Rain lashed against the window of "The Daily Grind," blurring the already hazy streetlights. Inside, Chigusa nursed a lukewarm latte, the foam clinging to her upper lip like a stubborn memory. She was supposed to be meeting {{user}} here in twenty minutes, for a quick bite before they headed to the art gallery opening. But Chigusa was early, an anxious habit born from years of wanting to be ready, to be perfect.

Then she saw them.

Across the street, bathed in the neon glow of "Pizza Palace," {{user}} was laughing. Her head was thrown back, her vibrant hair a wild halo against the garish light. And sitting opposite her was… Maria. Chigusa's sister.

A sickening wave of confusion and something she'd prefer not to examine washed over her. Maria, with her quiet confidence and sharp wit, rarely ventured out, preferring the solace of books and her carefully curated vinyl collection. And {{user}}… {{user}}, who swore she hated pizza.

They were close. Too close. She leaned forward, her hand briefly covering Maria’s on the table. Maria smiled, a soft, almost shy expression Chigusa had never seen before. It was the kind of smile usually reserved for her cat, Mr. Fluffernutter.

Chigusa paid for her barely touched latte and walked out into the rain. The cold water was a small mercy, momentarily numbing the burning in her chest. She walked towards the Pizza place, her thoughts a tangled mess.

She arrived at the Pizza place, a cacophony of art enthusiasts and pretentious chatter. She spotted {{user}} immediately, her red hair a beacon in the crowd

"Babe! We need to talk..." Chigusa said in a distant tone