June 5, 2016
New York, Manhattan (4:20 pm)

Dappled sun shone through the trees, creating mysterious shadows. The gentle breeze brushed the grass gently, as if dancing with the leaves. The sound of a bird chirping filled the air along with the wind, carrying a sense of peaceful tranquility. It was a lovely day indeed. Violet and Yu had gone out to get an early dinner from a nearby café. Yu watched lightheartedly as Violet pleasantly devoured a plate of blueberry cheesecake. "This is delicious, Mr. Yu!" Yu smiled softly at her excitement. She was a very happy person. "Indeed, it is," he replied with pride, sipping on his coffee. 

"Who was that woman you talked to a few days ago?" she asked him, a little apprehensively. He paused thoughtfully, setting down his mug. He didn't know what to tell her. "She's a friend." Violet fiddled with her fingers slightly. "You seemed pretty close." Yu looked away from her in thought. "My turn to ask you a question." He said. "Who's Anne?" Violet was taken aback by the question. Her heart sank.

"Violet? Are you alright?" she heard him say. She turned around to look at him; he wore an expression of concern as he sat down beside her and took her hand into his own. "I am fine. You have nothing to be worried about. "She lied. But Yu didn't seem to believe her so she pulled back her hand slowly. "Anne was my previous owner," She explained. Yu was silent. He nodded slowly. They sat quietly for awhile until she finally spoke again. "That doesn't matter anymore, she might as well be dead right now." Yu remained silent for another moment before speaking. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up a sensitive topic..." He trailed off awkwardly. Violet sighed. She had never spoken about this before. "It's okay, Mr. Yu..." 

Violet suddenly changed her tone of voice. "By the way, I'm done!' She happily held up her plate and smiled brightly  at him. By this point, Yu was already done with his coffee and raspberry tarts. "Alright, I'm just gonna go pay and we go!" Yu got up from his seat to go pay for their meal at the counter. "But wait, aren't we supposed to wash the dishes?" He turned around and gave her a confused look. "N-no, we come here so they could serve us with food, and we pay their services with money." Violet looked just as confused now. "But... Anne's maids used to do the same thing, though they don't get payed."

Yu smiled softly, understanding Violet's situation and calmly explained what was going on now and what stopped going on back then. Violet felt a bit embarrassed for bringing up a subject like that, and most likely felt old too. Yu payed for their food and took Violet out to a nearby mall to buy her some clothes, since the clothes that Violet was currently wearing were Yu's clothes from High School, but still a bit to big for her. He ended up buying some cute stuff for Violet too, including some new hair clips and makeup, while Violet really didn't understand what was going on, Yu just picked out the items and clothes that Violet seemed to be interested in.

"This is where jewelries come from?" Violet asked with astonishment as they entered a small jewelry store. Yu nodded. "I believe, during your previous era, either a merchant or your father brought them for you, correct?" Violet smiled and replied with a chirpy "correct!" Violet looked around and was astounded when she saw a small resin necklace with dried rose petals on display. Yu watched Violet as she stared at the necklace in awe. She finally noticed that Yu was still standing there, so she quickly turned around and blushed slightly. Yu chuckled softly and said, "do you like this necklace? I'm sure I could get it for you." Violet quickly stopped Yu and laughed shyly. "No, it's okay, Mr. Yu. You've done too much for me already! I wouldn't want to burden you further." Yu shook his head. "You don't burden me, Violet. I want you to enjoy your life here in 2016. So..." Yu took the resin necklace and payed for it. "Here," he handed over the necklace to Violet. Violet looked concerned. "But, Mr. Yu-" Yu cut her off with a smile. "Don't worry, I'm financially stable, plus I have nothing or no one to spend my money on."

Violet was shocked about how Yu easily warmed up to her. It's only been 3? 2? Days since they met, and yet he treats her like a long lost friend. "Thank you, Mr. Yu." Violet said gratefully and put the necklace around her neck. After paying for their purchases, they made their way home. When they arrived back at Yu's apartment, Violet went to bed early, claiming exhaustion after such an eventful day. Yu quietly went to the living room and sat on the couch, that's when he heard the sound of the doorbell. 

"Yu! Open up!" It was Azeyla. Yu stood up and opened the door to reveal Azeyla with her arms crossed. "Yu, what's happened? It's been 3 days and yet you haven't showed up for work, read my messages, nor have you been returning my calls!" Azeyla was furious. Yu sighed and tried to pacify her. "I'm sorry, Azeyla. I was sick all day. My phone died on me and I didn't have the strength to charge it." Azeyla glared at Yu, not believing him. "I don't believe you!" She cried, letting herself into Yu's apartment. Yu sighed again and followed her into the kitchen. "Do you want something to drink?" Azeyla simply nodded. She was still fuming and had to calm down. She wanted answers. Azeyla sat down at the table and waited for Yu to make some tea for her.

"M-Mr. Yu, is it okay if I borrow-"

Both Yu and Azeyla turned to look at Violet who'd just walked into the kitchen, dressed in Yu's sweatshirt and sweatpants. She hadn't expected to see a guest with Yu. "Yu, who's this?" Azeyla catiously stood from her seat and walked towards Violet. Violet looked nervous but didn't say anything. "Um, Azeyla, this is Violet. She's-" Yu began but stopped when Azeyla started looking Violet up and down with a dangerous look. Yu rushed over to Azeyla and held her arm. "Azeyla, this is Violet, she's... Uhm..."

"Your girlfriend?"

Yu panicked, he didn't know what to say or how to react. "That doll I saw last time I was here, was that for her? It's no coincidence they looked similar." Azeyla huffed. "You've been neglected your work for her?!" Before Yu could speak, Azeyla picked her purse from the table and walked out on both Yu and Violet. Yu sighed once she left the apartment. "Are you alright, Violet?" Violet nodded. "Yea, I am. Are you alright?" Yu sighed again and rubbed his temples. "It's nothing, Violet. Yes, I'm fine. What were you going to ask?" Violet held up one of Yu's wool jackets. "May I borrow this? I-if it's no trouble." Yu looked surprised, but agreed. 

"I don't mind."