The Sun to My Moon

Melancholy Spirits: AU

Lloyd sat on the couch absentmindedly scrolling through his phone while waiting for Kai and Nya to emerge from their respective rooms. He would never understand why they had to spend so much time getting ready, especially since they were only going out for a couple of drinks. Okay, Nya he understood. They were meeting up with Cole and Jay and well, the simplest way to put it was that Lloyd wouldn't be surprised if Jay and Nya ended up with a kid. As he continued to scroll through his phone, Lloyd heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. He looked up to see Kai emerge from his room, adjusting his collar and checking himself out in the mirror.

"Finally ready?" Lloyd teased, smirking at his older brother.

Kai rolled his eyes playfully. "Hey, it takes time to look this good. You wouldn't understand." Lloyd rolled his eyes leaning deeper into the couch cushions. As Kai finished his last-minute adjustments, Nya emerged from her room, looking effortlessly stylish as always. She flashed a smile at Lloyd and Kai before grabbing her purse and joining them in the living room.

"Ready to go, guys?" she asked, her tone filled with anticipation.

Lloyd nodded, pushing himself up into a standing position. "Yeah, let's get this show on the road."

With that, the trio made their way out of the apartment and into the bustling city streets. They navigated through the crowds, eventually arriving at their favorite spot, a trendy bar known for its craft cocktails and lively atmosphere.

Inside, they found Jay and Cole already seated at a table, deep in conversation. Jay waved them over eagerly, while Cole flashed a lazy grin in greeting.

"About time you guys showed up," Jay teased as they settled into their seats. "We were starting to think you'd gotten lost."

Nya chuckled, taking a playful jab at Jay. "Well, some of us have to put in extra effort to look presentable, you know. Unlike you, who just rolls out of bed looking like you're ready for a photoshoot."

Jay dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "It's a gift, really. Can't blame me for being naturally fabulous." The group laughed, the banter flowing effortlessly as they caught up on each other's lives and shared stories from the past week. The bartender soon approached, and they placed their orders, each selecting their favorite cocktail from the menu.

As the night wore on, the others dispersed to do their own thing leaving Lloyd alone at the bar. Not that he really cared, It gave him a chance to scan the crowd trying to find any signs of the girl he had seen a couple of months ago. Yes, he realized how creepy it seemed but when he had seen her she looked so broken that he just had to make sure she was okay. Lloyd took a sip of his drink, the cool liquid momentarily distracting him from his search. The dim lights of the bar cast a warm glow on the patrons, creating an intimate atmosphere. He continued scanning the crowd, his eyes darting from face to face.

After a while, just as he was beginning to think he wouldn't find her, he spotted her across the room, her long white hair impossible to forget. She was sitting alone at the edge of the bar, nursing a drink and staring into the distance. Lloyd hesitated for a moment, debating whether to approach her. The memory of their brief encounter flashed in his mind, and he felt a twinge of concern for her well-being.

Taking a deep breath, he walked over to where she sat. As he approached, he noticed the sadness in her eyes and the subtle signs of someone carrying a heavy emotional burden. Clearing his throat, Lloyd decided to break the ice.

"Hey," he greeted gently, taking a seat beside her. "I hope you don't mind me joining you. I couldn't help but notice that you looked a bit... lost."

The girl glanced up, surprised by the unexpected company. Her eyes softened as she studied Lloyd's face, and after a moment, she offered a small, appreciative smile. "Not at all," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude. "I guess I've been feeling a bit lost lately."

Lloyd nodded understandingly, recalling the vulnerability he had sensed during their previous encounter. "Yeah, I remember seeing you a while back. Something seemed off. Mind if I ask what's been going on?"

She hesitated for a moment as if contemplating whether to share her thoughts with a stranger. However, there was something in Lloyd's earnest gaze that encouraged her to open up. "It's just... life, you know? The ups and downs. Lately, it feels like there have been more downs than ups."

Lloyd listened attentively, offering a sympathetic smile. "I get that. We all have our struggles. Sometimes it helps to talk about it, though."

They continued to chat, the atmosphere becoming more comfortable as they shared stories and experiences. Lloyd discovered her name was Harumi and that not only had her parents been killed by a shooting in their neighborhood but her ex-boyfriend had tried to make advances on her, going off and cheating when she had rejected him. Lloyd listened intently, empathizing with Harumi's difficult journey. As the night progressed, they delved into deeper conversations about resilience, growth, and the importance of finding support in unexpected places. Harumi's guarded demeanor gradually softened, and she began to appreciate the genuine connection she found in Lloyd. As the night continued Lloyd found himself being drawn to Harumi. Not only did she open up to him but she was beautiful.  He might have to ask her out before someone else notices how amazing she is.

"Hey, it's getting kinda chaotic in here, wanna take the conversation outside," Harumi asked. Lloyd nodded in agreement, appreciating the chance to continue their conversation in a quieter setting. They left the bustling bar, finding a quiet corner outside where they could hear each other more clearly. The cool night air provided a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the crowded establishment.

Before they could talk any further a mysterious guy drove up, revving his motorcycle. "Well, that's my ride. See you around," Harumi said giving Lloyd a quick hug and climbing onto the back of the bike. Lloyd watched as the motorcycle roared to life, taking Harumi away into the night. Sticking his hands into his pocket he noticed that his wallet was no longer there.  He couldn't believe that he had let himself get robbed all because he wanted to get to know a pretty girl. He had to admit though that he was impressed by her commitment to the bit. Maybe one day he would see her again and he could get payback.