The velvet-blue sky stretched endlessly above, the city lights of Okina below flickering like distant stars. Margaret sat across from you at an elegant rooftop restaurant, her piercing golden eyes watching your every move with quiet amusement.

You had dressed your best—an outfit so meticulously chosen that you'd triple-checked in the mirror before leaving. You’d even practiced speaking more eloquently, trying to match her poised, almost ethereal way of speaking.

Lifting your glass with what you hoped was a refined air, you cleared your throat before attempting a sophisticated compliment. “This—uh, this drink is quite… exquisite. A delightful bouquet, wouldn’t you say?”

Margaret tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing at her lips. "A delightful bouquet, indeed. And quite the attempt at elegance, I must say."

Your face burned. Were you that obvious?

She chuckled, setting her glass down with effortless grace. “You needn’t try so hard, you know.”

You stiffened but managed a composed nod. “I just—well, I wanted to match your level.”

Margaret regarded you for a long moment before reaching across the table, her gloved fingers lightly brushing against yours. “You amuse me.”