1 Melanchony

London, 2020.

"The lockdown has ruined business for many budding entrepreneurs. The hardest hit, ironically, has been the pet stores. Their businesses have fallen by a whopping 73% this year..."

The somber radio sings through the rain. listening to this, one wants to know where the sound comes from. The sound is magical, yet sad, and welcomes us to this tale of romance that is yet to end. The indistinct sound comes from a quaint little store, just around the corner. It is boarded up, but the tiny lights scurrying through the gaps tell us that there is someone inside.

The inside is noisy. The dust on the countertop and the kittens snoozing on the chair speak for themselves. In a corner of the room, lies a silent man, who, half drowsy himself, seeks to pet the sleepy kitten. The kitten purrs, stretching in contentment. This would be a normal pet store in the lockdown, had there not been one tiny problem. The man was devilishly handsome. He had skin as white as snow, and eyes as deep as the ocean. Coupled with his aquiline jawline, long white hair, perfect build, and the indulgent smile on his face, this man seems to be a devil himself - seducing, naughty, and dominating.

"Another second, another minute, and another day". He is bored. As he stretches himself, determined to start cleaning his store, the bell rings. Immediately, the man leaps to the counter with feline grace, as he waits for his new customer. "Welcome to Ankoku's pet store, the only one of its kind that-" Ankoku was going to repeat his own writings, but the person standing across him caught his eye.

Dark black hair. Black eyes. Hair running to his neck, with his notebook, filled with cats, in tow. He was handsome, but not handsome enough for the devil himself to look. What shocked Ankoku was not his beauty, but his aura. He was timid, holding the book closer to his chest, but he was also kind, as he showed warmth and concern to the kittens sleeping on the couch. This unique combination of gentleness, firmness, and kindness made Ankoku dumbfounded. Faced with feelings he never understood, Ankoku spoke what he felt.

"Why hello, sunshine", Ankoku purred, as he leaned down on the blushing man. "What may I do for you?"

This was the beginning of one of the most beautiful romances of all time.