The cinema lobby buzzed with restless excitement.
People moved in clusters toward their respective halls, holding tickets and drinks, while the bright glow of movie posters flickered across the polished floor. The smell of buttered popcorn drifted through the air like a silent invitation.
Behind the popcorn counter stood Adrian.
A red cinema cap rested low over his forehead, and a plain uniform covered his usual attire. To any passerby, he looked like just another tired theater employee working the late shift.
The popcorn machine crackled beside him as fresh kernels burst into fluffy golden pieces.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
Adrian scooped the popcorn slowly into a striped bucket, pretending to focus on his work while occasionally glancing toward the entrance.
A group of three young men walked into the lobby, laughing loudly as they approached the counter.
One of them leaned casually against it.
"Hey, popcorn guy," the man said with a grin. "Give us three large buckets."
Adrian looked up calmly, his expression neutral.
"Extra butter?"
The second guy smirked."Obviously. It's not popcorn without butter."
Adrian nodded slightly and turned toward the machine. The scoop dipped into the warm pile of popcorn, lifting a mountain of golden kernels before dropping them into the bucket.
The first man watched impatiently.
"You new here?" he asked.
Adrian didn't look up.
"Just covering tonight's shift."
The man shrugged.
"Lucky you. Free movies, right?"
Adrian allowed a faint smile.
"Something like that."
He filled the second bucket, then the third, carefully pouring butter over each layer.
The warm scent filled the air.
The third guy suddenly leaned closer over the counter.
"Hey, make mine extra buttery."
Adrian slid the bucket toward him.
"Already done."
The man chuckled and grabbed it.
"How much?"
"Fifteen."
The first guy pulled out some cash and tossed it onto the counter.
Adrian took the money slowly, his eyes briefly meeting the man's.
For just a moment, something cold flickered behind Adrian's calm expression.
Then it was gone.
The men grabbed their popcorn and started walking toward their theater hall, still laughing and joking.
Adrian watched the three men disappear into the dim hallway that led toward the screening rooms. Their laughter slowly faded, swallowed by the thick theater doors.
Behind him, the popcorn machine continued its quiet rhythm.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
The warm scent of butter lingered in the air.
Adrian adjusted the brim of his red cinema cap and murmured softly, almost like a polite farewell.
"Enjoy the movie."
To anyone nearby, it sounded like nothing more than a routine line from a theater employee.
Then his earbud vibrated.
A faint beep followed, and a girl's voice whispered through the small device.
"Boss… we located them."
For a brief moment, Adrian stood still.
The relaxed posture of the popcorn seller vanished. The casual expression on his face faded, replaced by a sharp, calculating calm. The transformation was subtle, but absolute—like a switch had been flipped.
Adrian lowered his voice.
"Track them accurately," he said quietly.
There was no hesitation in his tone, no trace of surprise.
"I'm coming."
The voice on the other end replied quickly.
"Yes, boss. They entered Theater Seven. Row twelve."
Adrian reached for the popcorn scoop again, casually pouring another batch into a bucket as if nothing had happened.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
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