Kai Smirks, Leaning Back In His Chair As He Lazily Swirls The Piping Coffee In His Cup. " Yeah, Well,

kai smirks, leaning back in his chair as he lazily swirls the piping coffee in his cup. " yeah, well, maybe i like boring. you ever think of that ? " his tone drips with sarcasm, but his eyes had that glint his eye that suggests otherwise. " a four day hangover for one night of fun ? says it all, really. " he takes another sip, taste somehow much worse now, but he swallows it down. hopes it'll make him feel a little more alive but it's doubtful.

"oh my bad, how was i supposed to know you were going to be hungover on this lovely wednesday morning." daphne teased, shaking her head. "i think you're forgetting the whole town was literally hungover for days after the beach party." pouring herself a cup of coffee and loading it with cream and sugar packets, the girl glanced at the other. "plus, i guess you wouldn't have that mug in front of you if i was fun. instead, you'd be all by your lonesome. how boring is that."

ace chuckles, shaking his head as he leans back, running a hand through his hair. " self-duplication ? now that one is dangerous, " he responds, squinting playfully at her. " what if you end up losing track of which one of you is the real one ? next thing you know, you've got a room full of super villains all fighting to be the main super villain ? totally gives the hero of the story an advantage. self-duplication ? may as well call it self-sabotage if you ask me. fun though. "

"damn, remind me not to go after the last pack of sour gummies." she teased, shaking her head and pulling her legs up into her chair. "holy fuck, reality manipulation is brutal." the redhead grinned. "you've really thought about all of this. i think it would be so cool to be able to self duplicate.. like picture this... you're a hero and suddenly you're up against the super villain and now its like you're in a fun maze and you dont know who the actual villain is."

" the one and only, " he mockingly chimes, as if he's talking about some old friend. and in a way, it feels like he is. insomnia has been a looming shadow for so long it feels like his longest companion. one he never really invites in, yet it always shows up. like some kind of clingy ex who can't take a hint. kai watches her work, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, slouched posture, tired eyes trailing the movements of her hands as she gathers the herbs. it’s kind of impressive, the way she seems to know exactly what he needs with little explanation. " sooner ? ah, come on, where's the fun in that ? relief doesn't feel as good if you don't suffer first, " he responds, typical sardonic humour paired with a half-smile. he notes the soft expression, and it almost threatens to lower his defences, but he isn't so sure how to fully do that anymore. then she mentions talking and he almost laughs. kai isn't known for talking, not about the deep shit anyway. that comes out in his music, in lyrics often so easy to dissect no one ever really does. a talent of his, apparently. to be so obvious it's not obvious at all. " yeah, talking . . . not exactly something i'm known for, is it ? " chuckle is low, huffed out as he reaches to take hold of her concoction. doesn't voice how much he's going to be relying on it. if it brings him even one night of decent sleep, it'll be worth this small moment of vulnerability. " thanks, " adds, genuine curve of his lips as he slips the item into his pocket. " how much ? " card is already being pulled out, gaze diverting slightly. he takes not of how dark it seems to be outside now. " you heading home now ? i can walk you, if you want. 'm already heading that way. " he can mask with sarcasm, a cool exterior. but behind it all there is still some semblance of a good guy. just a lost one.

she  pauses  once  she  reaches  the  cash  register ,      a  knowing  look  crossing  her  face  as  she  listens  to  him .     the  shop  smells  of  lavender  and  sage ,     the  air  calm  in  contrast  to  the  tension  she  senses  radiating  off  him .     she  straightens ,     giving  him  a  warm  but  slightly  concerned  smile  as  he  admits  his  struggle .     "     insomnia ,     huh ?     "     she  echoes  softly,     wiping  her  hands  on  a  cloth  before  walking  the  isles  quickly  and  grabbing  just  what  she  needed  to  help  him  and  putting  them  in  the  basket  she  picked  up  along  the  way .     “     you  know ,     you  really  should've  come  to  me  sooner ,     ”     she  teases  lightly ,     but  there’s  no  real  reproach  behind  her  words .     she  studies  him ,     her  eyes  sharper  than  her  usual  playful  self ,     catching  the  fatigue  etched  into  his  features .

with  a  hum ,     she  heads  behind  the  counter ,     starting  to  pull  out  jars  of  dried  herbs  and  tinctures  from  the  basket .     "     lucky  for  you ,     i  do  have  something  for  that .     no  smoking  required .     "     her  hands  move  swiftly,     mixing  a  blend  of  valerian  root ,     passionflower ,     and  chamomile ,     setting  it  down  on  the  counter  in  front  of  him .     “     this  should  help  you  get  some  decent  sleep  without  knocking  you  out  too  hard .     ”     she  glances  back  up  at  him,     her  expression  softening  as  she  adds ,     "     but  maybe...     you  should  talk  to  someone  about  whatever’s  keeping  you  up .     "     her  tone  is  gentle,     giving  him  the  space  to  deflect  if  he  needs  to .     "     but  for  now,     this  will  help .     take  it  with  some  tea  before  bed ,     and  if  it  doesn’t  work ,     i’ll  come  up  with  something  else .     i  promise  you’re  not  fucked  ,     not  with  me  around .     "     she  offers  a  small ,     reassuring  smile .

her hip subtly juts out, perfectly manicured hand coming down to rest on it. " i can be spontaneous, " she declares, her voice carrying a note of conviction that almost sounds fully believable — like she wants it to be true. maybe once, it had been. but somewhere along the way she got so wrapped up in the idea of things, planning more than she simply just . . . let happen. noa exhales a soft huff of air, as if to dismiss her own internal conflict. " i mean, hello, i'm a fashion girl. i make impulsive outfit decisions daily — and they always pay off. " she prides herself on a lot of things, and having her own style is one of them. god forbid she be in a room with anyone dressed exactly the same as her. blending in her idea of hell. " do you know how many people would be too afraid to pair this skirt with this jacket ? most of them. but not me, " she states, gesturing towards her ensemble. looks at him somewhat expectedly as she asks, " it looks cute, right ? ” her brow arches, amusement flickering in her eyes. " oh, i’m sure you’re a real modern day fred astarie, " the brunette teases, her lips curving into a playful grin. " but unfortunately, my scores are based off more than just that. " though she could definitely foresee others at the gathering being eager for his attention. he was charming, she could admit that — to herself, at least. perhaps not him just yet. there's a low hum as she considers his words, tries to keep it cool. because truthfully, he's made her smile more times than she was prepared for. " well, then i hope you like a challenge, because my favour is notoriously difficult to gain, let alone keep. "

he  leaned  back  slightly,    the  teasing  grin  still  playing  on  his  lips  as  he  watched  noa  wrestle  with  her  own  thoughts.     her  initial  confusion  only  fueled  his  amusement,     and  he  couldn’t  help  but  admire  how  she  was  normally  so  unflappable     —     yet  here  she  was,     just  a  little  off  balance.    “    perfect?     nah,     i  just  think  your  plans  could  use  a  little...     spontaneity,    ”    he  shot  back,     his  tone  playful  but  laced  with  genuine  curiosity.     the  way  she  corrected  her  posture  and  flicked  her  curls  over  her  shoulder  was  an  invitation  he  couldn’t  ignore.     the  flustered  edge  in  her  voice  was  like  a  chink  in  her  armor,     and  he  found  it  oddly  charming.

“    okay,     one  dance  it  is,   ”    he  conceded,     leaning  forward,     a  mock-seriousness  in  his  eyes.    “    but  trust  me,     these  feet  are  anything  but  clumsy.     i’ve  got  moves  that’ll  make  you  reconsider  your  whole  ‘desirability  score’  theory.    ”    her  warm  smile  tugged  at  something  in  him,     and  he  felt  a  rush  of  warmth  that  he  didn’t  want  to  overthink.    “     just  so  you  know,     i’d  never  let  a  scuff  on  those  jimmy  choos  ruin  your  night,     ”    he  added,     a  wink  punctuating  his  words.    “    but  if  you  do  miss  something  important...     well,     i  guess  i’ll  have  to  work  extra  hard  to  earn  back  your  favor.   ”

her smile is bright as celeste's words sink in, subtle squeeze of her hand making her heart overly happy. in life, girlfriends were everything. and as much as she craved a love to rival all the greats, having a solid group of friends was equally as important to her. platonic love something to be equally as celebrated. " you're not, that's the point. when it's the right one will never feel like you're settling. they'll be like — like your best friend, with extra benefits. " noa sinks back as letty does, drinking up all the information she's been given. " endearing awkward can be cute, i agree. and time usually helps shift that. and suggesting a picnic date ? i like it. shows imitative. " she's about to continue when something is uttered into the universe that has her letting out an excited gasp, eyes alight. in a blink, she's imagining all of the outfit potentials vividly, like her mind stores them away for the right occasion. " you really know how to speak my love language,” she jokes, nodding eagerly. “ first dates with potential deserve a new outfit. and imagine, if it really goes somewhere you have that memory forever. you’ll have the best outfit sunset beach has ever seen. ” a happy sigh is followed by another sip of wine. “ am i fully up-to-date in the world of celeste james, or do you have more to tell me ? i know you must have more than one guy knocking on your door begging for a chance. ”

"honestly, noa, i don't know what i would do without you," her smile softens, hand reaching out to hold the other's for a second. she gives noa's hand a small squeeze, bringing her own back to wipe away an imaginary tear. "when i have girls that talk me up like you, how am i ever supposed to settle ?" celeste was more than thankful for the group of friends she'd found in recent years. they had been largely responsible for the shift in her priorities, reminding her of her worth and giving her a new zest for life. she can't help the grin that spreads across her features at noa's excitement, practically bouncing in her seat. she's leaning back into the sofa, hands covering her face as the wine buzz enhances her coyness. it all felt too good to be true, and she couldn't help but cling on to a bit of reservation. "that's exactly what i was thinking. and who am i to fault a guy for being a little awkward at first ? it was cute, endearing even." she's smiling at the memory, stifling a giggle as she pours herself another glass. "yeah, we're going to the beach for a picnic. his idea, by the way." a devious smile appears on her, an idea brewing that she knew noa couldn't deny. "that means you have to help me shop for a new outfit. i've already worn everything i have, and i will not be outfit repeating for this !"

noa: there's nothing wrong with a little help every now and then my dear lottie noa: besides, i'm a professional ! it's a gift ❤️ noa: i can give you a list if you'd prefer, but it's best to just trust the process.

lottie: well i thought i could do it myself but here we are lottie: thank you ! lottie: do i get to like pick through a list or is this like i have to go in blind ??