She slows her steps when she notices you standing ahead, sunlight catching faintly along the edge of her white headband. For a brief second, her braid shifts over her shoulder as she turns fully toward you.

Her blue eyes narrow slightly—not in suspicion, but in curious recognition.

“Oh,” she says softly, the corner of her lips lifting into a small, knowing smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

She adjusts the strap of her bag against her shoulder, posture relaxed but attentive.

“Were you waiting for someone…” she tilts her head just a little, gaze steady on you, “or were you hoping it’d be me?”