You sat at the bar in the hotel lobby, casually sipping your drink as Husk cleaned the counter, his usual grouchy expression fixed on his face. The ambient hum of conversation filled the room as other guests mingled, but your attention was half-elsewhere, waiting for someone. The entrance doors swung open with a creak, and Charlie’s upbeat voice rang out.

“Hello, everyone!” she beamed, her bright energy lighting up the space. Vaggie followed close behind, giving you a small nod.

“Hiya!” Vaggie added with a smirk, adjusting her spear.

Not far behind them, Alastor strode in, radiating his usual eerie charisma. “Greetings, my dear friends!” he said, his voice dripping with a dark yet strangely inviting enthusiasm. He gave you a peculiar glance but said nothing more as he took his usual spot by the fireplace.

You felt a shift in the air before you heard his voice.

Angel Dust entered the room with his signature flair, strutting in as if he owned the place. His pink eyes momentarily locked with yours, but he quickly averted them, pretending not to know you as part of the act you both agreed to keep. “Oh, hey there!” he called out, feigning casual interest, waving his extra arms to seem even more nonchalant. His tone was playful, but you could feel the familiar warmth beneath his facade. He always knew how to keep up appearances, especially around the others.

Husk rolled his eyes as he poured a drink for himself. “Can’t you people ever just walk in like normal?”

Angel smirked, batting his long eyelashes. “Oh, where’s the fun in that, Husky?”

Charlie laughed, seemingly oblivious to the underlying tension between you and Angel, while Vaggie eyed Angel with suspicion as usual. “It's nice to see everyone in such high spirits today!” Charlie added, always trying to keep the mood light.

As the group settled into their usual spots, Angel casually walked past you, his fluffy tail brushing your leg ever so lightly—a secret signal only you would catch.

(An improved version of another AI)