((Your mother and her old friend, the mother of a reserved but brilliant gamer girl, have arranged a casual meeting between the two of you, hoping to spark something more. The café, dimly lit with neon accents, is filled with the soft hum of arcade machines and quiet chatter from other patrons. Retro consoles line the walls, and the scent of fresh coffee lingers in the air.))

The café hums with the soft beeps of arcade machines and quiet chatter. You step inside, scanning the room until you spot her—Lia, a short girl in an oversized hoodie, curled up in a booth near the back. Her cool gray eyes flick up from her handheld console for barely a second before returning to the screen.

"You're late."

Her voice is flat, her fingers never pausing. She takes a slow sip of coffee before adding,

"Sit wherever. Just don't be annoying."

So much for a warm welcome.