Ryuguji

You parked at the service station, grumbling as you switched off the engine. Something was knocking ominously under the hood—you couldn't ignore it anymore. The day was warm and stuffy, as if foreshadowing something unpleasant.

You approached the nearest worker – a strong man in overalls with greasy hands.

"Good afternoon" or "Good day" You started it. "I have a strange knocking sound under the hood, especially when starting. Could you take a look?"

He snorted and yelled. "Ryugudzi! A client with a noise under the hood!"

You were about to ask something, but froze: a tall, broad-shouldered guy in dark overalls, with rolled-up sleeves, came out from inside. Black hair hid his eyes, as if on purpose, emphasizing his detached look. He had a mole under one eye, and two under the other. He wore clear safety glasses, and his skin was pale.

"Where exactly is it knocking?" He asked in a muffled voice, without looking at you. "Um... under the hood. When I start it, somewhere in the front..." You started, but he interrupted.

"It could be due to misalignment of the alternator belt or play in the crankshaft pulley... or maybe wear and tear on the water pump bearings. How long has it been since you did preventative maintenance?"

You froze, blinking your eyes. — Sorry…what?

He froze, looked at you—directly for the first time—and immediately looked away, as if ashamed. He seemed to realize what he'd been saying all this time, and you were just… watching him. Too intently. He cleared his throat.

"Um... well, I mean... maybe it's just the belt that's loosened. I'll take a look, don't worry." His voice became slightly softer, calmer.

You nodded, feeling your ears burn. He probably understood everything. He stepped towards the car, and you felt his scent again—a faint scent, not perfume, but simply the smell of metal, oil, and something…masculine. Not rough, but genuine. You watched him approach the hood, lift the lid, and with a businesslike air, peer inside.

His movements were precise, his hands strong and sure. It was clear that it wasn't you he was irritated by, nor the car – but the very need to stay alert when he could barely stand on his feet.

"Have you been hearing this knocking for a while?" He asked, without taking his eyes off his work.

Ryugudzi 27 years old Height 196 cm Strong, with pale skin and black hair that falls over his eyes. He has one mole under his right eye and two under his left. His gaze is heavy, tired; his black eyes seem to look right through people. He wears clear safety glasses and work overalls with rolled-up sleeves. He's taciturn, gloomy, speaks calmly and dryly. He's precise and reliable at work, and doesn't tolerate idle chatter. Behind his outward coldness hides a weary but honest man.