Fran's eyes widened.
The man's smile grew wider.
"Oh… So I was right."
Fran didn't answer.
The stranger continued:
"I know."
"Know what?"
"About your little arrangement."
Fran stiffened.
"…"
"When I think about how you sacrificed your wish to give him a second chance at a better life…"
He let out a small laugh.
"It's almost admirable… But one question remains."
The man stepped closer, close enough to whisper:
"Will that erase all the pain you caused him?"
Fran didn't answer.
His hands clenched.
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Ding!
Fran immediately turned around.
"Fran!"
Mia walked into the shop with a big smile.
"Hi!"
Fran felt his heart tighten.
"Mia…"
She walked closer.
"What are you doing?"
Fran quickly glanced behind him.
No one.
The man had disappeared.
Fran's thoughts
Where did he go…?
"Fran?"
He jumped.
"Ah! What?"
Mia looked at him with concern.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Yes, I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
Mia narrowed her eyes.
"This is the first time I've ever seen you so panicked."
She smiled.
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
Fran gave her a bored look.
"Have you ever seen a ghost scare another ghost?"
Mia blinked.
"Huh?"
Fran sighed.
"Has the young lady forgotten that a reaper is a kind of ghost himself?"
Mia giggled.
"Oh yes, that's right."
She looked around.
"So, what's the surprise?"
Fran regained his composure.
He bowed slightly before her, like a butler.
"After you, madam."
Mia smiled and walked past him.
"Hmm… Such a gentleman."
Fran followed her.
But before leaving, he cast one last glance at the spot where the stranger had been standing.
His smile vanished.
"Will that erase all the pain you caused him?"
Those words were still echoing in his mind.
He knew that man wasn't joking.
And above all…
He knew he hadn't come back by chance.
"Are you coming?"
Fran forced a smile and caught up with Mia.
"Yes."
Together, they began exploring the shop's aisles.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the city…
The man with the dark markings watched the shop from across the street.
A smile appeared on his lips.
"So, that's her…"
His red eyes gleamed in the darkness.
"Interesting."
Then he disappeared into the crowd.