The Crystal Café hadn't changed.
Still smelled like overpriced vanilla lattes and bad decisions.
The neon sign buzzed faintly above the door, like it had something to say but was too tired to yell.
Jessie pushed open the glass door.
Milo followed close behind, trying not to stare at how the morning sun caught the edges of her hair. (Failing, obviously.)
Leo scanned the room. "Looks… normal. Too normal."
Zara smirked. "Says the guy who once tried to hack a jukebox."
---
Inside, they sat at their original booth.
Jessie pulled out the USB Echo-Z had left them. She hesitated. "Once I plug this in, things might get weird."
Milo nudged her shoulder. "Things have been weird. You, me, dating app, clone drama—remember?"
She laughed softly. "Right. Forgot how 'normal' we are."
They shared a look. The kind that lingered just a little too long.
Then she plugged in the USB.
---
The café lights flickered. The jukebox turned on by itself.
It played… a love song.
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Okay. This is either cursed or extremely romantic."
Zara muttered, "Probably both."
Suddenly, a hologram flickered to life on the wall. It was a younger version of someone… familiar?
Jessie gasped. "Is that—Tessa?"
---
Meanwhile, Milo & Jessie were slowly drifting closer…
She looked nervous. "I'm not great at this part."
"What part?" Milo asked gently.
Jessie blushed. "The… possibly-about-to-kiss-someone part."
He smiled. "Good news. I'm great at panicking during those."
She giggled.
Then—he leaned in.
Their noses bumped.
She laughed. "Ow."
"Romantic," he deadpanned. "Truly magical."
But then—they tried again.
And this time, it was soft. Honest. Sweet. Like a slow download with perfect Wi-Fi.
---
Zara, watching from a distance, whispered to Leo,
"If you even mention mistletoe, I swear I'll throw you into the coffee machine."
Leo smirked. "So… no kiss yet?"
She rolled her eyes, but she was blushing.
---
Then… the hologram flickered again.
This time, the message played clearly:
> "If you're seeing this… the app has gone too far. I never meant for it to match people based on emotional manipulation."
"My name is Tessa Min. And I helped build Crystal."
The café went silent.
Even the jukebox stopped.
---
Suddenly, the café door opened.
Everyone turned.
There she was. Real-life Tessa. Older, hoodie pulled low, eyes sharp.
She looked at the team.
"I was hoping you'd come."
Bonus panel:
Leo (whispering): "Please tell me she brought muffins."
Zara (deadpan): "Why would she—"
Tessa pulls a bag from her coat.
"...Blueberry or banana?"
Leo: "I take back every rude thing I ever said about fate."