a quick fic i wrote based on the game Ib. set about 9 or 10 years after the game.
There's a man before you.
Shaggy hair. It's almost below his ears. Shorter.
Kind eyes. Eyes like your father.
His lips are turned upward ever so slightly, a smile dancing on them. He doesn't look like he frowns a lot.
You can only see 3/4 of his profile but somehow you recognize that sliver. Something clicks inside of you and you don't know what.
But you don't know this man. You don't know the stubble lining his chin, or the choppiness of his hair. Why is it so short? More importantly, why do you feel that it's too short? You shift uncomfortably in your chair, feeling confused seeing this stranger.
He turns from the counter, snatching up his coffee and tossing a few stray coins into the tip jar, smiling at the employee who utters a 'thank you'. His fatherly eyes glance around the room, finally landing on you.
Your eyes meet for no longer than 2 seconds, but a certain recognition passes through, a feeling of nostalgia so strongly you feel dizzy. It's on the tip of your tongue. Who is he, who is he...
There's a flash of something in your mind - an image - too fast for you to catch onto. Your eyebrows furrow as you try to comprehend and focus on what it was. A... room? Something about... a child. Scribbles. A man. Fuck, what is it?
"Excuse me, little lady."
Your head instantly snaps up, eyes focusing immediately on the man before you. His shaggy hair falls in choppy layers and his kind eyes are on you again. You stare back at him, curious and cautious. "Hello."
He pauses for a moment, smiling disappearing slightly then reappearing. "You don't remember me?" You just shake your head.
He smiles, laughing half heartedly, hands now shoved into his pockets. "I see." He's laughing, but you can tell he's hurt somehow. "Well, sorry for having mistaken you." He pulls his hand out, waiting for you to shake it. You do, hesitantly.
"Bye now!" He winks at you then steps out of the door. You still can't figure out who he is, even after your interaction.
You reach to grab your coffee, brushing off the weird feeling, but something crinkles in your hand as you do. You open your fingers, and see a small piece of candy.
Oh, now you remember.