Jun arrived just before the city blinked fully awake.
The light hadn't settled yet—soft, silver-edged, diffused like steam that hadn't decided which way to rise. The plaza was quieter than usual. Not absent. Just… waiting.
He walked the familiar curve. The rhythm in his steps was steady—but not rehearsed. The kind of walk that didn't test the ground. Trusted it.
Today, he brought both cloths out.
Not hidden. Not displayed. Just folded side by side.
The second cloth, once kept only for certain pours, now lay in quiet company with the first. Not touching. But near enough to be read by those who paid attention.
> [System Passive Notice: Dual Fold Acknowledged]
Thread Continuity Holding | No Reward Issued
A breeze passed through, lifting the edge of the second cloth ever so slightly. Jun pressed it back with two fingers. Not to pin it. Just to remind it—it still belonged here.
---
The morning started slow.
One regular passed with a tired nod and no request.