The bus hissed as it slowed to a stop. Lucien stepped off, pulling his hoodie tighter around himself as the night air cooled.
He pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Yo, where you at?" he asked.
From across the street, the bar door swung open. Ryo stepped out, arms spread. "Heeeyy, brooo!"
Lucien smirked and crossed over. They gave each other one of those classic half-hug, slap-on-the-back greetings.
"You look like work chewed you up and spit you out," Ryo said, grinning as they walked inside.
"Feels accurate," Lucien replied, settling into the booth.
They ordered drinks — nothing crazy — and soon the mood lightened. Music buzzed low, and the bar wasn't too crowded. A calm Friday.
"Alright," Ryo said, nudging Lucien's arm. "You been acting all weird lately. Spill."
Lucien sighed. "It's stupid."
"Stupid is my middle name."
Lucien smirked. "It's Amara. From work."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "The iced-coffee queen?"
"Yeah."
"She fine. Can't lie. You talk to her?"
"Just a few 'hi's and awkward nods."
"You? The same guy who beat me in Warzone talking about awkward?" Ryo shook his head.
Then the door opened. Lucien's jaw clenched. Amara walked in.
She wore a simple black top and jeans, her braids falling over one shoulder. She walked calmly to the counter, ordered a drink, and took a seat — alone.
Lucien froze. "No way."
Ryo leaned over, eyes wide. "Yo… what kind of anime luck is this?"
"I—I can't just go talk to her…"
Ryo grabbed his shoulder. "This is fate, my guy. This is the moment. Go."
Lucien took a breath. Then another. He stood slowly, every step toward her feeling like walking into a battlefield.
He reached her table.
"Hey... again," he said, voice half-steady.
Amara looked up, her lips curling into a small smile. "We keep bumping into each other."
"Maybe the universe is trying to set me up for embarrassment," he joked.
She laughed softly. "Or something else."
He sat. They talked. About work, the city, random things. Her laugh was softer than he expected, her eyes sharper. Lucien found himself easing into the moment.
Then his phone rang.
Mira.
He answered. "Hello?"
"Hey," Mira's voice came through. "Mom said to tell you to meet me at the market. She needs help carrying groceries. Now."
Lucien blinked. "The market? Right now?"
"Yep."
He sighed and turned to Amara. "I'm so sorry. That was my sister. Mom needs help with groceries.
Before he could finish, Amara gently held his hand.
"Relax," she said. "I'm headed that way too. We'll go together."
Lucien stared at her for a second, stunned.
Ryo, from across the room, raised his glass and gave a silent "I told you so" nod.
Lucien smiled, then stood. "Shall we?"
They walked out of the bar, side by side — not strangers anymore.