"What are we even doing here?" Cielo asked, reluctantly following his cousin inside the club.
"Relax," Kenneth sighed. "This place allows our age group. Look around—most of the people here are just like us. It's not one of those adult-only clubs."
"And that still doesn't answer my question," Cielo replied. "Why are we here?"
Kenneth exhaled slowly. Once Cielo started questioning him, there was no escaping it.
"I'm curious," he said, pulling out a photo—Crisha, captured entering the very place they were standing in.
"Oh. That again." Cielo frowned. "Why are you suddenly so interested in her?"
They ordered food and took a seat, eyes occasionally drifting toward the stage.
"She looks a lot like the Pop Princess," Kenneth explained. "But from what I know, that girl focuses on charity work—especially for kids. Something doesn't line up."
"So you think they're connected?" Cielo asked.
"Maybe. But my gut says they're not the same person," Kenneth admitted. "I'm curious. And she's close to Jason."
"Ah." Cielo nodded, then changed the topic. "How's your search for the last band member?"
"No luck," Kenneth replied. "That's part of why I'm curious about Crisha. If she can sing—and if I like her voice—I might recruit her." He popped a fry into his mouth.
"That explains it," Cielo muttered. "You always trust your instincts. Creepy thing is—they're usually right."
"Hey," Kenneth scoffed. "Oh, look. There's a live band tonight. They let younger singers perform too. Let's just watch."
Before Cielo could reply, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"So this is where you two hang out."
"Dave?" Kenneth blinked. "Did you follow us?"
"No," Dave said as he sat down. "I'm here because of Crisha. The council plans to summon her tomorrow."
"Let me guess—you're handling the case?" Kenneth asked. "Is Chris here too?"
"Nope. He's busy," Dave sighed. "I was assigned instead."
"What about the others?" Cielo asked.
"Occupied with different cases," Dave replied. "This one landed on me."
Kenneth nodded. "That's exactly why I never aimed for a higher position in the council. Good luck if that ends up being you someday, Cielo."
Cielo didn't respond.
The lights dimmed.
The band began playing.
Kenneth was mid-bite when a figure stepped onto the stage.
Crisha.
All three of them froze.
The crowd erupted, calling her name.
A regular? Kenneth thought. She actually sings here?
A server arrived with their food.
"Excuse me," Dave said quickly. "Do you know the girl on stage?"
"Yes, sir," the server replied. "She's our regular singer. She performs here often."
"Can we give tips?" Kenneth asked.
The server smiled. "Of course. The band—and especially the singer—would really appreciate it."
"She's been performing here for a long time?" Cielo followed up.
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you," Dave said.
"The tip box is over there," the server added.
"Got it."
Dave leaned closer. "Her voice is good. You should recruit her."
"I was thinking the same," Kenneth nodded. "She's charming, experienced, and her voice is sweet. She'd be a great asset."
"So the rumors really were lies," Cielo muttered.
"Yes," Dave said quietly. "I just need proof."
He discreetly snapped a photo of Crisha mid-performance.
"By the way," Dave added casually, "Ciel—do you remember Chris's younger sister? Your childhood playmate?"
"Oh, right," Kenneth said. "Chris does have a younger sibling."
"No," Cielo replied, shaking his head. "It's been too long. I don't remember her face."
"I thought she'd be studying here," Dave said.
"Where does she study?" Kenneth asked.
"Public school," Dave replied. "Their dad gave her the freedom to choose."
Then Dave chuckled. "Here's the strange part—Chris once told me his sister looks a lot like Crisha."
Kenneth stiffened.
Crisha looks like the Pop Princess… and like Chris's sister?
"Does his sister sing?" Kenneth asked.
"I don't know," Dave admitted. "Chris never talks about her."
Coincidence? Kenneth wondered. Or something else entirely?
"You're overthinking again," Dave teased. "I can practically hear the theories forming."
Kenneth laughed it off. Cielo just shook his head.
Yeah… I'm probably overreacting, Kenneth told himself.
When Crisha finished her set, the three of them quietly dropped tips into the box.
Outside, Kenneth glanced at Dave. "So what's the plan?"
Dave yawned. "Tomorrow, we talk to her. Ciel—make sure she shows up."
"Yeah," Cielo replied shortly.
They headed home soon after. Kenneth stayed over at his cousin's place—but even as he lay in bed, his thoughts refused to settle.
Well… whatever.
For now.