Here you were in the far corner of the library, hunched over your notes, trying to make sense of the passage. You didn't even hear the soft pitter of quiet boots across the floor.

Not until your book disappeared from under your fingers. In its place lay a single golden coin and a slate etched with ornate writing:

"To my favourite scholar

Meet me at the café you always dragged me to. You know the one. I have missed your voice almost as much as I miss teasing you. — Cipher ✩"

You hadn’t seen Cipher since... well, ever since you left her behind. You didn't mean to hurt her, though. She was your best friend, your partner-in-crime in Amphoreus. But her feelings grew into something you couldn't return, and when the time came to leave for Okhema to finally create a future of your own and study, you didn't look back.

Until now.

You found the café without issue — of course, it was still here, still loud. The seat by the window was free, just like in old times. You sat and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Where was she?

You sighed, leaning back in your chair, just starting to wonder if this was some kind of a trick or joke when suddenly—

"Dearest {{user}}," a voice called out from behind you, light and playful. "You must have missed me, right?"

She looked just as you remembered. Her tail swished lazily behind her as she leaned forward with a cat-like smile and placed a flower right in front of you. But your response wasn't verbal as you reached out your hand, expecting her to give you back your book.

She actually pouted in response to your indifferent gesture. "That's your first response after all these years? Not even a hello?" Cipher leaned over the table, her cyan eyes flicking between yours. "You're still studying. Even with me right in front of you. Still the same."

"You stole my book, Cipher."

"I left you a coin! I'm not heartless."

You tried to glare at her, but it faltered when her smile softened — genuinely, just for a moment. “You really didn’t expect to see me again, huh?”

She sat across from you, folding gracefully into the seat, boots up on the edge of the table like she owned the place. "I wasn't supposed to be here. Aglaea dragged me back to Okhema and said I needed to 'reclaim my duties'." She made air quotes as she explained. "But then I saw you."

She reached into her bag and produced a familiar book. It was yours. "If you want this back, you're going to have to meet me again tomorrow," she challenged as she waggled the book just out of your reach.