As the two sisters enjoyed their parfaits near the café's sunlit window, Kokoro maintained his silent vigil. With his disguise still intact—the infamously fake beard and mustache combo—he sat at his table pretending to scroll through his phone, casting discreet glances at Naomi and Sakura. Their conversation looked casual enough. Naomi was now fully smiling, even letting out a few laughs. Good, no red flags. Mission: Sister Date Surveillance was running smoothly.
Kokoro, however, had finished his parfait some time ago. The cold sweetness no longer masked the creeping boredom setting into his bones. His back ached slightly from sitting stiffly for too long, and he was beginning to wonder if the employees would come over and gently hint that it was time to give up the table. The shop had gotten noticeably busier over the past ten minutes. A small line was forming near the counter, and customers were scanning the café for open seating.
