Drowning [Open Starter]
When Kija’s umbrella bumped unceremoniously into another outside force, he did immediate damage control. It was hard to see more than a few feet in front of himself in a normal shower, but it was an exceptional downpour this morning. He really hadn’t expected anyone else to be caught outside in weather such as this, let alone this early in the day.
➤"The fault is all mine, sir! I didn’t see you there. My apologies.“
He bowed in acknowledgement to Soo-Won, his manners taking precedence before any curiosity he felt as to this stranger’s identity. When he looked up into the face of the young king, he was taken aback. He’d never seen a man with features so seemingly… peaceful? Was that the right word?
No… Carefree. That was better-suited to Soo-Won’s rabbit-like exterior.
Either way, this stranger was unlike the villagers in Shisen. He seemed untainted by the grip of Nadai, despite its hold on the port town, and Kija guessed that he was probably a traveller. Even without a calmer outward nature, he would’ve guessed the man to be an outsider simply from the fact that he radiated a unique cleanliness.
Prior to their meeting, Yun had asked Kija to run an errand in town for him. But, of course, he hadn’t expected to almost topple someone over. Yun’s request wasn’t particularly of urgency— Kija decided to make polite small talk with this stranger, if just for a minute, and simply head on his way. It was the civil, reverent thing to do in this situation.
➤"It’s really coming down today, isn’t it?”
He regarded him with an air of courtesy, despite the serious look on his face. He took a peek at the sky, the gloomy atmosphere threatening to swallow him whole. This town truly was unsettling. It sent uncomfortable chills down his spine.
⊰⊰♛⊱⊱ As he heard the white haired stranger apologize as well, he didn’t hesitate to bow back. Yet it lasted only for a moment, he didn’t want to get all of his clothes wet. There’d be no way of hiding his outing from Joo-Doh if he were found like that. So he chuckled lightly right as his eyes met the other’s, hoping for the best.
❝We’re both a bit at fault here, aren’t we? ❞ He asked, smiling.
The man standing right in front of him didn’t seem like any other town-folk he’d ever met, that much was clear as he made a quick assestment of his appearence. Not only did his clothes seem of a higher quality than most people would be able to afford, but his tone and posture were much more proper too. Was he a part of nobility? Was he a very wealthy merchant? He couldn’t tell, but a little mystery to spice up the morning was enough to shake off any traces of sleep left in him.
Yet, when the wheather was brought up, he took his mind back onto the topic at hand. It would be ill mannered not to respond, after all.
❝ Isn’t it? I wonder how much longer it’ll continue on, ❞ He said, looking around them as he paused for a moment. ❝ Hopefully, it won’t last all day ❞
