Sona's POV__
Today was the café's reopening day.
Coffee Corner didn't just reopen—
it transformed into something new, something unique, something that felt like ours.
Every one of us had put our hands, our ideas, our effort into it, and I was sure this place was going to grow into something beautiful.
And honestly… I can't deny it.
Aria's idea was brilliant.
Sometimes I seriously feel like she's some goddess sent from the heavens just to rebuild our khss.
And the way Zorvath promoted it?
That was another miracle on its own.
Ever since that incident, Zorvath had been… different.
Duller.
Quieter.
Heavy, like he was carrying a burden too big for his shoulders.
Then he had to step up and become the leader, and all of it just dragged him deeper down.
I watched it all silently from afar.
But now…
I'm finally seeing people's faces brightening again.
Even his.
Slowly, little by little, he's coming back to life.
And—without meaning to—aria's every step, every decision, every tiny movement keeps reminding us of her.
My best friend.
I miss you.
Where are you now?
I can't even come and visit…
and I know even if I did, nothing would change.
That's the only reason I'm not trying.
Otherwise, no matter where in this world you were, I would run to you.
I'm waiting for your return, my friend.
My only queen.
I whispered that to myself.
And that's when she walked in.
Aria.
For one second, I almost took back my own words.
She walked in… looking like a queen herself.
Dressed in a white, elegant full-length outfit.
Yes, we all agreed to wear white—but Aria had a different aura wrapped around her.
Something sharp. Mature. Powerful.
She looked like a businesswoman stepping into her empire.
A modern queen.
And I couldn't stop staring at her.
Her glowing face…
her blue eyes sparkling under the lights…
Those eyes—they reminded me of her too.
I rushed toward Aria the moment she stepped in, grabbed her hands tightly, and shot a glare at Ruby—who was staring at us with full-blown jealousy.
She had been trying so hard to stay close to Aria , and I was not going to give her that chance.
Aria is my best friend.
My only one.
And Ruby… she just wants attention.
Being younger than me doesn't mean I have to act gentle with her all the time, right?
Absolutely not.
I turned back to Aria and almost laughed under my breath.
"Oh, look at your eyes," I said dramatically, wiping a fake tear. "Still wandering around searching for someone."
She shot me an annoyed look.
Of course she did.
I just smirked.
"Don't worry, don't worry… Zorvath is here."
The moment his name left my lips, I saw it—
the tiny spark of brightness spreading across her face.
I smiled under my braids and nudged her chin lightly, then pointed at him.
Zorvath was standing near Mirzand, the two of them talking about something serious.
Soon Farhan joined them, his arms full of posters—
the final promotion posters, the big reveal of our café's identity.
Earlier posters were all hints:
different corners, different vibes, different styles.
But this time… this poster was the one.
The proper one.
The one that would show the world exactly where Cafe Corner is.
Authors' POV__
Soon, Coffee Corner began to breathe again—
alive, warm, and filled with movement.
The kitchen squad was already at work, preparing delicious food, baking cakes, and getting the coffee machines ready.
Everything had to be set before 10 PM sharp, the official reopening time.
They had made a pledge:
discipline, timing, and consistency.
Closing time was set for 3 AM, and today's working squad was almost everyone.
Of course, not all ninety-four students were present,
but a large number had showed up since it was the café's first day back.
Some students worked in the kitchen, some were cleaning,
some checked the outdoor decorations,
some planned the night vibe,
some discussed next month's theme,
and others focused on the final promotion.
Inside the promotion team were Sona, Mirzand, Farhan, and a few more students.
Farhan, being the in-charge, gathered the posters and left in a car with his team to distribute them across town.
A little while later, Sona and Mirzand stepped out as well.
Sona stayed right beside Aria, whispering one thing after another into her ears—
quick comments, small instructions, tiny jokes—
but Aria wasn't really listening.
Aria stood near the doorway, her gaze fixed somewhere far away,
lost deep in her own thoughts, as if the world around her had turned quiet.
Inside the café, rithul was there in a corner watching , sat silently, sipping coffee and observing everything with calm anticipation.
And finally, after receiving the last call from Mirzand,
Sona leaned forward and whispered one more thing softly into Aria's ear.
Aria's POV____
I was staring at him again.
I knew I was staring too much, but I couldn't help it.
Zorvath was talking to two students about something probably scolding, as usual—but I wasn't listening to a single word.
Today was supposed to be a wonderful day.
The first day of Cafe Corner's reopening.
A celebration.
A fresh start.
But out of everyone here, I was the most careless one.
I wished I could focus… be active… be useful like everyone else.
But instead, all I could do was watch him.
What he was doing.
Why he looked so serious.
What was going through his head.
And more than anything…
Why wasn't he looking at me?
Usually he glances at me at least a hundred times.
Even when he pretends he's not.
Even when he acts like he's angry at the whole world.
But today…
not even once.
Not even a blink in my direction.
It stung more than I expected.
I was still staring at Zorvath when Sona leaned into my ear again.
"If you love him, then just go and confress."
I blinked.
Love him?
What? No. No, no—
Do I?
I turned to look at Sona, my throat tight, unable to say anything.
She didn't push.
She just smiled—like she knew something I didn't—and climbed into Mirzand's car.
They drove away, leaving me standing alone at the entrance of Coffee Corner.
Inside, Zorvath was still with those two students, talking seriously.
And in the corner…
Rithul.
Sitting quietly, sipping his coffee.
Watching me.
He always watches everything.
Like some kind of god who sees straight through people.
I knew he understood exactly what was happening inside me,
even the things I didn't want to admit to myself.
And I hated that.
But… what did Sona say?
Did she really mean it?
Does everyone think that I—
No.
No way.
I don't love Zorvath.
I can't.
If I love Zorvath, then what about…
No.
No, I shouldn't even think that far.
I don't love that fool.
…right?