"Alright, let's cut the crap. Why did you ask me out? Explain."
"Just wanted to catch up."
"Liar."
Seeing Freya smirk in the shadows of her hood, Loki dropped her playful demeanor, smiling boldly. The atmosphere shifted dramatically.
Unlucky for them, a waiter came to take an order, his face contorting under the pressure emanating from the two Goddesses. He stood frozen, as if bound by chains. Ais remained impassive, observing silently.
"I'll ask directly. What are you up to?"
"I don't know what you mean, Loki."
"Don't play dumb."
Freya offered the petrified waiter a gentle smile; his eyes widened, his face flushed. He fled.
With the waiter gone, Loki's narrowed eyes sharpened like a predator's.
"You've been restless. You said you weren't interested in the 'banquet' yet you went, and you were clearly gathering information… what are you planning?"
"Planning? Don't say it like that."
"Stop beating around the bush."
"Whenever you act strange, it's never good." Loki's words conveyed this clearly. Her crimson eyes warned: cause trouble, and you'll regret it.
They engaged in a silent battle of wills. Freya met Loki's intense gaze with a smile. An invisible aura of danger emanated from them; the café was empty.
Ais watched as the two Goddesses' silent exchange seemed to stretch into eternity.
But Loki grew weary.
She dropped her playful tone, speaking firmly:
"A man."
"......"
The Goddess didn't answer, only smiling beneath her hood.
Loki took this as confirmation.
Loki sighed wearily.
"So, you've got your eye on someone from another Familia."
Freya's promiscuity was well-known among the Gods.
She pursued anyone she found attractive—mortals—using her beauty to win them over. Many had fallen under her spell.
Freya was targeting someone from another Familia.
She attended the 'Banquet of the Gods' to find out which Familia he belonged to.
Targeting someone already under contract would cause conflict. If she provoked a powerful Familia, Freya would suffer significant losses. So she gathered information first. This was Loki's deduction.
Freya didn't deny it.
"You shameless Goddess. Always lusting after someone, regardless of who."
"That's not true. I'm selective."
"Don't lie. You've played with those idiot Gods."
"Networking is convenient. It helps in many ways."
Loki made a clicking sound. Freya shrugged slightly at Loki's blunt criticism.
Loki seemed to have no more questions, leaning back in her chair.
She put her hands behind her head. Freya sipped her cold drink, settling into the silence.
The sky outside was clear; the street noise filled their ears.
A gentle breeze blew through the open window, caressing Freya's robe.
"So?"
"...?"
"Who is this man? When did you notice him?"
Tell me, Loki smirked.
Her eagerness to know revealed her nosy nature. Her excited eyes conveyed: you won't leave until you tell me.
"…"
"I deserve to know after all this."
Pressed by Loki's flimsy excuse, Freya turned to the window.
She saw the crowd on the street, seemingly remembering something. Her silver eyes, hidden beneath her hood, gazed into the distance.
"You might know him. You should know him very well."
"Wait, you wouldn't have your eye on someone from my Familia, would you?"
Loki looked wary; Freya chuckled.
"He seems quiet, but he possesses captivating strength."
Freya's lips trembled.
"His color… captivates me…"
That pristine white, like frost, captivated her.
She didn't finish the sentence, pausing abruptly, her tone rising slightly, with barely perceptible passion.
"I discovered him by chance. He simply caught my eye."
Freya recalled the moment, describing it calmly. She looked out the window, as if reliving their encounter.
"It was a morning like this…"
A hazy morning, West Street.
The boy walked towards her.
Just like now.
Freya stopped.
Her silver gaze fixed on a figure.
He was heading towards the arena, the Monsterphilia. He moved with the crowd towards the large circular structure. Freya watched him go, a captivating smile slowly forming on her face.
"Excuse me, I have urgent business."
"Huh?"
"Let's meet again."
Leaving the stunned Loki, Freya stood up.
She left, her robe concealing her.
Only Loki and Ais remained.
"What was that about? She just left."
Loki looked surprised, staring at the stairs where Freya had disappeared.
Then, "Hmm?" Loki tilted her head.
Ais, some distance from the window, was looking outside.
"Ais, what's wrong?"
"…Nothing."
Though Ais said this, she continued to look outside.
Her golden eyes, like Freya's silver ones, followed the familiar black-haired figure.
"I know that person… his description is intriguing. Who is he?"
Loki muttered, frowning. Then she and Ais left the café.
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