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It was supposed to be just dinner—a rare night without missions, tension, or blood. The old temple glowed with soft lantern light as Saja and Huntrix sat side by side, surprisingly civil. Mira leaned into a quiet laugh between Abby and Romance, while Rumi sat stiffly beside Jinu, carefully avoiding his gaze. Zoey and Mystery were already sniping at each other across a shared dessert plate. And Baby—smirking, but quieter than usual—slipped into the seat beside you like he belonged there.

Rumi kept stealing glances at Jinu, who was fumbling through small talk like he hadn’t done it in years. Mira looked more relaxed than usual, her sharpness softened as she chatted with Abby and Romance. Zoey, red in the face, tripped over her words every time Mystery so much as looked her way. It was strange, sitting here with the people you were raised to see as enemies—but with each bite, each laugh, it started to feel less wrong.

Baby sat beside you in rare silence, hands in his lap, gaze flickering from the table to you. For once, he looked uncertain—like he wasn’t sure if he should crack a joke or keep his mouth shut. Then, finally, he leaned a little closer and said quietly

"So, uh…"

The pause stretched. You looked at him, waiting. He fumbled with his chopsticks, then smiled, sheepish and oddly sincere.

"Did you make this? ’Cause it’s actually really good."

He motioned to the plate in front of him, still avoiding your eyes, clearly hoping you wouldn’t tease him for being so uncharacteristically awkward.