He noticed an old man sitting on a bench nearby, in the same area where he’d talked with Remy before. out by curiosity, Solar approached the man.

Noticing him, the old man looked up with a disappointed look. “What are you doing out here, young man? It’s too late. Go home and sleep while you still can.”

Solar stared at the old man, confused.

“Sleep?” he said in an unsure voice.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The old man let out a tired sigh.

“You teenagers these days don’t know how to take care of yourselves. Sit down, sweetheart.”

Still confused, Solar hesitated before sitting next to him. The old man turned looking Solar up and down. Solar gave an awkward smile, but the man only sighed again, his face unimpressed

“You kids think dyeing your hair blue is cool? And look at your clothes—dirty and torn. Tsk.”

“I-I’m sorry, I—” Solar stuttered, only to be interrupted as the old man shrugged off his cardigan and put it over Solar’s shoulders.

“It’s cold out. You youngsters can’t even feel the temperature these days,” he lightly said, pulling his coat tighter.

He continued yapping about the younger generation, talking on and on while Solar listened in silence. Strangely, despite the confusing words, there was something comforting about his voice—a warmth that felt like a familiar memory

Suddenly, Solar spotted someone rushing out of a nearby building, rapidly looking around. Their face lit up when they spotted the old man.

“Mr. Falco!” a young woman shouted, running over. “How many times do I have to tell you—you can’t go out alone!”

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as She reached the old man, and as she noticed Solar, her face softened

“Thank goodness this person looked after you! Who knows what could’ve happened?” she said, bowing lightly. “Thank you so much. I really owe you.”

“N-No, it’s fine, really. Don’t worry about it. ” Solar replied nervously, waving his hands.

“No, I insist!” she said brightly. “We were just about to have dinner. Please, join us as a thank-you.”

“I, uh… I don’t know…” Solar hesitated.

“Leave the kid alone, Lisa,” Mr. Falco grumbled.

“I would if you weren’t so stubborn, Uncle Falco!” 'Lisa' yelled before helping him to his feet.

She smiled at Solar. “Come on, let us repay the favor.”

-------------------------

Inside, the house was warm and inviting, with family photos and cozy decor that made Solar feel out of place. As Lisa worked herself in the kitchen, she continued scolding Falco about wandering off alone.

A sudden loud bang at the front door startled Solar. Someone burst in, panting heavily, arms filled with grocery bags.

“I’m home!”

Lisa rushed to help, scolding him immediately. “Thank god you’re back! I was starting to get worried!”

“Sorry, sorry,” the man replied ashamedly. “It took forever to get all the groceries.”

Uncle Falco turned his head. “Is that my son?”

Lisa sighed in irritation. “No.. Uncle Falco, it’s Liz.”

Liz, noticing Solar, tilted his head. “Oh… we have a guest?”

“Ah, yes! This is Solar,” Lisa said. “I’ll explain later, but he’s here as a thank-you for helping Uncle Falco.”

Liz smiled warmly at Solar. “Well, nice to meet you, Solar. I’m Liz.”

" N-nice to meet you too- " Solar awkwardly replied

Over dinner, Solar struggled to eat without getting suspicious attention. Watching the others, he mimicked their motions, scooping soup into his spoon. Closing his eyes, he cautiously took a sip. To his relief, the warm flavors soothed him, and he smiled as he took another bite.

When the meal ended, Liz excused himself to take a bath but asked Solar to speak privately first.

Once inside Liz’s room, the tone shifted.

“Solar,” Liz said with caution, his voice serious. “Be honest with me—do I know you?”

Solar froze. “I… I don’t think so.”

Liz took a step closer to solar

“Please. Don’t lie.”

“I—I don’t know anything, I promise!” Solar stammered, but Liz’s creepy look made him doubt his own words.