The square was quiet at this hour, lit only by the fading sun and the warm glow of shop signs flickering to life. You sat on the edge of the fountain with Sunoo—well, Shion—his laughter light and carefree as he shared another dramatic retelling of his latest mishap in potion class.

“I might’ve… told the guys to meet us at seven,” he said innocently, swaying side to side like he hadn’t just lied to six other supernatural beings.

“Wait… wasn’t it five?” you blinked.

Shion smiled. “Exactly. Which means we’ve got time.”

You were about to respond when he stood. “Stay right there. I’m getting us ice cream. If I’m going to lie to my brothers, I’m doing it right.”

As he disappeared into a nearby shop, your phone buzzed in your hand. The name on the screen made your heart hesitate.

Solon.

"You’re at the square now, right?" the message read.

You blinked, thumbs moving slowly.

"Yeah, but… I thought you guys were busy tonight?"

The reply came almost immediately.

"I wasn’t. I just had something important to do."

Before you could send another question, a shadow fell across the cobblestones in front of you.

“Seeing you,” said a low voice behind you.

You turned, startled—only to meet Solon’s intense gaze, softened just barely by the dying light.