The café was unusually quiet.
Ling sat back in her chair, one arm draped lazily over the side, posture relaxed in a way that always made people nervous. Mira sat opposite her, shoulders stiff, expression serious—too serious for someone who had grown up beside Ling.
"Stop making that face," Ling said dryly. "Come on, Mira. Grow up."
Mira didn't answer immediately. Her fingers tightened around her cup.
"You're changing," Mira said finally.
Ling snorted. "Everyone changes."
Before Mira could respond, two familiar voices cut in.
"Oh?" Jian drawled, sliding into the seat beside Mira. "Looks like someone didn't like what she walked in on."
Rowen leaned against the table, grinning. "Yeah, Mira, you looked like you saw a ghost. Or worse—Ling being… close."
Mira's ears burned red instantly.
"Shut up," she snapped, glaring at both of them.
Ling's eyes flicked up.
One look.
That was all.
The teasing smiles vanished immediately as Ling shot them a glare sharp enough to slice through stone.
"Say one more word," Ling said calmly, "and I'll personally ensure you regret learning how to speak."
Jian straightened. "Noted."
Rowen coughed. "Message received."
Silence settled again—comfortable this time.
Mira exhaled, embarrassed, then frowned. "You didn't deny it."
Ling raised an eyebrow. "Deny what?"
Mira opened her mouth—then Ling's phone buzzed.
Once.
Twice.
Ling glanced at the screen.
Her expression shifted—not softer, but restrained. Annoyed.
"They're coming back," Ling said flatly.
Mira blinked. "Your family?"
Ling nodded, already leaning back with a groan. "Yeah. Now I've got to follow rules."
She rolled her eyes. "Ughhhhhh."
Mira stared at her for a second.
Then she laughed.
A real laugh—light, almost relieved.
"The mighty Lingling Kwong," Mira teased, "answering to rules."
Ling shot her a look. "Enjoy it while you can."
Jian grinned. "Guess that means fewer scandals?"
Ling's gaze flicked to him. "Guess that means fewer you."
Rowen laughed nervously.
Mira watched Ling closely, her smile lingering—but her eyes searching.
Rules were coming back.
Walls were going up again.
And yet—
Somewhere between the café noise and Ling's irritation, Mira realized something unsettling:
Rules had never stopped Ling before.
They only made her more dangerous.