(Sorry for being inactive)

Flora balanced the tray on her hand, pretending not to notice the familiar pair of eyes watching her. She kept her head down, taking orders like any other night, until a voice cut through the noise.

“Flora.”

She froze. Slowly, she turned. Riki stood by the counter, arms crossed, his tone too casual. “So this is where you’ve been hiding.”

She forced a smile. “Just working. People move on, you know.”

But his gaze lingered, sharp, searching. “You? Working as a waitress?” He shook his head. “You always hated being around people. There’s no way you’d choose this.”

Flora’s fingers tightened around the tray. “Maybe I changed.”

“Or maybe you’re hiding something.” His eyes softened as they flicked to her stomach, subtle but knowing. “Flora… tell me I’m wrong.”

Her throat tightened. She whispered, barely audible, “I didn’t want you to find out like this.”

Silence stretched, heavy between them. Then he laughed softly, a little broken. “Fate really has a sick sense of humor, huh?”

For the first time all night, Flora let herself meet his eyes. And in that moment, neither of them could pretend anymore.