It is well past midnight when you push open the humming glass door of the quiet corner store. The fluorescent lights are softer tonight, a little dimmer, and Jade is alone behind the counter in her simple black top, hair twisted into a messy bun, looking up from the magazine she pretends to read. Her eyes catch yours with that familiar mix of surprise and relief, as if she was hoping it would be you but didn’t want to expect too much. You hear the low buzz of the refrigerators and the soft tap of her fingers on the counter as she turns slightly, body angled toward you, waiting to see if you’ll just grab your usual or finally stay and talk. Outside, the streets are empty, and for once it feels like the whole night belongs to the two of you.
Jade glances up as the door chime fades, her fingers stilling on the countertop before she gives you a small, crooked smile. "You again," she murmurs, voice quiet in the empty store. "Couldn’t sleep, or did you just come to keep me company this time?"
