Craving Scarecrow

Every boy present there starts looking at the Manager.

"She is quite a beauty, look at her getting all the attention. Damn it," Anya says, drinking her wine aggressively.

As she does that, a symbol on her right palm becomes visible. Two triangles are fused together, forming a six-sided star. Inside the star, there is a severed dark head, its mouth open like a demon. Its hair is tied like a mountain, and from below its neck emerges a serpent's body. Its forehead bears a dark dot surrounded by a bright one, and it wears crescent moon earrings.

Eero, who works at the shop, also can't help but stare at the Manager in her elegant dress.

"Hey, where are you looking?" Elena says, turning Eero's face toward her.

"Ahhhhhhh! Actually, I was just looking at her beautiful dress," Eero replies with a nervous smile.

Elena pouts and leaves.

"Hey, wait! I'm sorry," Eero says, following her.

Meanwhile, Athena's eyes meet Livio's.

Livio quickly turns his face toward the bread, completely nervous. He tries to eat, but instead of his mouth, the bread lands on his cheek, smearing cream all over it.

Athena approaches Livio and hands him a tissue.

"Use this," she says.

When Athena gets closer, Livio shifts slightly away from his seat.

"Should I take it? She healed me before. Yeah, there's nothing to be afraid of. I haven't even thanked her yet."

Livio accepts the tissue, and Athena, noticing both Livio and Nitin's nervousness, gives them space.

"Hey, I think you should thank her. This is your chance," Sebastian says, whispering in Livio's ear.

"Ahh, I don't think so," Livio says, stuffing his mouth with bread.

"Hey, Nitin, say something," Sebastian says, looking at Nitin.

"I don't know, man," Nitin replies, also stuffing his mouth with bread.

"Oh, I forgot. You both are.... useless. I guess I have to help you," Sebastian says, walking toward the Manager, who is at the counter.

"Excuse me, ma'am," Sebastian says, placing his hand on the table.

"Yes?" Athena asks with a smile.

"You remember Livio, the person you healed?" Sebastian says, pointing toward Livio, who is still avoiding eye contact.

"He wants to talk to you but is too afraid. Could you talk to him alone, please?" Sebastian pleads.

"Sure, tell him to come outside," Athena says, leaving with a smile.

Sebastian hurries back to Livio.

"Hey, she's waiting outside. You should go quickly."

"No! Why did you do that?" Livio says, his mouth still full.

"You should go. You haven't thanked her yet," Nitin adds, turning to Livio.

"Man, you should grow a pair. Do you know how lucky you are? I think I should ask her out," Nicola says, slamming his glass on the table.

"Easy, boys. You shouldn't damage the property," Anya says, grabbing Nicola's hand.

"I think they're right. I can at least thank her. She healed me, after all. I'll be called a coward if I can't do this," Livio thinks, standing up.

His feet are shaking as he slowly moves the chair out of his way. It feels like he's being forced to go, but after taking a deep breath, he steps outside.

When he reaches the open air, he feels a heaviness in his chest. The air touching his body feels colder. When he looks at Athena, his throat goes dry.

"Nice to meet you again. I hope your health is better," she says, pulling her hair back from her ear. Her long hair waves in the breeze as she smiles warmly.

"Ahhhhhh!" Livio tries to speak, but the words stick in his throat like glue. "Ummm!" His chest grows heavier.

"Thank you for helping me! I owe you. I'm sorry for causing trouble. Please forgive me," Livio finally manages to say, feeling as though a weight has been lifted.

"Haha, you're funny. I like people like you. Your reactions and struggles are really cute," Athena says, covering her mouth as she giggles.

Livio feels more embarrassed than ever, his face turning red.

"I've noticed you for some time, but you seem to avoid girls. I assume something happened to you that left you traumatized. Let me guess—you were forced to come here," Athena says, her tone turning serious.

"Damn it! She guessed everything right. I should leave; I can't face her anymore. I don't have the courage," Livio thinks, preparing to turn away.

"Oh, please forgive me. I think I brought up something I shouldn't have. It's alright. If you don't want to talk, please don't force yourself," Athena says, bowing slightly.

"Please, ma'am, don't do that. I should be the one apologizing. I.... ummm...." Livio stammers, clutching his head as he forgets what to say.

"Hnn, you really are amazing. Please accept this," Athena says, offering him a completely red katana with a blue sheath.

"No, no, no! I can't accept this. I don't have any money either," Livio says, stepping back.

"Please, if you don't accept this, I'll think you're angry with me," Athena says, stepping closer.

"Damn, Livio! How did you get a chance to talk to such a beauty? I'm so jealous," Nicola says, drinking beer from a bottle.

"I'm going to ask her out. I won't let anyone else take her," Luka says, vigorously chewing pastries.

"You two calm down. He's just thanking her," Sebastian says calmly.

"Really?" Nicola and Luka suddenly stand and slam their palms on the table.

Meanwhile, Viktor watches from outside.

"I'm in the supply team. I don't need this. It'd be wasted on me. Maybe someone else..." Livio says but looks into Athena's eyes and finally accepts the katana.

"Good. We'll meet again," Athena says, re-entering the store.

In the nearby forest, birds suddenly take flight after a piercing scream.