Chapter 6: Unexpected Encounters

On a rare day off, Minori strolled through the bustling streets of downtown Tokyo, her steps light and her spirit lifted by the vibrant atmosphere. Sipping on her Tapioca drink, her gaze flickered between her phone screen and the lively surroundings.

Engrossed in her phone, Minori collided with another person similarly absorbed in their device, causing their drinks to spill. Startled, she looked up to find herself face-to-face with Ryu Ikeda, a man whose stoic face mirrored her annoyance.

"Watch where you're going!" Minori snapped, her irritation evident as she dabbed at the spilled drink on her clothes.

Ryu, still engrossed in his phone game, retorted, "Maybe if you paid attention, this wouldn't have happened!"

Their bickering escalated in a small quarrel about the lack of attention, both too absorbed in their own worlds to notice the collision coming. However, as the tension simmered, a realization dawned upon them—they were both at fault.

"You're a bit childish, you know that?" Minori remarked, trying to suppress her annoyance.

Ryu, with a hint of sarcasm, replied, "And you're not much of a lady yourself."

Annoyance crackled between them until Ryu, with a moment of genuine realization, offered Minori a helping hand. "Here, let me help you up," he said, extending his hand to assist her.

Though initially resistant, Minori accepted his help, the spill wiped away with the offered handkerchief. Ryu offered to buy her a replacement drink, but Minori, still irked by their encounter, refused with a curt nod.

They parted ways, each shooting glances of annoyance over their shoulders, an air of unresolved tension hanging between them. Ryu continued with his game, and Minori resumed her stroll, both inwardly stewing over the unexpected encounter that left a lingering sense of irritation.

Despite the annoyance, the encounter with Ryu added an unexpected twist to Minori's day off, leaving her with a mix of frustration and a hint of curiosity about the enigmatic man with the stoic face and a penchant for mobile games. As the day continued, Ryu's image lingered in Minori's mind, a peculiar encounter in the bustling tapestry of Tokyo's streets.