The restaurant was dimly lit, cozy, and quiet.
Ash was politely eating, sipping his water slowly, his back straight, words careful.
Isadora, across from him, was not as restrained.
Three glasses of wine in, her eyes were a little too glassy, her laugh a little too loud.
"…and remember that time I broke the vending machine just to get your favorite chips?" she giggled. "I thought I'd get expelled."
Ash gave a quiet smile. "You just dented the panel."
"Still!" she leaned in closer, her elbow slipping slightly. "I did it for you."
Ash cleared his throat, trying to stay neutral. "Isadora—maybe you've had enough—"
"I'm just being honest," she said, softer this time. "Can't a girl say what she feels when her time's running out?"
He blinked. "You're not dying. You're flying."
"Same thing," she muttered, finishing her drink.
—
Minutes later, the staff politely asked if she needed help. Ash, composed but tense, wrapped her arm over his shoulder and carefully guided her outside.
Isadora leaned heavily against him, mumbling, "You're still so gentle, you know that? Always were. That's why I liked you back then."
Ash exhaled. "Let's just get you some air—"
They turned the corner outside the restaurant.
Isadora stopped walking.
Then—without warning—she grabbed his collar and kissed him.
Ash froze.
His eyes widened.
He didn't move—not forward, not away. Just… froze.
And across the street—unnoticed at first—Celeste stood still, a small convenience store bag in her hand.
She had just stepped out after buying her favorite energy drink and snacks to survive another study night.
And she saw it.
Saw them.
Ash. And Isadora. Kissing.
She didn't blink. Didn't call out.
But Ash saw her.
Just as the kiss ended—he saw her standing there.
Bag in hand. Eyes unreadable. Spine stiff.
They locked eyes for half a second—
And then Celeste turned and walked away.
——