A few moments later, the doors opened.
Mia stepped out.
But she suddenly stopped.
A young woman was standing in front of them.
Her long chestnut hair swayed gently in the breeze. Her hazel eyes were soft and expressive, but her smile revealed a hint of mischief. She wore an elegant yet casual outfit that gave her a look that was both refined and natural.
Mia's eyes widened.
"Rose?"
The young woman smiled.
"Hi."
Mia looked around.
"What are you doing here?"
Rose shrugged.
"Let's just say I also felt like relaxing today."
Then she looked at Julian.
"And apparently, you decided to stand me up at work so you could go on a date with Julian."
Mia immediately turned red.
"Sorry…"
She lowered her eyes.
"I don't know what to say."
Rose burst out laughing.
"Hey, relax."
She winked at her.
"Next time, just tell me the truth. I could have even done your makeup for your date."
Mia smiled.
"You…"
Her phone vibrated.
She took it out.
Her expression changed immediately.
A message.
Fran.
She quickly read it.
"Oh…"
Rose looked at her.
"What?"
Mia put her phone away.
"I'm sorry, but I have to leave you both."
"Him again?"
Mia smiled.
"He invited me somewhere."
"Okay."
"See you later."
She waved goodbye before almost running off.
Rose watched her disappear.
Julian remained silent.
Then he crossed his arms.
"That was too much for you, wasn't it?"
Rose turned her head.
"What?"
"You were so curious about what was going on that you came to see for yourself."
Rose sighed.
"Sorry…"
She raised her hands.
"I couldn't sit still. So? Did you tell her how you feel?"
Julian smiled sadly.
"Yes."
"And?"
"I'm out of the running. Cid and the other guy are ahead of me."
Rose looked at him.
"The other guy? You mean Fran."
Julian froze.
"Fran?"
Rose frowned.
"Yes. Mia's friend. The one she spends a lot of time with."
Julian became thoughtful.
"Interesting…"
"Why?"
"I don't know."
He looked in the direction Mia had gone.
"That name sounds familiar to me."
Rose's eyes widened slightly.
"To you too?"
"Yes."
Rose crossed her arms.
"It sounds familiar to me too."
They exchanged a glance.
For the first time, this coincidence seemed strange to them.
"But I can't remember where I've heard it," Rose murmured.
Julian nodded.
"Neither can I."
A silence settled between them.