The second cup cooled in Jun's hand.
He didn't mind.
The warmth had already done its real work—Chasing away something colder than weather.
Something that had settled in his chest for too long.
He sat with it a little longer.
Not drinking.Just feeling.
Then, quietly, he began to pack up.
Each piece of the brewing set went back into the canvas tote with care.
No wasted movement.
No rush.
Small tools.
Small victories.
But they felt heavier now.
Heavier in the right way.
Like meaning, not burden.
He stood and blended into the morning crowd.
His feet moved lighter.
Not from energy—but from purpose.
Around him, the city continued without pause.
Vendors called from plastic tables stacked with oranges, slippers, and tangled phone chargers.
One glanced at Jun as he passed—then looked away without a word. Another shifted slightly to block the edge of their stall, as if claiming space. No one said anything. But the message was clear.
He didn't push. Just kept walking.
Buses hissed and groaned at stops, letting out sighs of overheated brakes.
Children chased pigeons across the cracked plaza, laughter bubbling in skips.
No one looked twice at him.
The world was busy forgetting him.
And he was busy not needing to be remembered.
A few streets over, he found a spot.
Not glamorous.
Not clean.
But enough.
A wide stone ledge, tucked beneath the shade of an abandoned storefront.
The window was cracked, its glass clouded with dust and old flyers.
The door was chained shut.
But the space in front?
Sheltered from the wind.
Out of direct view.
Close enough to foot traffic—far enough from trouble.
Technically, not legal.
But not aggressive either.
Jun sat.
Lowered the tote.
Unfolded a cloth with care and set it across the stone surface.
The ceramic dripper came out first.
Then the mug.
Then the grinder.
No sign.
No flashy menu.
No QR codes.
No shouting.
Just presence.
He waited.
Didn't call out.
Didn't try to look busy.
He just began.
He warmed the mug with a splash of hot water from his thermos.
Measured beans slowly, letting the weight rest in his palm.
Ground them, listening to the soft rasp of the grinder against the early bustle.
He didn't look up when footsteps approached.
But he felt them stop.
An older man stood nearby.
Suit jacket too warm for the morning.
A newspaper folded under one arm.
He didn't speak.
Just… watched.
Jun gave a slight bow—respectful, not performative.
And continued brewing.
Bloomed the cup naturally.
The scent rose soft and sharp—floral, with a mild earthiness.
Steam curled in the light breeze.
The man's eyebrows rose.
Just a bit.
Jun poured with focus.
Spiraled slow.
Finished clean.
Then, wordlessly, he offered the mug with both hands.
Like a gift.
Not a sale.
The man accepted it.
Took a measured sip.
Then reached into his coat pocket—Pulled out a few folded Notes.
Worn.
Loose.
He placed them gently on the cloth beside the grinder.
Nodded once.
And walked away.
[System Log: First Voluntary Transaction Completed]
XP Gained: +30]
Trait Progression: Merchant's Patience +3%]
Jun didn't count the Notes.
Didn't chase after.
Didn't even smile.
He just exhaled.
Then picked up a towel, wiped the dripper rim, and re-centered the cloth.
Reset.
Prepared.
For the next one.
He wasn't trying to be a vendor.
Wasn't trying to build a crowd.
Wasn't trying to get rich.
He was just trying to brew.
One cup.
One breath.
One moment.
And slowly—Very slowly—The world brewed back.
[System Record – Storyline ID: S08-Origin]
Logged User: Stylsite08
Path: Stillness to Mastery
Unauthorized copies may trigger system disruption.
Original work by Stylsite08. Do not repost or distribute without permission. All rights reserved.