[Paris, Jardin des Tuileries - The Park]
Jan nodded, then his expression turned serious as he changed the topic.
"I never got to ask you this, but... during the lockdown, did you ever encounter a man in all black with a mask and sword?"
I assud he was referring to 'Axel,' my rcenary persona. "Yeah," I nodded. "He was the one who gave the bow earlier."
"Really?!"
Jan was getting excited over soone he didn't even know.
"I only caught a glimpse," I continued, "but he did end up defeating the other guy."
I shrugged, adding to the lie. "That guy had so intense aura if you ask ."
"He had a strong aura too?!" Jan leaned in closer with starry eyes.
"Yeah, aura," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"He did so cool techniques with his sword. But after he defeated that large guy, he just... disappeared into thin air."
Jan's eyes were wide with awe.
"Wow! That guy... must've been aweso to watch a guy like him..."
His excitent died down eventually and our conversation continued.
As we spoke, the air grew colder, condensation forming on Jan's breaths.
I looked up. The sun had nearly set, and the park lights flickered on, casting dancing shadows on the ground.
***
[Paris, Café Marly]
Camila and Valencia stood side by side, gazing at the massive queue beside them at Café Marly.
"Haah... what a day..." Camila sighed, leaning her head against Valencia's shoulder.
Valencia, glancing at her watch, simply replied, "Yeah..."
After all, she had been saved by him again. Recalling the mont when the octopus lunged towards her, she knew there was no escape. But at every turn, Jan's words echoed in her mind.
— "He's always in the right place at the right ti."
She wondered if he could see the future, but doubted it.
Rel hadn't shown any advanced aura applications; his archery skills were his only standout ability though.
"But... what if he was hiding his true strength?"
Valencia muttered as the worker at the counter called out another order.
Before she could dwell on it, Camila interrupted her.
"What'd you do with Jan today?"
"Nothing much," Valencia replied. "I followed him around and wrote reports on whatever caught my interest."
"Huhu... sa with !" Camila paused. "And you know, Rel ain't half bad."
"...!"
Valencia flinched slightly at the ntion of his na.
Khumm...
"Him?" she asked, faking a cough.
Camila nodded.
"He's not only the smartest person in our class but also a history nerd. What a weirdo, huh?"
"I-I guess so," Valencia mumbled, unsure of her response.
She decided to just play along with whatever Camila had to say.
"Oh, and you know who else we t in one of the exhibitions?" Camila asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Valencia tilted her head, intrigued. "Who?"
"We t your dad's seniors!"
Valencia tapped a finger on her chin, thinking.
"Who are you referring to again? I thought my father's only senior was Garrick?"
"No silly! Dawn Frisk and Avalon Azira are also seniors of your father."
Realization dawned on Valencia's face.
"Oh... right, I rember Dawn Frisk. He ca to our estate once and harassed my father for so alcohol."
"Did he?!" Camila's face was a mix of surprise and amusent.
"Yeah... but he also gave so swordsmanship lessons on aura and even beat my dad in a spar once."
Camila's eyes widened. "Woah... so that ans the old heads are much stronger than the new generation?"
Valencia shrugged. "I guess? But we'll never know. I'm not sure if my father was holding back or not."
Just as Camila was about to respond, the waiter called out their order.
— Order 78, four hot chocolates!
"Let's go?" Valencia said, grabbing the tray.
...
...
...
[Paris, Jardin des Tuileries - The Park]
[Sunday, 6:31 PM]
Valencia and Camila made their way down the grand pathway of Jardin des Tuileries, the aroma of hot chocolate wafting from the tray Valencia carried.
In the distance, they spotted Jan and Rel seated on a bench, their gazes fixed on the dancing water of the fountain.
"They've gotten pretty close after the tournant, haven't they?"
Camila whispered as they approached.
"Mhm..." Valencia humd, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
"Ooo, I have an idea!!!" Camila exclaid, snatching one of the cups from the tray.
Valencia, startled, asked, "Why'd you do that?"
"It's simple!" Camila winked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to give it to Jan, of course!"
"Oh, okay," Valencia nodded, approving of the tactic.
But then she realized there was only one cup left on the tray. The last one, ant for Rel.
Valencia's mind raced. 'I have to give it to him... Wait! Do I actually have to hand it to him?!'
With each step, Jan and Rel ca into clearer view, and Valencia's anxiety intensified.
She couldn't process the simple act of handing a drink to Rel.
"Haah... don't overthink it... it's only a drink,"
She muttered to herself, trying to calm her nerves.
"Val, are you okay?"
Camila asked, peering at Valencia with concern. "Although it's a bit chilly out here, your face seems a bit red."
"Ah... it's nothing," Valencia replied, trying to maintain her composure.
Camila smiled. "Good. Now be quiet from here on out, and tiptoe if you have to. I'm gonna sneak attack..."
Sneak attack?! Valencia was taken aback by Camila's sudden mischievousness. Was she going to pour the hot chocolate on Jan's head?
As Camila stealthily approached the bench, Valencia quickly followed, trying to keep pace.
Ssssttttt
Keeaakkk!!
Valencia watched as Jan jumped up, feeling the hot chocolate burn the side of his cheek.
He locked eyes with Camila, who had both hands outstretched, triumphantly displaying the now empty cup.
"Surprise!" she giggled.
"Thanks, Camila... ouch!" Jan touched his left cheek, the sting of the burn persisting.
Rel turned his attention towards Jan and Camila's playful antics, a small smile tugging at his lips.
But then, a faint voice whispered in his right ear.
"H-hey, uh, idiot... h...h-here..."
He turned his head to find Valencia's eyes averted, her hand outstretched, offering him the last cup of hot chocolate.
touch!
"Oh... um, thanks..." Rel awkwardly took the drink, their hands briefly overlapping.
Valencia flinched at the contact, quickly pulling her hand away.
Rel stood up, looking down at her. "Look, um, I think you left this..."
He held out a small handbag, the one she'd left at the museum.
Her eyes widened, and she snatched it from his hands. "Thanks..."
"Also..."
"...!"
Rel wrapped a crimson red scarf around Valencia's neck.
"I'm pretty sure this was yours too... since I found it next to your bag."
"oh... uh... um..." Valencia's brain malfunctioned....
— Wha-wha-wha- what?! He... just wrapped the scarf around ?!
Rel's voice cut through her shock.
"You seed unwell yesterday, and you don't look too well now, so I think it's better if you wear it..."
He paused, then added.
"It suits you..."
A massive puff of steam erupted from Valencia's head.
_
To Be Continued... (๑>•̀๑)
_
____
Authors Notes:
- Jan was sitting to the left of the bench and Rel was to the right.
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