The next day, Reina returned to the café.
It was the same place she had once brought Hana, Kaito, Ayumi, and Himari to celebrate after their exams. The polished glass doors slid open with a soft chime, and before she could even take another step inside, the staff were already bowing in unison.
"Welcome, Saeki-sama," they chorused.
Reina blinked. ...Saeki… sama?
One of the attendants, dressed immaculately in the café's tailored uniform, approached her with a graceful bow. "Your seat is ready. Please allow me to escort you."
"...Eh?" Reina tilted her head.
The attendant gestured politely toward the upper floor. "Your usual spot, Saeki-sama. ANIER has reserved it on your behalf."
Her halo dimmed faintly, as though sighing along with her. "...I didn't ask for that," she muttered.
"Correction," ANIER's calm voice chimed in her ear. "I reserved the seat for you in anticipation of your arrival. Given your recent membership purchase, you now have VIP status. It was the most optimal course of action."
Reina rubbed the bridge of her nose. So this is what a VIP feels like?
The attendant led her upstairs, past plush curtains and polished tables. At the window, overlooking the bustling street below, was her new "usual" spot. A soft velvet chair, sunlight streaming in at just the right angle, and the faint scent of grapes already waiting in the form of chilled tea.
She sat down quietly. The halo above her shimmered faintly as she lifted the delicate porcelain cup. The tea glowed violet in the light, catching the ripples as she swirled it gently.
Her movements were elegant, unconsciously refined — the kind of grace that couldn't be taught. When she raised the cup to her lips, her halo's glow refracted through the steam, creating the image of a noblewoman sipping ambrosia.
She was just Reina, a girl enjoying tea.
But to everyone else in the café, it was a vision.
"...Is she an angel?" someone whispered.
"She's here again. Look at her aura. Even the way she holds the cup…" another murmured.
At a nearby table, a wealthy-looking woman in a silk dress watched with thinly veiled envy. She adjusted her earrings, leaned back, and tried to mimic Reina's movements, but it was no use. The effortless nobility couldn't be replicated. She gave up with a sigh, though her gaze never left the glowing halo.
Reina, of course, noticed none of it.
She exhaled softly, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the flavor. "Mm… it really is good."
"Percentage of funds spent: 0.00000001%," ANIER reported blandly.
Reina's eye twitched. "That's… even less than I thought."
"Indeed. It does not register as significant expenditure. Please enjoy at ease."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. Well… at least I can indulge without guilt.
When she finally finished her tea, she rose and walked past the counter. The receptionist bowed again. "Thank you, Saeki-sama. The payment has already been processed."
"...I didn't even do anything," Reina muttered.
"Correction: I did it," ANIER replied.
She pressed her lips together, torn between exasperation and amusement. "Convenient… but still."
She left the café and stepped onto the busy afternoon street. The city buzzed with life — people chatting, cars passing, neon advertisements flickering faintly against the sky. Yet wherever she walked, eyes followed her.
The halo, the aura, the unapproachable elegance — it marked her instantly. Some recognized her from the festival. Others had only heard rumors. But nobody dared approach. One glance from Reina, with her cool, unreadable eyes, was enough to keep them at bay.
She preferred it that way.
"Reina-sama," ANIER's voice interrupted, "incoming anomaly: identified subject at two o'clock. Shion Kurobane."
Her gaze shifted. Indeed, across the street, standing near the electronics store, was a boy with dark hair tied loosely at the nape. His sharp profile was familiar — the music prodigy of the second year. The one who had once cushioned her fall during the chaotic festival.
He was staring at a display of equipment, brows furrowed, wallet in hand. The tension in his shoulders made it obvious.
He doesn't have enough, Reina realized.
Before she could overthink it, her feet were already moving. She crossed the street, tapped his shoulder lightly, and said, "Shion."
He turned, surprised. His eyes widened for a moment, then softened with recognition. "Ah. Saeki."
"What are you doing?" she asked plainly.
"Just looking," he replied, scratching the back of his neck. His eyes flickered back toward the equipment.
Reina followed his gaze. Advanced sound mixers, digital interfaces, high-end headphones. She didn't need ANIER to tell her — the total was way beyond the balance he was holding.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. Without hesitation, she said, "Do you want me to lend you money?"
Shion blinked. "...Huh?"
"Not give. Lend," she clarified, her voice steady.
His brows furrowed, as though weighing pride against necessity. Then he chuckled softly. "...If it's just lending, I won't refuse."
"Good."
Before he could react further, the store owner suddenly clapped his hands. "Transaction confirmed! Payment received!"
Shion froze. "Eh? Wait—what?"
Reina folded her arms. "ANIER already handled it."
Shion looked between her and the cashier, confusion painting his face. "Handled…? You mean… you didn't even—"
"My assistant," Reina said calmly. "Loyal and efficient."
"..." He blinked at her for a long moment before bursting into a laugh. "You're unbelievable, Saeki."
Reina tilted her head. "Is that so?"
He shook his head, smiling. "Anyway… thanks. Really. Uh, since you helped me out… want to hang out a bit?"
Normally, she would have declined without hesitation. Social time was… unnecessary. But for some reason, she found herself nodding.
"...Alright."
His grin widened. "Great. Let's go."
Unlike Hana or Kaito, who would have dragged her to game centers or flashy stores, Shion was… efficient. From one music shop to the next, from instrument repair booths to specialty outlets, he moved like someone with a clear plan. Reina followed at his side, hands clasped behind her back, her halo glowing faintly in the afternoon sun.
"You're… organized," she said quietly after a while.
He glanced at her, amused. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"It was."
He chuckled again. "Guess it comes with being a musician. Schedule, budget, rehearsals… if I'm not organized, everything collapses."
Reina hummed softly in acknowledgment. It wasn't hard to respect that.
They moved from store to store, conversations slipping between music, school, and the small absurdities of daily life. Shion spoke with casual ease, but never frivolously. Reina found herself… comfortable. It was strange.
By the time the sun dipped low, casting the streets in golden light, Reina finally stretched her arms. "I should go."
"Yeah," Shion nodded.
They hailed a taxi. Reina stepped inside first, then glanced back. "You're not coming?"
He shook his head. "I've still got something personal to take care of."
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment, then she nodded. "...Alright. Take care."
"See you, Saeki."
The taxi pulled away, leaving Shion behind. Reina settled into the seat, watching the city blur past.
That was when ANIER's voice chimed in her ear.
"...Nice date."
Reina's entire body jolted. "...Wha—It wasn't a date."
"Correction: based on behavioral patterns, environmental context, and your elevated heart rate, the event matched the parameters of a casual outing commonly referred to as a date."
Her face flushed faintly, though she kept her voice even. "...You're an idiot."
"Observation: your BPM was consistently higher in his presence. Predictive analysis suggests heightened emotional response."
She pressed a hand over her face, groaning softly. "Just… shut up."
The halo above her dimmed and flickered, as though embarrassed on her behalf. She leaned against the taxi window, watching the night lights flicker on across the city.
For once, she allowed herself a small, private smile.