It was already Saturday, and yet, Gray still couldn’t get over everything he saw yesterday.
He woke up early, stretched lazily on his bed because he’d dozed off there after staring at the condo contract for the hundredth ti since he arrived yesterday.
"Damn," he muttered into the quiet room.
Every ti he rembered that he now owned a luxury condo in West Arcadia, his chest tightened a little.
After their eting yesterday, Hana gave him everything he needed to move. The keys, the access cards, and she also helped him register his biotrics for the security.
And best of it all?
Lily didn’t know anything yet.
He smiled to himself.
She was surely going to lose her mind.
He hadn’t told her about the condo tour yesterday. He figured it would be better if she saw it herself with her eyes, just like he did.
"I can’t wait to see her reaction," Gray mumbled with a grin as he sat up and rubbed his face.
Still, setting that aside, he had another plan today.
Since they were moving soon, they’d need to stock up the new place with essentials like groceries, and cleaning items.
And what better way to get all that... than to drop by the grocery store?
His grocery store.
As a normal custor.
"I have no driver today and also no fancy clothes, " he muttered. "Let’s see how the store’s treating the custors."
Gray quickly went to get dressed. He kept it casual. He was wearing just jeans, a fitted black tee, and his old sneakers. He looked very normal in his outfit.
Once he was ready, he grabbed his phone, wallet, and checked the short list he made on his notes app. He even added so of Lily’s weird tomato snack items on it because she would’ve nagged him otherwise.
When it cos to food, Lily was crazy.
Since it was still early in the morning, he headed out alone this ti.
He took the bus and rode until the drop off station near the groery. He walked for the rest of his journey after.
While walking, Gray couldn’t help but laugh on his own. From having a private elevator to riding a public bus in less than 24 hours.
What a life.
After a short ride and a brief walk through the neighborhood, Gray finally reached the grocery.
He took a long breath before walking in.
The familiar jingle above the sliding glass doors played softly, and the cool air inside hit his face.
Gray scanned the interior with quiet eyes. The place was active but not packed. Still, there were already a few custors pushing carts and several staff moving around, restocking shelves and assisting people.
"This is good," Gray nodded.
It looked good and organized. No one was also slacking off.
Gray smiled faintly.
"Alright," he muttered under his breath, "let’s see..."
He grabbed a cart and made his way down the first aisle like any regular custor.
He started picking out things he knew they’d need on their first day at the condo like dish soap, so snacks, bottled drinks, rice, basic condints, and a small coffee press.
Every so often, he passed a staff mber who greeted him with the sa polite energy they gave everyone else.
No one recognized him.
Good.
That’s what he wanted.
He moved to the produce section next. His eyes scanned the rows until they landed on the one item that always made him sigh.
Tomatoes..
Lily’s favorite.
He picked up a few firm, shiny ones and dropped them into a sh bag before chuckling to himself.
"I still don’t get it," he muttered, "but whatever makes her happy."
Gray continued shopping, quietly moving from aisle to aisle as he loaded his cart with more items. He got chips, instant ran, sauces, and a few more cleaning supplies.
He even tossed in a few fancy items he knew Lily would raise her eyebrows at but secretly enjoy. His cart was starting to look full, but not too much. Just enough to stock a new kitchen.
The store was doing well. Shelves were well-stocked, and the layout was clean and easy to navigate. He could see two employees refilling the dairy section, both moving quickly and efficiently.
It was nice.
Honestly, it made him feel a little proud.
But just as he turned the corner near the fresh ats section, sothing caught his attention.
There was a commotion.
It wasn’t loud, but there was a noticeable change in the atmosphere. Several custors were looking toward one spot. So were whispering. Others just slowed their carts down as they passed to see what was happening.
Gray furrowed his brows. He followed the murmurs until he reached the corner of the aisle near the poultry display.
"I said, put it down!"
That’s when he saw it.
A young man who as barely in his twenties was standing awkwardly in front of a spilled pack of chicken on the floor. He looked disheveled, like he hadn’t changed clothes in a while.
His hair was ssy and unwashed, his clothes hung off his fra, and his eyes were wide with embarrassnt. His hands were still gripping the torn plastic handle of the ripped bag.
In front of him stood another man, one that Gray recognized almost imdiately.
It was Will
"I don’t care what happened," Will snapped, pointing a finger at the young man. "You think you can just walk in here dressed like that, stink up the aisle, and drop at all over the floor?"
"I didn’t drop it on purpose," the boy said quietly, his voice shaking. "The bag broke..."
"And who’s going to pay for that, huh?" Will cut him off, sneering. "You?"
The boy’s hands trembled slightly, but his eyes stayed locked forward, refusing to back down.
"I was going to pay. I brought money. I was just trying to—"
Will took a step forward.
"Bullshit. I’ve seen your kind before. Co in, act all pitiful, make a ss, and expect soone else to clean up after you. You don’t belong in a place like this."
Gray’s expression darkened. However, he didn’t move. Not yet.
"I’m going to call security," Will said sharply, already reaching for his walkie-talkie. "You want to pretend you’re so lost little lamb? Fine. Do it sowhere else."
The boy’s eyes widened slightly, and his grip on the torn bag tightened.
"I didn’t steal anything," he said, voice shaking now. "I was going to pay. I have money."
"Then go shop sowhere that wants you," Will spat back. "Not here yu stupid motherfucker."
Gray’s jaw tightened.
He took a breath and stepped forward.
"What’s happening here?"
Will didn’t even glance back as he waved his hand. "It’s nothing. Just so bum trying to pretend like he belongs here. You don’t need to—"
But then he turned.
And froze.
Gray’s face was calm, but his eyes were sharp. His tone was even, but the weight behind it was impossible to miss.
"...Mr. Gray?"
Will’s voice cracked, his sudden dying in an instant. His eyes widened as he took a step back.
Gray didn’t answer him yet.
Instead, he looked at the boy.
Then at the torn bag.
Then back at Will.
And his expression beca unreadable.
"I repeat, what is happening here?"
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