Luna was still hiding her face in her arms, cheeks blazing. Asher sat back smugly, convinced he'd scored points, while Zane just leaned on his palm, bored again.
That's when Celeste leaned forward across the table, eyes gleaming.
"Alright then… do me next."
The table froze.
Zane blinked at her, completely expressionless. Then, flatly:
"No thank you."
Celeste's smirk twitched. "What do you mean 'no thank you'?!"
"I mean," Zane said lazily, "this whole circus act was just to mess with Asher. What exactly do I gain from flirting with you?"
Mira let out a pfft, almost choking on her drink. Asher, however, slapped the table. "Finally, someone puts you in your place, Celeste."
Celeste narrowed her eyes at Zane. "What if I pay you?"
Zane tilted his head. "Do I look broke to you? I literally have a storage ring I haven't even finished exploring yet."
Celeste puffed out her cheeks in frustration, then sighed, slumping back in her chair. "Ugh, fine. I give up."
But Zane, for no reason at all, suddenly looked at her and muttered a one-liner, almost offhand:
"...Though, I'll admit, the way you pout could bankrupt kingdoms."
Celeste froze, eyes widening. Then her face lit up in an uncharacteristic blush as she coughed into her fist. "...W-well, at least you have some taste."
Asher groaned. "Why are you rewarding him?! Don't give him that satisfaction!"
Zane smirked and leaned back, folding his arms.
"Still bored."
The table groaned in unison.