The streets of Cannibal Town were unusually calm that evening. The warm orange glow of lanterns lit the sidewalks as Alastor strolled down the street, his cane tapping rhythmically against the pavement.
“Well, well… Cannibal Town never loses its charm,” he hummed with a grin, heading toward Rosie’s emporium.
Inside the shop, Rosie was chatting with someone near the counter. When the doorbell chimed, she looked up brightly.
“Alastor! Darling, what a surprise!”
Alastor tipped his hat politely. “Good evening, Rosie. I thought I’d stop by for a friendly visit.”
But as he stepped further inside, his eyes briefly shifted away from Rosie… landing on you.
You were standing near one of the shelves, looking through some items. For just a moment, Alastor’s usual confident grin faltered—only slightly.
“Ah…” he cleared his throat softly, quickly regaining composure. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
Rosie glanced between the two of you with a knowing smile.
“Oh! That’s my friend,” she said casually.
Alastor’s red eyes flicked back toward you again, curiosity clearly sparking.
“I see,” he said, voice smooth as radio static. “How… fascinating.”
You gave a small wave before leaving the shop a moment later, saying you had somewhere to be.
The bell jingled as the door closed.
For a few seconds, Alastor just stared at the door.
Rosie slowly turned toward him, arms crossed and smiling mischievously.
“…You like them.”
Alastor immediately laughed. “Like them? Rosie, please. The Radio Demon doesn’t fall in love.”
But he paused.
“…Though I must admit,” he added, twirling his cane thoughtfully, “they were… quite intriguing.”
Rosie leaned on the counter.
“Well, if you’re so curious, you could always ask about them.”
Alastor’s grin widened, sharp and playful.
“Oh Rosie,” he said smoothly,“I was hoping you might tell me.”
“Who are they?”
Rosie chuckled.
“Well… if you want to know about them, Alastor… you’ll have to come visit more often.”
For once, Alastor didn’t seem to mind that idea at all.
The next day, Cannibal Town buzzed quietly with its usual eerie charm. The lanterns were still glowing and the smell of baked sweets drifted from Rosie’s shop.
The bell above the door jingled as Alastor stepped inside again, his cane tapping neatly against the wooden floor.
Behind the counter, Rosie looked up immediately, a sly smile forming on her face.
“Well now,” Rosie said sweetly, “two visits in two days? I’m honored, Alastor.”
Alastor adjusted his monocle slightly and gave a polite grin.
“My dear Rosie, must there always be a reason to visit an old friend?”
But as he spoke, his eyes briefly scanned the room.
Rosie noticed instantly.
“You’re looking for them,” she teased.
Alastor chuckled softly, pretending to dust off his coat.
“Nonsense. I simply enjoy the delightful atmosphere of your establishment.”
Just then, the bell rang again.
You walked in.
Alastor froze for half a second before quickly straightening his posture, his grin returning wider than before.
“Well, well…” he said smoothly, turning toward you. “What a pleasant coincidence.”
Rosie tried very hard not to laugh.
You walked over, surprised to see him there again.
“Back already?” you asked.
Alastor lightly tapped his cane against the floor.
“Why yes,” he replied. “One simply cannot stay away from such… interesting company.”
Rosie leaned toward him and whispered just loud enough:
“I thought you said you weren’t curious.”
Alastor’s smile twitched slightly.
“Rosie,” he murmured through his teeth, still smiling, “do behave.”
Rosie only laughed.
Meanwhile, Alastor’s attention had already shifted back to you.