In a small, nearly deserted shop, Fran was casually walking between the aisles.
He stopped in front of a shelf.
But something in the air changed.
A presence.
He slowly raised his head.
A man was standing a few meters away.
He was tall, with an athletic build and slightly long black hair falling around his face. His eyes were a dark red, almost unreal.
A black leather jacket covered his shoulders.
As his sleeve slipped slightly, the markings running along his arm became visible.
Dark, twisted lines. Some looked like scars, while others resembled symbols carved directly into his skin.
They gave his body an unsettling appearance.
Fran froze.
"You…"
The man smiled.
"Wow, Fran."
He spread his arms.
"Is that how you welcome me?"
Fran clenched his teeth.
"Why are you here?"
"It's nice to see you too."
"Don't change the subject."
The man stepped closer.
"Why are you so nervous?"
"I asked you a question."
The stranger smiled even more.
"I missed you."
Fran let out a humorless laugh.
"After all these years, now you miss me? You know what? Get lost."
The man didn't move.
"You've always been so welcoming."
Fran stared at him.
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Yet I have plenty of things to tell you."
Fran felt tension building in his body.
"What do you want?"
The man tilted his head slightly.
"Are you afraid your girlfriend might see me?"