Chapter 1
Beneath the Midnight Streetlights
The cold midnight air wrapped around the empty alley as dim streetlights flickered weakly above. A black luxury sedan stood silently near the curb, smoke faintly rising beneath the hood.
Clayson slammed the car door shut with irritation.
"Seriously... what's wrong with this damn car?"
He loosened his tie before opening the hood again, staring at the engine with a deep frown.
"Don't tell me you're giving up on me now..."
A sharp exhale left his lips as he ran a hand through his messy hair, exhaustion visible on his face.
"I should've let Zachary send this thing to the workshop when I had the chance."
The city was unusually quiet tonight.
Too quiet.
Clayson lowered his wrist slightly, eyes landing on the silver watch wrapped around it.
11:45 PM.
His expression stiffened.
"...I wonder if he still at the office."
He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, only for the dark screen to greet him.
Silence.
Clayson stared at it for a few seconds before letting out a dry laugh.
"...Wait. Of course."
He pressed the power button again.
Nothing.
"Dead. Just perfect."
Leaning against the car, he tilted his head back with another tired sigh.
"What a terrible night..."
The quiet alley echoed softly with distant traffic as another figure walked through the dimly lit street.
A young man in a worn hoodie rubbed the back of his head tiredly while carrying a small grocery bag in one hand.
Vivian let out a soft sigh.
I'm late... again...
His steps slowed slightly.
Hope Lio didn't stay up waiting this time...
A small smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
That kid needs sleep, not my terrible habits.
Vivian stopped a moment, lifting his gaze toward the dark night sky above the buildings.
"...Still..."
His smile softened.
"Knowing him, he probably did stay awake waiting for me."
After a few seconds, he continued walking- only to notice someone standing beside a broken-down car ahead.
Vivian blinked before approaching carefully.
"Sir... are you alright?"
His eyes shifted toward the open hood of the car.
"What's the problem here?"
Clayson visibly paused, slightly startled by the sudden voice.
"Oh- yes, yes. I'm fine."
He glanced back at the engine with a frustrated sigh.
"It's just my car... seems to have broken down on me."
A small bitter chuckle escaped him.
"Not entirely sure why."
Vivian quietly stepped closer, looking at the engine even though he clearly didn't understand much about it.
"Have you managed to call someone for help, sir?"
Clayson rubbed the back of his neck.
"No, not yet."
He pulled out his dead phone with a helpless expression.
"Phone died on me before all this happened."
A tired sigh followed.
"Just my luck, huh?"
"I see..."
Vivian hesitated briefly before taking out his own phone.
"Um... if you need, you can use mine."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I'm not really good with cars, but... I can at least help with that."
Clayson looked genuinely surprised for a moment before smiling faintly.
"Oh... thank you, young man."
"That's really kind of you."
His tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Looks like I got lucky running into you tonight."
Vivian smiled warmly as he handed over the phone.
"It's nothing, sir. Here."
"Yes. Thank you."
Just as Clayson reached out to take it.
-
Grrrlll...
The sudden growl from his stomach echoed embarrassingly loud in the quiet alley.
Both men froze.
Clayson immediately cleared his throat and looked away.
"...Sorry about that."
A helpless smile appeared on his face.
"That's a little embarrassing."
Vivian blinked before speaking softly.
"...Are you hungry, sir?"
"If you don't mind... you can eat at my place first."
He pointed toward the street ahead.
"It's not far. Just a few steps away."
Clayson looked surprised again.
"You really don't have to do that."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"But I appreciate the offer."
"It's really no trouble, sir."
Vivian shook his head gently.
"I was going home anyway."
His expression softened.
"You shouldn't stay hungry because of me."
Clayson stared at the young man for a moment before letting out a quiet chuckle.
"Hm... I guess I don't have much choice, do I?"
He closed the car hood with a soft thud.
"Alright. I'll come with you."
"Thank you, young man."
Vivian smiled again, almost relieved.
"You're welcome."
"Thank you for accepting, sir"
Clayson slipped his hands into his coat pockets before glancing at the abandoned car one last time.
"Shall we go now?"
"Let's just leave my car here for tonight."
"I'll handle it tomorrow."
"If that's alright with you, sir... then sure."
Vivian nodded lightly.
"We can go."
"Alright, young man."
Clayson gestured forward with a faint smile.
"Lead the way."
Vivian smiled softly before turning around, quietly guiding him through the dim midnight streets together.
