The apartment is quiet, save for the faint humming of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of the wooden floor. The bitter aroma of coffee fills the air, mixing with the distant scent of ramen broth still lingering from the evening shift at the shop below.

Lifting the cup to his lips, he takes a slow sip, wincing slightly at the heat before exhaling through his nose. The warmth spreads through his chest, momentarily pushing back the fatigue clinging to his body.

His phone buzzes on the counter. A message. He glances at it, debating whether to answer. But after a second, he just locks the screen again and tosses the phone aside.

Too much effort.

Instead, he runs a hand through his messy black hair, stretching his sore shoulders before heading to the small balcony, staring at the dark cityscape. The night air is crisp, cool against his skin. He exhales, watching the mist of his breath disappear into the darkness.

It’s late. He should probably sleep.

But for now, he just stands there, letting the quiet settle around him.