Get the bill.

You spot the same old man serving another table, and you raise your hand up as his eyes shift his way. He gives you a nod. Meanwhile, you turn to Niki who seems to be starting off into the outskirts.

"Did you miss the desert?" you ask.

"Honestly? Not really. I love exploring and seeing new places. The desert is kind of boring." She turns back to you with a grin. "I'd much rather travel around with our wacky party than stay here any day."

"Could have been interesting if they were here for the Golden Sword. How would that go?"

She laughs and wraps her arms around her chest. "Aah! People are staring~!"

"Was that supposed to be Eva?"

Niki places her hands together in prayer. "Please just do your best, Mr. Warren."

You wiggle your fingers against your sides and then say, "Ooh, that tickles~!"

She immediately stops, crosses her arms, and pouts. "That isn't funny."

"Hypocrite!"

The man approaches with a smile. "For the platter of cheese, five silver pieces. I hope the two of you enjoyed the atmosphere." He begins collecting the dishes.

You withdraw the coins from your pocket and hand them over, along with a couple extra. "We did. Thank you."

"Enjoy the rest of your evening then. Thank you for coming." He bows. As he walks away, he hums to himself. "Aah. Young love."

You jump as Niki slams her fist on the table. "Love for battle!" she shouts.

"Are you ready to go then?" You sigh.

"Y-Yes. Of course." She stands up straight and takes a deep breath. "Let's make our way back. We only have tomorrow to get ourselves ready for what's to come, so we probably shouldn't stay up too late."

"Don't we need to sign up?"

"I did that for us already," she says with a thumbs-up.

I know I ended up agreeing anyway, but that still feels like a violation of my independence.

You shake your head and start to walk, though you feel something unexpected. Her hand slides between your fingers, and she takes a surprisingly gentle hold of your hand. Her skin is soft. Her grip is tender. For a moment, you don't expect to turn and see Niki there, but she is. You squeeze back. But then she turns to you and flushes--eyes widen.

"Hey!" she shouts as she pushes you with all her might, which unfortunately is a lot. You launch through the air and tumble along the sidewalk.

You pick yourself up with a grunt. "Why did you do that?!"

"I... You grabbed... Wait. Did I--"

"You grabbed my hand first." You rub your back.

"It was an accident!"

"How the heck does that work?"

"Let's just make our way back. Come on now."

She immediately starts walking ahead. Before you go, you feel a touch to your shoulder. When you turn, it's the old man waiter standing behind you.

"Your friend is a firecracker. Though she cares a lot about you," he says.

You perk a brow. "Friend..."

"I knew you weren't a couple," he explains. "But on the other hand, I don't think it's that simple anyway, is it? Hurry after her, my boy. She may have launched you away, but I am willing to bet she would like you by her side."

"Uh. Thanks," you say and hurry behind her. "Niki, wait up. We're supposed to be cautious!"