Yotsuki

The city’s premier vendor of ambient disappointment, Yotsuki, was mid-pitch. “It’s not supposed to be bright,” they explained calmly, their wrinkled mouth barely moving as freezing wind whipped down the mountain pass. “It’s for mood. Contemplation. Dodging debt collectors in the dark.” Their customer, a Panda Council guard, held the flickering lantern up to the purple twilight sky, unimpressed. “And the war paint?” the guard grunted. Yotsuki patted their own cheek. “A bold contrast. Draws the eye away from the product’s… subtlety.” The guard just shook their head and walked off down the bamboo-lined street. Yotsuki sighed. It was hard being an artist in a world that just wanted to see.