Despite his unusual schedule, Yukio was a creature of habit. Whenever he had a DJ gig, he would always head out several hours before his set to get some hot tea and prepare his setlist for the night. This evening was no exception – he had a gig at That Place later tonight, spinning 80s and 90s tunes for their Retro Night – so he was heading for one of his favorite spots, January's Cafe, laptop slung in a pack over his shoulder. He was such a regular presence there that they knew him not only on sight but by name as well. Which was a surprisingly comforting feeling, given that he rarely allowed people to get to know him very well. It was okay with baristas and such, though, because he felt it was a fair trade: they got to know him and he gave them money for tea. He also didn't use his real name with them, only his DJ pseud.
The counter clerk saw him come in and waved. "The usual, Buster? We'll bring it to your table." With a nodded acknowledgement, Yukio went to his customary table in the cafe and settled in the oversized chair. He quickly set up shop, pulling out his laptop and launching his mixing app and getting ready to pore through his extensive music collection to create the perfect retro setlist.
It wasn't long before the tea was delivered, oolong with honey and cream. "Thank you," he said, voice flat as usual. Taking a sip, he turned to his work, ready to immerse himself in music.
