Elevator: Chance Encounter

Frosty Mischief and Silent Whispers

I deftly shift the conversation to the red ninja, and he starts sharing anecdotes about himself. The tales seem to stretch on for what feels like hours, and as the mesmerizing stories unfold, my surroundings gradually fade away. Before I know it, my vision blurs, and my eyes succumb to a deep and much-needed winter slumber.

~

Feeling a slight dip on my shoulder, I realize that Y/n has drifted off to sleep. Gently adjusting her to ensure she's comfortable, I can't help but chuckle, wondering if Kai's storytelling had truly lulled her into slumber. As Kai finally wraps up his tales, he notices the scene in front of him and indulges in a quiet moment of admiration. "My baby Lloyd has grown up so much, look how cute you both are," he remarks with a playful wag of his finger. I shoot him a warning glance, threatening him with consequences, but he pays no heed. Instead, he whips out his phone, activating the flash as he starts taking pictures. Anticipating the blinding light, I shield Y/n's eyes to ensure she remains undisturbed by Kai's impromptu photoshoot.

I sigh at him and quip, "No wonder she fell asleep; she had to endure your storytelling." Kai looks genuinely baffled and fires back, "Hey, my stories are top tier," shaking my head in mock disbelief. Sensing Y/n stirring a little, I turn to look at her. She appears like a warm, content cat, making me smile at the thought and instinctively pat her head. Kai shoots me an amused look, likely revealing in my uncharacteristic display of affection.

As I gently pat Y/n's head, Kai continues snapping pictures with his phone, seemingly revelling in the opportunity to capture the moment. The cave remains dimly lit by the soft glow of the green ninja's elemental orb, and the distant sounds of the snowstorm outside create a soothing backdrop.

I glance at Kai and shake my head, a silent acknowledgment of his eccentric behaviour. Despite the odd circumstances, a sense of camaraderie begins to form between the three of us. Y/n, still peacefully asleep, becomes the unwitting centrepiece of this peculiar bonding experience.

Kai, undeterred by my disapproval, grins mischievously and gestures towards Y/n with his phone. "Gotta cherish these moments, Lloyd. Who knows when we'll have a winter adventure like this again?" he remarks.

I roll my eyes but can't help a small smile. The red ninja's light-heartedness adds an unexpected touch of warmth to the otherwise chilly cave.

As the snowstorm outside the cave gradually subsides, leaving behind a pristine white landscape, Kai and I find ourselves lost in conversation, sharing tales and laughter amidst the lingering chill. The echoes of our stories intertwine with the fading howls of the winter winds, creating a unique melody in the quiet cave.

"After three hours, the storm finally shows mercy," Kai declares, punctuating the moment with an enthusiastic fist bump. I can't help but join in his jubilation, our shared relief manifesting in grins that match the sparkle of the snow outside.

Carefully lifting Y/n, who seems to be in the midst of a peaceful slumber, I turn to Kai, and that's when it happens—SNAP! Kai, ever the mischief-maker, captures the scene with his camera. I shoot him a look of mock annoyance, and he responds with an innocent nod, promising that it's the last one.

With Y/n in my arms, resembling a sleeping princess, I address Kai with a plan. "You head back to the bounty, inform the team about what went down. I'll take Y/n home." Kai, in a moment of childlike glee, starts oooing, adding a touch of humour to our quiet expedition. Chuckling, we exit the cave, nodding to each other before parting ways into the tranquil aftermath of the winter storm.

With Y/n cradled in my arms, I navigate the snowy terrain, carefully making my way through the now serene landscape. The storm has left its mark, creating a winter wonderland of glistening snow under the pale light of the moon. Kai, true to his promise, heads in the opposite direction, disappearing into the shadows.

As I traverse the snow-covered landscape, I can't help but feel a sense of responsibility for Y/n's well-being. The trail we leave behind in the snow is a testament to the unexpected adventure that unfolded in the depths of the forest.

Upon reaching the city, I notice the signs of the storm's aftermath—snow-laden streets, icicles hanging from buildings, and a hushed calm that blankets the city. The journey home becomes a silent reflection on the night's events.

"We're almost home, Y/n," I whisper reassuringly, even though she's in a deep slumber. Gazing down at her, I notice the rosy tint on her face, a testament to the winter's chill. Mentally tutting, I lift her scarf a bit more to shield her cheeks from the biting cold. Navigating through the shadows to avoid drawing any unwanted attention, I traverse a few alleys until her house comes into view in the distance.

Upon arrival, I contemplate my course of action. It's evident that she doesn't want her mom to know about her little night-time adventure. Circling around the house, I quickly realize her escape route. The open window gives away her secret, and that tree, conveniently positioned, is how she descended. "Not bad, Y/n," I silently commend her with a hint of pride in my thoughts.

Silently leaping from one branch to another, I make my way over to the window. In a swift manoeuvre, I climb inside. I check if Y/n is awake, but she's still peacefully asleep. I take a moment to scan her room, marvelling at its vibrant personality, much like hers. My gaze falls on her desk, where all her medical studies are neatly organized. A subtle shine appears in my eyes as I think to myself, you're so hardworking. It's truly amazing.

I take off my mask and I begin to really analyse Y/n's room which is a kaleidoscope of colours, reflecting her vibrant personality. The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of posters, ranging from inspirational quotes to artwork that showcases her varied interests. A cosy reading nook occupies one corner, adorned with plush cushions and a soft throw blanket.

Her desk, the epicentre of her academic pursuits, is meticulously organized. Textbooks and notebooks are neatly stacked, and the glow from a desk lamp casts a warm light on her diligent study space. On the walls, a corkboard displays snapshots of fond memories and mementos, offering a glimpse into her life beyond academics.

A bookshelf, filled to the brim with a diverse collection, stands proudly against one wall. It houses not only textbooks but also novels, comics, and the occasional oddity. The room exudes a sense of comfort and individuality, capturing the essence of Y/n's unique character.

I spot her queen-sized bed adorned with sheets featuring cute sleeping cats, and I can't help but appreciate her whimsical taste. Gently, I lift the corner of the blanket with a single hand and carefully lay her down, tucking her in. As she rests there, she looks almost otherworldly, and I find myself in awe of the serenity that blankets her.

I reach down to playfully twirl a strand of her hair between my fingers, whispering softly, "Sleep tight, Y/n." To my surprise, her eyes flutter open for a brief moment, still heavy with sleep, and she murmurs, "Goodnight, Lloyd," before offering a contented smile and drifting back into slumber. It amuses me to think that she wishes me goodnight in the early beginning of the day, but I'm not worried; I know she'll forget in the bliss of her dreams.

Just like that, I leap through the window and make my way back to the bounty, a tad starstruck from the day's events, or more precisely, that particular moment. The rhythmic thud of my heart echoes in my chest, a lingering reminder of the unexpected encounter.