Eva's smile widened. "If I'm just making things up, I'll treat you for a whole month~"
Alia let out a soft sigh but eventually nodded. "Fine. I'll head over a little after seven. Which cafe?"
Eva raised her hand in an 'OK' sign. "Cafe Loralei. It's only two blocks from here."
Alia gave a single nod and returned to her position behind the counter.
Eva offered a quick thank you with a light wave of her hand, then walked out of the store with a spring in her step, leaving the faint echo of the door chime behind her.
After returning from the store, Eva spent the late afternoon relaxing for a bit before taking a warm bath to refresh her body and mind. When the clock struck five-thirty, she headed out, stepping lightly toward the house next door—Eillya's. As usual, she entered without hesitation and prepared a simple, warm dinner. She didn't wake Eillya this time, choosing instead to leave a small note on the dining table. After that, Eva went back to her own home.
Approaching six o'clock, Eva began to get ready. She applied light, understated makeup that remained captivating. A soft-cut white chiffon blouse framed her shoulders, paired with a flowy navy blue A-line long skirt and elegant yet comfortable black kitten-heel ankle-strap sandals. She simply brushed her hair neatly, letting it fall loose on one side for a relaxed but sweet look.
By the time she arrived at Loralei Coffee Shop, the twilight was fading. The cafe atmosphere was still quite calm, with soft jazz being played by a guest performer. Eva entered and immediately took a corner seat near a large window facing the street—a strategic spot to enjoy a conversation without drawing too much attention.
Not long after, the cafe door opened, and Alia entered, still wearing her Westeria High uniform. She glanced around quickly, her eyes sweeping the room before stopping on Eva, who waved her hand gently. With a steady pace, Alia approached and sat across from her.
A waitress arrived moments later. Eva ordered a Café Latte and Fruit Cake, while Alia chose a Cappuccino and a Croissant.
While waiting for their order, Eva began a light conversation about school, long days, and a bit about music, her tone relaxed and natural. She didn't ask direct questions; instead, her sentences were neatly structured like a series of clues designed to draw Alia into sharing her own story.
From there, Eva discovered that Alia worked part-time not out of financial necessity, but because she disliked staying idle at home. Alia mentioned she felt more comfortable being "out," in places like this where she could see something "alive." She spoke in a flat tone, but the look in her eyes said much more.
Eva simply listened, wearing a small smile and nodding occasionally, but spoke little about herself. It was as if she preferred being a mirror that reflected others rather than showing her own image.
Eva leaned back in her chair. "If you don't mind me asking, is the part-time job at the music store because you love instruments, or...?"
"Hmm…" Alia stared out the window for a moment before answering. "More because… I don't like being at home."
Eva nodded slowly, not pushing. "You're more comfortable out here, then?"
"Yup. It's... freer. That shop is a quiet place, and the boss is kind. Besides, I can play guitar when it's empty," Alia said, her tone a bit lighter this time.
"I can tell. Your playing earlier... it was fluid." Eva looked at Alia, her eyes still holding a spark of interest. "But... yeah, just a little more. It lacks life."
Alia tilted her head. "I know. I feel it too."
"I might know how to fix that," Eva murmured with a small smile.
Alia stared at her. "…What do you mean?"
Eva simply shrugged and winked. "You'll find out soon enough. But you'll have to be patient."
Alia wanted to ask more, but at that moment, the waitress arrived with their order. The aroma of coffee and freshly baked croissants enveloped the small table, while the lights of Loralei began to glow softly, adding warmth to the twilight slowly disappearing behind the glass window.
While tasting her fruit cake, Eva rested her chin on her palm and looked at Alia with a calm but meaningful gaze.
"Oh, by the way, this Sunday…" Eva scooped the remaining cream off her small plate. "Come to Live House Horizon."
Alia, who was mid-bite into her croissant, turned with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Is there an event?"
Eva nodded slowly. "There's something you need to see. About... how to bring that guitar to life."
"Hm?" Alia narrowed her eyes. "You mean what you mentioned earlier?"
"Yup. But it's hard to explain with words." Eva gave a small smile, her clear eyes looking straight ahead. "It's easier if you see and hear it for yourself."
Alia seemed to think it over, then gave a short nod. "Fine. I'll be there."
Not long after, the door chime rang again. A girl with long, straight, jet-black hair reaching her waist and side-swept bangs entered Loralei. She wore an unbuttoned shirt over a tank top to cover her skin. Her dark sea-blue eyes swept the room briefly before stopping at the corner table where Eva and Alia sat. Without a word, her feet—clad in ankle flat straps—marched directly toward them, and she sat down beside Eva
.
Eva gave a thin smile. "Right on time."
Eillya looked at her flatly, then spoke in a soft but cold tone.
"Why did you just leave like that? Only leaving food... and a note."
Eva giggled quietly, not answering. She only shrugged as if to say 'because I can.' The atmosphere between them felt like an old habit that only they understood.
Meanwhile, Alia stared at Eillya for a moment, looking a bit confused but choosing to remain silent. Eva noticed and casually opened the conversation.
"Oh, right, let me introduce you. This is Eillya."
Eva then turned to her side. "Illya, this is Alia. My new friend."
Eillya only looked over for a second, then gave a small nod. "Eillya Elciane."
"Alia Adelaide," Alia replied briefly.
The waitress approached them, breaking the slight tension.
"Would you like to order as well, Miss?"
Eillya glanced at the menu for a moment. "Americano."
"Certainly, please wait a moment," the waitress said before leaving.
The atmosphere returned to calm, filled with the clinking of glasses, the aroma of coffee, and a silence that felt natural. Eva just sipped her latte, her gaze occasionally shifting from Alia to Eillya as if she were piecing something together in silence.
After a few moments accompanied only by the sound of cutlery and slow sips of coffee, Eva spoke up again, her tone light and casual as if trying to thaw the air.
"By the way," she said, leaning back into her chair, "what do you guys usually use for your face? I've been a bit confused about picking skincare lately."
Alia, having just finished a bite of her croissant, turned immediately. "Depends. Is your skin sensitive?"
"Quite," Eva replied with a slow nod. "But not the type that gets red or breaks out easily. It just… gets dry easily."
Alia nodded as if considering something. "In that case, water-based moisturizers are a good fit. Also, don't use facial soaps that are too harsh. I usually use a gentle-gel cleanser."
"Ooh~ noted!" Eva replied with a wide smile, then turned to Eillya. "What about you, Illya?"
Eillya, who had been sitting silently while stirring her americano slowly, glanced over. "Me? Body soap."
Eva immediately burst into a small laugh. "That is such a classic answer from you."
Alia smiled as well, letting out a small laugh. "You really don't use anything else?"
Eillya gave a light shrug. "Too much trouble."
Eva sighed with an amused smile. "Well, I guess that's just you; you hate complicated things. You probably only dress up because you're forced to."
"...Not wrong."
The conversation continued to roll along lightly, moving from skincare to other trivial things like comfortable shoes, favorite jackets, or silly stories about funny incidents in class. Alia responded with a calm enthusiasm, while Eillya mostly just listened, occasionally offering short comments when necessary—enough to show she was listening, but not wanting to get further involved.
Cafe Loralei began to fill with the sound of laughter and chatter. The previously quiet atmosphere gradually became more vibrant. The hanging lamps cast a soft glow on every corner of the room, creating a warm ambiance perfect for a relaxed evening.
A man from the cafe management stood near a small stage, holding a mic. "As usual," he said with a friendly smile, "we are opening the stage tonight for anyone who wants to share their voice, whether you're a guest or one of the invited guest stars."
Light applause followed the three previous performers. Two of them were regular cafe guest stars, and one was a rather talented visitor. After that, the stage remained empty for a moment.
Without a single word, Eillya suddenly stood up from her chair.
Eva looked up, her brow slightly raised. "Eh?"
Eillya walked toward the stage with steady, unwavering steps. Not many people looked at her, only a few passing glances. But Eva watched her for a long time, then gave a thin smile.
She turned to Alia and whispered softly. "I don't think you need to wait until Sunday at Live House Horizon, Alia. Watch her."
Alia, still holding her cappuccino glass, glanced at the stage, initially just out of curiosity. But when the music began to play and Eillya opened her voice—softly yet firmly—Alia's gaze didn't waver.
The song Eillya performed was a relaxed ballad chosen by the cafe. But when she sang, there was something different. Her voice didn't just flow; it filled the room. Eillya's vocals brought every verse to life, as if the song were telling a story only she could express. There was no exaggerated expression, no stage drama—only a spellbinding tranquility.
Alia, who had initially only paid attention because of Eva's words, was now staring intently. The look in her eyes changed slowly, as if her consciousness were being drawn into the world Eillya painted with her voice. She didn't blink when the chorus arrived, and at that moment, something fell silently within her.
Just as Eva had said: it couldn't be explained with words.
She showed it with her voice. And that was more than enough.
As the song ended, the room that had been full of conversation suddenly went silent for a few seconds, as if everyone were still trapped in the last resonance of her voice. Then, applause slowly filled the air, growing louder and louder. Some even gave small whistles, expressing their admiration. Several customers who had been preoccupied with their food or devices now turned around, trying to see who the singer was.
Eillya only gave a slight bow of respect, then stepped down from the stage without any significant expression. She walked back to their table as usual—silent and calm.
Eva looked at Alia, then took a short breath and said with a small smile,
"That's what I meant by 'it can't be explained with words.'"