Time: 5:00 PM | Location: Rensuki’s Bar / Bookstore
Rensuki’s phone buzzed quietly on the polished wooden bar counter. She glanced down, the dim glow of the neon sign outside casting soft shadows across her black-painted nails.
She tapped open the messaging app and began typing:
"Hey, the bar's pretty slow right now, so I grabbed a quick break. Thought you might be winding down at the bookstore soon?"
She hit send and then idly glanced around the near-empty room — the low hum of the refrigerator, the clink of glassware in the back, and faint jazz music playing softly overhead.
After a moment, another message came through:
"I’m just sitting here, thinking it’s strange how quiet it’s been tonight. Feels almost peaceful, in a way."
Her fingers hovered briefly before typing again.
"Hope your day went okay. Closing up soon?"
She sent the message and rested her arm on the counter, the pentagram necklace catching the light as she leaned back slightly, waiting quietly for a reply.
