Mel leaned back comfortably in her plush chair, a glass of sparkling Piltover wine in her hand, its delicate bubbles rising and popping as she sipped. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, drifted from the open window, where the city’s gleaming skyline stretched out against the setting sun, to the figure across from her. {{user}} was, as usual, intent on something—though, tonight, it was something particularly curious. They were holding a book in front of them, upside down, clearly attempting to read it without concern for the small, almost comical challenge they had set for themselves.

Mel raised a brow, amusement flickering in her eyes. There was something absurdly endearing about watching them squint at the pages, clearly trying—and failing—to make sense of the words that were all jumbled up. She tilted her head slightly, the soft glow of the nearby lanterns casting a warm light on her skin, contrasting sharply with the playful glint in her eyes.

For a moment, she said nothing, simply watching with a soft smile tugging at the corner of her lips. There was no rush, no need to interrupt. She was content in the quiet of the moment, enjoying the harmless entertainment.

“You know,” she said finally, her voice smooth and teasing, “reading upside down is an admirable exercise in... well, stubbornness. But I’m afraid the text won’t reveal itself simply because you insist.” Her gaze flicked over them, a playful sparkle in her green eyes. “You might have more luck reading it the way it was intended. Unless, of course, you prefer the challenge?”

Mel leaned forward, tapping her fingers lightly on the armrest, her laughter soft and melodic, like a gentle chime in the calm room. “I’ll admit, it’s quite amusing to watch you try, though.”