"Excuse me," Leo called out.
A young girl, no older than her early twenties, looked up from her paperwork. "Coming," she said quickly, then walked over with a polite smile. "How may I help you, sir?"
As she got closer, her eyes swept over him, his small frame, messy hair, and ragged clothes that looked out of place in such a hall.
"I want to sell magic crystals," Leo said.
The clerk blinked in surprise. "Are you… awakened? Which guild are you from?"
"I am awakened," Leo answered flatly. His hand moved to his pocket, pulling out the simple ID card he had received on the day of his awakening. "As for my guild… why do you need to know? I don't have to tell you that."
The clerk took his card carefully, her polite tone softening. "I'm sorry, sir. I only asked because some guilds have tax exemptions."
"No need for that. I'll pay the taxes too." The words came out strangely calm, though inside Leo felt awkward. It was his first time saying anything about taxes, his first time even paying them. He reached into his pouch and placed four small crystals on the counter.
"Alright, please wait for a moment." she said, disappearing behind the door, her voice fading into the hall's noise.
Finally, the clerk returned, counting out a small stack of bills. "Here you go, sir. A total of three hundred and twenty dollars. The twenty percent tax has already been deducted."
Leo grabbed the money quickly, shoving it deep into his pocket as though someone might steal it from him. "Thank you," he muttered, then turned and walked briskly toward the exit.
The clerk tilted her head, watching his retreating back. "What's with that strange kid…" she whispered before returning to her desk.
Leo, on the other hand, didn't care about the clerk's words. Inside, he was screaming with joy.
'Money! I finally have money! I can buy all the food I want, clothes, maybe even a bed that doesn't feel like stone. Calm down, Leo… this is just the beginning.'
His feet carried him straight to the first place he had always dreamed of, the small restaurant by the corner street. The smell of broth and grilled meat hit him the moment he pushed the door open, making his stomach growl.
"Old man! One big bowl of ramen, please," Leo called out, his voice full of excitement.
The shop owner, a burly man with a towel over his shoulder, turned and gave him a skeptical look. His eyes went from Leo's messy hair down to his ragged clothes. "Do you even have money, kid?"
"I do!" Leo quickly pulled a few bills from his pocket and held them up like a badge of honor. "Here, I'll pay now."
The man raised a brow but chuckled. "Alright then. Sit down. Just wait a minute." He took the bills and headed back into the kitchen.
Leo sat at the wooden counter, bouncing his leg under the stool, the scent of boiling broth making his mouth water. He had watched others eat here so many times, but never thought he'd get the chance.
When the steaming bowl was finally placed in front of him, his eyes shone. "Looks amazing…" he whispered, picking up the chopsticks. He dug in, slurping noodles with a hunger he couldn't hide, broth dripping down his chin.
By the time he finished, the bowl was empty, not even a drop left. His stomach was full, and for the first time in years, he felt alive.
An hour later, Leo stepped out of the restaurant, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Now… where to?" he muttered to himself, then clenched his fist as the thought came to him. "That's right. I have to pay Jasmine back."
….
Leo arrived at the convenience store, the faint jingle of the doorbell greeting him as he stepped inside. Behind the counter stood Jasmine, the same girl who had always been there for him, as bright as he remembered.
"Oh, hey there, Leo," Jasmine said with a cheerful smile. "Did you come to visit me?"
"Actually…" Leo rubbed the back of his neck, his nerves showing. "I'm here to pay you back."
"Hm? Pay me back?" Jasmine tilted her head, confused.
"My credit," Leo said firmly. "I came to settle it."
Jasmine blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "Oh, you mean that? Leo, come on, don't worry about it. You don't have to."
"That's not right," Leo shook his head. He pulled a crisp hundred-dollar bill from his pocket and held it out to her. "I made enough today, so here."
The smile on Jasmine's face faltered. She stared at the money, then at him, concern flooding her eyes. "Leo… where did you get this? Don't tell me, you didn't… sell your organs, did you?!" She leaned over the counter and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him.
"Wha… No! Jasmine, calm down!" Leo quickly raised his hands. "I got a decent job, okay? I made some money, that's all!"
"Are you telling me the truth?" she asked, her grip tightening like she wouldn't let go until he answered properly.
"Of course," Leo said with a faint laugh, trying to ease her worry. "And I swear, I'd never sell my organs. Look, it's honest work. Take it." He pressed the bill toward her.
Jasmine looked down at the money again, her lips pressing together. "Leo… you really don't have to."
"It's fine," Leo insisted, his voice softer this time. "It's nothing compared to all the times you helped me out." A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips.
Her eyes softened. Slowly, Jasmine reached out and accepted the money. Then, without warning, she leaned over and pulled him into a hug.
Leo froze, wide-eyed.
"Thank you," she whispered.
His face turned red as her scent brushed against him. He quickly turned his head away when she let go, trying to hide his expression. "Y-You still have work to do, so… I won't bother you now," he mumbled, taking a step toward the door.