The aroma of roasted beans clung to the air like a cozy fog inside the small café near the dungeon hub. The sunlight filtered through the frosted windows, casting gentle rays across the polished wood floors. In the far corner, at a table for two, sat Kael head low, face partially hidden beneath the shadow of a black hoodie. He wore sleek, matching black sweatpants and clean white sneakers. His fingers curled around a steaming cup of black coffee, the bitter liquid just as strong as the mood he was in.
He exhaled slowly.
"8:50," he muttered, checking the clock on the wall. "We agreed on 8:30. Typical Elsa."
He took another sip, trying to stay calm. The caffeine was helping barely.
Just then, the café's door slammed open, bells chiming violently. A girl burst in, slightly out of breath.
She wore tight-fitted jeans and white sneakers, her top a loose beige crop jacket over a fitted, high-neck black tank that hugged her figure comfortably. Her short, messy brown hair bounced slightly as she looked around her vibrant green eyes scanning the room until she spotted him.
Whispers erupted instantly from nearby tables.
"Wait… is that Elsa Sylvenmire?"
"From the Sylvenmire family?"
"She's famous! Didn't she solo a mid D-rank dungeon last year?"
"She's actually prettier in person…"
Ignoring the murmurs, Elsa walked briskly over to Kael's table and sat down on the opposite side, sliding into the booth.
"Sorry I'm late," she said, brushing a few strands of hair out of her eyes. "I got ambushed by my maid and forced to clean my entire room."
Kael gave her a knowing smirk, his red eyes visible for a brief moment under the shadow of his hood.
"Should've guessed. You, being late? Classic."
"Don't push it," she said, narrowing her eyes but the corner of her lips lifted in amusement.
Kael leaned forward and drained the last of his coffee.
"Alright, we've gotta go."
Elsa blinked.
"Wait, what? But I haven't ordered anything yet."
Kael was already standing, grabbing her wrist as he turned toward the door.
"Later. We've got a dungeon to clear."
Elsa stood reluctantly, but before they could make a clean exit.
"Wait, why's your hood up anyway?" she asked, her hand already reaching for it.
Kael's eyes widened.
"Wait, don't-"
FWIP.
His hood was down. Instantly, the café froze.
Eyes turned. Conversations halted. Time itself seemed to pause.
"Whoa…"
"Who is that guy?"
"His face he looks like a Greek god."
"That hair… white hair and red eyes?"
"Is he a noble?"
"Wait is he Elsa's boyfriend??"
"No way, I need a picture"
Phones came out. Flashes clicked. Gasps multiplied.
Kael paled.
"Shit," he hissed.
He tugged Elsa again and the two bolted out of the café, Elsa laughing despite being chased herself.
They sprinted through the plaza, dodging curious stares and cameras, Kael's grip tight on her hand. They only stopped when they reached the outer rim of the city where the dungeon portal shimmered quietly against the forest line.
Both of them doubled over, gasping.
Elsa was the first to recover, wiping sweat from her brow and grinning.
"So that's why."
Kael leaned back against a tree, glaring half-heartedly.
"I told you. My face draws too much damn attention."
She giggled.
"You poor thing. Must be hard being that pretty."
Kael smirked.
"Let's just clear this dungeon before someone else finds us."