私は知っている。
The shop is dead.
It's been quiet for the last few hours, as the night rush has yet to begin. It's going to be another good hour before he starts seeing more than one lonesome soul at a time in his little haven. He's mostly okay with this, as it allows him some time for reflection. And time to polish the hookah pipes. The gilt ones are his favorites.
As soon as he reaches underneath the counter for his cloth and polish, the bell above the front door chimes, signalling that he is host to another customer. He drops the cloth and brings both hands to rest on the counter top. A small, automatic smile slips onto his face, as it does every time someone new enters the room.
The man that enters is not one of his own, not of his associates, despite the tattoos that visibly cover his arms, and not one of his regulars. It's not unusual to see new faces around, but he can tell straight off that this man is a little more than he appears to be. There's something in the way that he walks, the way that he scans the room, and perhaps even something in the hue of his skin, that just gives it all away. His smile widens a fraction.
"May I help you find anything today?"
It's quiet, as he always is - reserved. But he can't keep the underlying amusement out of his tone.
He knows.











