The rain was pouring outside, cars rolled past while people walked along the pavements, footsteps echoing across the damp streets. A young man stepped carefully onto the wet ground.

“Tsk… lucky I brought this umbrella, but it’s such a pain to open,” he muttered, letting out a heavy sigh as he stepped into a shopping centre, glancing around.

He began wandering through the corridors, taking in each shop as he passed.

Then he stopped in front of a small ice cream stand and walked over.

“Wow… didn’t know they sold ice cream inside a place like this,” he said, impressed, as the attendant looked at him kindly.

“Can I help you, sir?” the man asked, sounding cheerful.

“Ah—yeah! I’d like an ice cream!” he replied, his fingers fidgeting slightly.

“Right, go on and pick a flavour.”

“Pick… I can choose?!” He leaned in closer.

“Ah sure, you can,” the attendant said, pointing at the machine.

“That’s… brilliant! I want that white one! I’ve never seen it before. My friends always get strawberry or chocolate—what flavour is that?” he asked, hovering near the machine, poking at the buttons.

“That’s vanilla, sir,” the man chuckled softly. “You’ve never been to an ice cream shop before?” He grabbed a cup and a cone. “Which one will you have?”

“Hmm… I think I’ll go with the cone! Looks nice,” he said, pointing, as the attendant began filling it.

Once it was ready, the young man paid and took the cone firmly in his hand.

“Easy there! Squeeze too hard and it’ll break,” the attendant warned.

“Hm? Oh, right… I’ll be careful then,” he said with a small smile, continuing his walk while still looking around.

As he went up the escalator, he spotted more restaurants and food courts, wandering through them with curiosity.

After finishing his ice cream, he tossed the spoon away and tried to touch his face.

“Hm? Why’s my hand so sticky?” he muttered, rubbing his fingers together unsuccessfully. “Ah! Is that what ice cream does?” he huffed, heading towards a nearby bathroom.

Turning on the tap, he washed his hands, then looked into the mirror, wiping what remained on his lips and fixing his hair before stepping out again.

“I still want to see more of this place… maybe I should have lunch here? There must be something good around,” he said, walking until he spotted a restaurant near the escalator.

He went in, placed his order, and sat down at a table, beginning to enjoy his meal—when suddenly, an elbow bumped into him.

“Hm?” He turned.

“Ah… sorry about that, didn’t mean to hit you,” said a deeper voice beside him.

“Why’re you apologising? It was barely a scratch,” he replied calmly.

“Right… I suppose,” the other man said, heading to another table—until his shoulder was suddenly tapped.

“Got a minute?” the seated man asked.

Sitting across from each other, the one who called him over took a breath.

“Would you mind helping me explore this place? There’s so much here!” he said, eating slowly.

“I think I’ve got a bit of time, yeah—but not too long. I’ve got studying to do,” the other replied, taking a bite.

“I won’t take all your time. I mean… you’re basically a stranger to me. I just want a bit of help figuring this place out,” he said, wiping his mouth.

“Fair enough. Though honestly, even I don’t know this place that well. It’s massive—you just discover things as you go. I’ve been coming here a while,” he said, sipping his drink.

“A while? Hold on… what drink is that? I’ve never seen anything like it,” the first man tilted his head.

“This? It’s kompot,” he said, showing the glass. “Want to try some?” He held it closer.

“But you’ve already had your lips on it,” the other pointed out.

“Ah—yeah, right. Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“Would you stop saying you didn’t mean to do things? I don’t care about that. No need to apologise,” he interrupted, his tone slightly sharper as he sipped his Irish coffee.

“Right… fair enough,” the man scratched the back of his neck. “By the way—what’s your name? Might be easier if we actually know who we are, yeah?”

“Leon. That’s my name. And yours?” he replied, exhaling softly as he tasted his drink.

“Liuk,” the other answered.

“That’s… a different name. You’re not from around here, are you?” Leon said, and Liuk let out a small laugh, taking another bite.

After some time exploring the shopping centre together, they stopped in front of a men’s clothing shop.

“Wow… I think I want to check this place out!” Leon said.

“Well… I suppose I should get going, then.”

“Going? Why?” Leon stepped closer, arms crossed.

“I told you—I need to study. Maybe we’ll run into each other again. But I don’t really have time for a proper goodbye. So… see you,” Liuk said, slipping his hands into his pockets as he walked off.

“Hm… study?” Leon entered the shop, examining each piece of clothing, feeling the fabric between his fingers. “Why would someone need to study if they’re already an adult? Did he fail a year or something?” he muttered, before pausing. “Well… either way, I think I’ve met someone new. Haven’t I, Liuk?” he said quietly, letting go of the clothes and walking out.