Chapter 02

She never noticed when the man left, but a small sweets in a sparkly red wrapper was nestled on her pale palm, telling her she wasn't dreaming.

The candy isn't the issue, nor the man's unforgettably handsome appearance. All she could think of, is that she could understand that man's words!

Did she finally understand this place's language? Or the man purposely spoke with her langauge? Either so, she needs to see him again! That person can help her!

Taking of the wrapper and stuffing he candy on her mouth, she ran back to the direction of the alleyway, whom she think the man headed into. Since, there's no other way to get into the beach aside from that discarded alleyways.

Running, she even bumped into a person. But after quick apology, she hasten away. Her pace is as quick as her heartbeats. Her adrenaline is overflowing that she even surpassed the rushing bicycle. She crossed the pedestrian lane again, only to see to see a noticeable red coat entering a small restaurant.

Huffing and puffing, she opened the door. As she was staggering in, she gathered people's stares. Only few people are inside, but most of them are dressed in formal business suits or group of youths dressed in identical uniforms. The gazes are awkward, as if scrutinizing her. But she didn't mind. Her eyes quickly swept all over the place, only to see no person based on her description.

An illusion? Hallucination? But I clearly---

She was interrupted by a waiter, guiding her into a table and handing her a cup of water. She followed him, after seeing her embarrassing entrance.

Mumbling thanks, she tried her best to calm down.

"What's the matter?" The waiter asked in gentle tone.

"Ah, sorry. I just saw a man in red entering this place, so I thought he'd be here. But looks like my mistake." She mumbled absentmindedly.

"A man in red, you say? He entered, but left right away."

She was startled to the point of coughing. Now she's completely awake. It was really startling. Not because of the news that the man in red coming but because she could clearly understand the man's words.

Bewildered, she look at him. "You can understand what I'm saying?"

The waiter chuckled, amused by her naive expression. "Of course. I do. We speak the same language after all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Most of the people here in capital are well versed in speaking this language. Even though few of the people prefer the Jiven dialect which is understandable all over the world, Hezian language is well accepted as well."

"Oh." Her rationality completely returned after hearing the explanation. Feeling bit parched due to running, she finished the water.

The waiter, not having any intention of leaving, handed her the menu. But she stopped his action, saying: "I'm good. I'll be looking for that person again, so..."

The waiter smiled, understand her point. "Well, do visit again, everybody is welcome here in our restaurant. No matter what language they speak."

She nodded then smiled, after that she bowed in respect before leaving.

Coming out of the restaurant, she was once again plagued in confusion. Those languages the waiter just told her. Are those languages people speak here? Jiven, an international language. Hezian, a local one here in the capital.

Is she really speaking the language, Hezian, like the waiter says? But how did it came to be? Just a few hours earlier, she cannot understand a thing. Is it because of the candy? No. She can already understand the man in red before she ate the candy.

So, how? Feeling that it'll only be a chain of unending question if she pursue the matter. She decided to let it be.

Right now that she could understand people's words, she needs to gather data.

Approaching a familiar apple stand, she stood with the other buyers. Like earlier, the old vendor immediately spotted her.

"Oh! its you, young gal." He showed a profiteer's smug grin. "So you came back here after going around? Told ya that my good are best here! So, you're buying now?"

A smile bloomed at her lips as she mentally thanked god for being able to understand the language.

Gathering herself together, she help up one apple that is plump and red. "How much for one?"

"Its only 15 Mei a piece! Other shops sell it at 20. Since I'm a nice man, I'll give it to you with 25% discount. What do ya think?"

"Oh." She feigned disappoinment as put it back. "I'm short of 3 Mei, maybe I'll be back later."

"No problem! No problem!"

As she left, the old vendor was still happy in entertaining his other buyers. Never even taking a second glance at her. Probably that old man figured out that her intention is not to buy but just to ask.

Tidying her clothes, securing that her little side bag is still with her, she entered the nearest mall. She noticed that the door opened automotically after sensing a person in front of it. Then, instead of a security guard, there is a robor scanner, which is responsible in checking if a person is carrying a dangerous weapon. It even gave her a small bracelet, stating that it could prevent "Enigmas" in using their powers inside the mall. Though not understanding the term, she headed inside.

She was embraced by comfortable coldness as she entered. Just like any other malls, this mall got a lot of display showcasing a certain theme. From the main entrance, once can see a large statue in the middle of the hall, on which people took picture with. Since, she's not a native of this place, she got no idea on who is that. But it seemed to be the mall's mascot.

She climbed upstairs, towards the second floor. Based on the information board provided for first time visitors, near the door earlier, on the second floor is the elevator. She needs to get into the 6th floor to access the bookstore.

The second floor is huge, brimming with good needed for every household. Basic products such as cooking appliances, furnitures, foods, meats, bath necessities, detergents, etc. A saleslady even allowed her to taste test various products. At least that gave her enough food for lunch.

The elevator was fancy and wide enough to carry 15 people at a time. It's quite fast, too. Beside her is a man who also needs to go to the 6th floor, so she doesn't need to push the button.

"Can you get my pen?" The person beside her begged. "It's right at your feet. I can't really bend down with this."

It's a man in casual outfit holding a huge plastic bag filled with various things. Curious, she tried to snoop a bit, only to see it was all cat food and toys.

The protagonist never said a word and just bend down, quickly grabbing the noticeable white pen. Handing it to the person.

"Thanks."

She nodded, "Welcome."

Just after their small interaction the elevator let a "ding", the 6th floor was reached. She part ways with that person, not interested to even ask his name.