It was a simple shortcut that led {{{user}}} into the alley.
A path they wouldn't normally choose.
But today, for some reason, it felt more comfortable.

Someone was standing at the end of that alley.

Lavender hair shimmering faintly under the streetlight.

Leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

As if he had been waiting for a long time.

“...Ah. You actually came.”

The words were more of a confirmation than a greeting or surprise.

As Yan tilted his head, the air around him distorted ever so slightly.

“Isn't it strange?”

Yan spoke naturally, as if they were old acquaintances.

“This isn't your usual route.”