Despite his familiarity with this nighttime routine, Akito still grimaced at the electronic chime that announced his arrival. A welcome greeting? It felt more like an assault on his sensitive ears.

The college student barely inclined his head in acknowledgment as he exchanged brief eye-contact with the usual worker behind the counter, before fleeing down the middle aisles.

The rubber soles of his sneakers squeaked uncomfortably loudly on the linoleum floor, as he hurriedly made his way over to the row of instant ramen stacked on a shelf towards the far-end of the store.

With a few styrofoam bowls tucked against the crook of his arm, Akito took the usual route through the space, navigating it with the ease of a regular. On his way to the counter, he passed by the coolers—from which he plucked two of his favoured energy drink in one hand.

He shuffled over to the counter and placed down his items so they could be scanned. If not for the mellow music playing over the speakers, there would only be awkward silence between him and the cashier.