have just the thing," he said, his tone cautious. "But it may be outside of your budget." There was a challenge in his voice, like he was testing her.

Faye's lips curled into a cool smile. "And if I feel like splurging?" she challenged back, her voice smooth and confident.

Bunny opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a young woman burst into the shop, looking a little flustered. Her eyes darted around before she spotted Bunny. She was holding a small candle jar, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Sir, is this paraffin-based?" she interrupted, her voice anxious. She barely seemed to notice Faye, who took a step back, fading into the shadowed corner of the shop.