As I tossed my plastic wrapper into a nearby bin, I noticed Ambrose’s posture go rigid. He wasn't looking at his ramen anymore; his eyes were locked on a figure across the street. I followed his gaze and saw a girl with vibrant red hair standing in the shadows of a closed storefront. She stood out even from this distance, mostly because of her clothes—heavy, tactical-looking fabrics layered under a dark trench coat. It looked way too practical for a casual night downtown. She was staring right at us, her silhouette sharp against the flickering neon lights.

  "Do you know her?" I asked, my voice dropping into that low, cautious tone I usually save for training.

  Ambrose glanced at her for a split second before snapping his head back toward me. His mood shifted instantly. That relaxed warmth from the arcade was gone, replaced by a flicker of something that looked a lot like fear—or maybe deep calculation.

  "No," he said, way too quickly. He forced a breezy smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "It’s probably just some random celebrity who doesn't want to be noticed. You know how they are, always hiding behind weird outfits."

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  I didn't buy the "celebrity" excuse for a second, but I knew better than to push a Thornveil who was clearly shutting down.

  "If you say so," I muttered, standing up and brushing the dirt off my pants. I noticed him checking his phone, his face falling as he read something.

  "Everything okay?"

  "Fine, fine," he sighed, his shoulders drooping. "It’s just... I have to go home soon. It makes me sad, honestly. I was actually having fun."

  I looked at him—the pouting, the slumped shoulders—and felt a pang of something that wasn't my usual annoyance. "You don’t have to pout about it. It’s just one night. There’s always next time."

  Ambrose’s head snapped up, his blue eyes wide. "Really!? You mean... you’d actually do this again?"

  I looked away, shoving my hands into my pockets to hide the fact that I was slightly embarrassed. "Yeah. I wouldn't mind. Beats sitting at home doing training."

  He beamed at me, a bit of that genuine light returning to his face. "I'll hold you to that, Hitori!"

  "Whatever. Come on, I'll have Luca drop you off. It's on the way."

  "No!" he blurted out. He quickly softened his voice. "I mean, no thanks. I can get home on my own. My... ride is already nearby. See you tomorrow, Hitori!" With a quick wave, he disappeared into the crowded sidewalk.