The Truth: I swear, you won't enjoy this much.
Aurora can't concentrate. The message from The Truth haunts her—sharp and unsettling. A warning. A judgment. A reminder that her actions, especially meeting Dio, didn't go unnoticed.
"Aurora, are you okay?" Luna asks, noticing the coffee spilling over.
Aurora snaps out of it. "Yeah. I'm fine," she mumbles, wiping the counter.
"Is it the rent again?" Luna offers gently. "I've got some extra savings if that'll help—"
Aurora shakes her head with a grateful smile. "I'll manage. Thanks, though."
"Well… if it gets tight, Oceano Club needs a few more waitstaff for their anniversary party. I'm picking up extra shifts there."
Aurora looks up with a raised brow. "Wait. You're not seriously suggesting—"
"No! No. It's proper work. Just trays and menus, not pole dancing," Luna laughs nervously.
Aurora smirks. "Dumbass. I know you'd never pitch something sketchy."
"So? Want me to send you the details?"
Aurora nods. "Yeah, forward them."
The day drags. The customers thin out. Aurora stays behind to close alone, hoping work will drown out the noise in her head.
Then: the bell dings.
"We're closed!" she shouts from the kitchen.
"But I came all the way for a Squirtle Soup…"
That voice.
"That'll cost your entire life," she mutters, stepping into view with a smirk.
"Then take my whole life," says the overly dramatic customer—grinning like a troublemaker.
He stands there at the counter, freckles, ocean-blue eyes, and… a sticker on his forehead.
Aurora blinks. "'Caution'? Seriously?"
"I figured I should warn people. The charm is lethal." He peels it off and flicks it into the trash like it was no big deal.
She moves to the door and begins locking up. "You're lucky I'm not in the mood to kick your ass."
"You're lucky I made it before closing."
She rolls her eyes. "Why are you even here?"
"Just happened to be nearby." His voice is casual, but there's always that undertone—something unreadable.
Outside, the city glows under the streetlights. As they step into the flow of passersby, someone calls out behind them.
"Wait—hold on. Are you…?"
They both turn. A young man, probably in his early twenties, stands breathless, eyes wide with recognition.
"I can't believe it's really you," he says, looking at Ray. "I'm a second-year criminology student. We studied your profiling techniques last semester… You're kind of famous."
Aurora stares at Ray, stunned.
Ray gives the student a brief, easy smile. "Thanks. That's flattering."
"Could I… get an autograph?"
Ray doesn't hesitate. "Sure."
As the student hands over a notebook, he adds, "Your casework really changed how I see criminal behavior. You're a legend in our circles."
Ray finishes signing and offers a half-smile. "Don't get caught up in legends. Real cases aren't stories. They're people."
The student nods, thanking him again before disappearing into the crowd.
Aurora turns, eyes narrowed. "Ray… what was that?"
He shrugs, slipping his hands in his pockets. "Oh. That."
"You forgot to mention you're a celebrity now?"
Ray lets out a soft chuckle, his tone smooth, confident—but not boastful. "Not a celebrity"
"Then?" Aurora asks as she couldn't withstand more suspense.
Ray with a captivating and intimidating aura around him a wink from his mischievous blue eyes.
"Well, I chose to become detective in Boston"