The elevator door slid open with a soft metallic click, followed by the faint hum of gears locking into place. From within, the quiet chirping of birds filtered in from an open window nearby, a strange contrast to the sterile interior of the building. Out stepped Ryul, his tall frame emerging first, followed by a scatter of small footsteps behind him.
A group of children trailed after him, chattering among themselves, their shoes tapping lightly against the tiled floor. Ryul didn't glance back. His long stride naturally put distance between him and the slower group, a black bag swinging lazily from his forearm. He moved with ease, the hallway familiar beneath his feet, until a shrill ringtone shattered the quiet moment.
He winced, exhaling sharply through his nose as he reached into his pocket. The phone buzzed once more before he lifted it, glancing at the screen with a flick of annoyance.
