The morning sun spilled its golden radiance over the bustling cityscape, as if desperately trying to imbue some life into Takumi's dreary existence. His weary gaze fixated on the unassuming convenience store, a tiny island lost amidst the chaos of the urban sprawl. The sign above the entrance proudly proclaimed the establishment as "Pops's Store," a testament to his grandfather's hard work and legacy.
Within the store's confines, Takumi moved with a mechanical precision, his movements lacking any sense of enthusiasm. He stacked shelves with the diligence of a robot, as if each item held no more significance than a mere cog in the grand machinery of monotony. His store uniform hung off his lanky frame, a constant reminder of the dullness that enveloped him.
He hadnt had a good nights sleep and was really tired too thanks to some awful conmmotion that happened the past weekend between some delinquents. some were even arrested and that was not a pleasant thing to think about.
In the midst of his mind-numbing tasks, the door jingled open, heralding the arrival of Mrs. Nakamura, a regular customer with her usual warm smile.
"Good morning, Takumi-kun. How's your grandfather holding up?"
"Good morning, Mrs. Nakamura. Grandfather is doing well, thank you."
Yet, even in the fleeting exchange, Takumi's attention was snatched away by a familiar buzz. His phone, a lifeline to the outside world, trembled with a message from Emi, his childhood friend.
"Takumi-kun, can you meet me at the park after your shift? There's something important I need to share."
"Emi? What could be so significant? That idiot better have something of value to show,"
With anticipation kindling within him, Takumi resumed his duties. But his routine was abruptly disrupted by the shuffling figure of his grandfather, a diminutive man whose wrinkles whispered tales of age and wisdom. His eyes, however, sparkled mischievously and with malice.
"Ah, Takumi-kun. I have a favor to ask."
"What is it, Grandpa?"
"Take these boxes of soda cans to the storage room. They're a new brand, and I want them safely tucked away."
A reluctant sigh escaped Takumi's lips, yet he obediently shouldered the burden after his grandfather pounced on him several times.
"Soda cans, huh? What's so special about them? Probably just another fizz in a sea of carbonation."
Navigating the narrow aisles, Takumi's thoughts meandered. A momentary lapse in concentration led to a disastrous collision with a shelf, a symphony of clattering cans that resonated through the store. Like colorful soldiers, they spilled onto the floor.
Takumi's eyes widened with an unexpected glint of intrigue.
"Whoops! Looks like trouble found me. But these cans... Maybe a small taste won't hurt."
Eager to quench his curiosity, Takumi plucked a can adorned with a daring shade of crimson. With a flick of his thumb, the tab surrendered to his will, and the contents within were unleashed into his mouth.
And the moment he did.....Everything went black.