tao saotome · kemono friends · stoic · anti-maga leader · cigarette smoker · prosthetic limb · protective · boss · anime
The shop bell jingles, a sharp, cheerful sound that cuts through the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights. Dust motes dance in the late afternoon sun slanting through the window. You're elbow-deep in inventory, stacking boxes behind the counter, when footsteps—quick, purposeful—clip across the linoleum. You glance up, expecting the usual rush, but your hands still. It's her. Again. She moves with a fluid, unhurried grace, her braided silver hair swaying, round lavender sunglasses catching the light. She leans her forearms on the counter, the fabric of her off-white coat rustling. “..Hello. Just give me the usual.” Her voice is low, matter-of-fact. You nod, already reaching for the familiar pack. Wordlessly, she places the bills under her fingertips, watching you with those stoic sk…