The café was small, tucked neatly into the corner of a quieter street in Suginami. Its windows were fogged slightly from the contrast between the early spring chill outside and the warmth of espresso machines humming softly inside. The walls were a cozy mix of wood and green tile, and behind the counter, Sunny was tying her apron with practiced hands.
Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, a few strands curling around her cheeks as she worked. A clipboard balanced precariously in one hand as she marked off an inventory list, though her eyes kept flicking toward the front door every time the bell chimed.
It wasn't just another shift today.
Today was the meeting.
They'd all agreed to meet here, at her part-time job, before the café's slower hours kicked in. And despite the thrill buzzing beneath her skin, she kept up her routine: wiping counters, adjusting pastries in the glass case, checking the frother.
When the door finally opened with a soft jingle, Sunny turned immediately.
Laura, punctual as ever, stepped in with her usual composed stride, a folder tucked beneath one arm and a scarf wrapped neatly around her neck. She was still dressed in her usual gray coat, but there was something different about her expression—tight around the eyes, carefully neutral.
Sunny perked up. "Welcome in!"
Laura allowed the corner of her mouth to twitch up. "I'm not that late."
"Not at all!" Sunny beamed, slipping behind the counter to rinse out her drink shaker. "Go ahead and grab a seat—I'll clock out now."
Laura nodded, smoothing her scarf as she made her way to a booth near the window. She slid into the seat with practiced poise, setting down a tidy folder and her phone. Outside, the sky was just beginning to shift toward evening, warm light spilling in and brushing gold across the tabletops.
Minutes later, Sunny reappeared—now apron-free and dressed casually in a soft hoodie and jeans, her hair still tied up from her shift. She all but bounced over to the booth before sliding in across from Laura.
She didn't even sit fully before leaning in, eyes bright."Isn't this exciting?" she whispered, barely able to contain herself.
Laura's expression didn't change much, but the pause before she answered said enough.
"…That's one word for it."
Sunny pouted, but only for a second. "He's kind of a big deal, right? I mean, solo artist, over a million streams, and he used to perform with Axel?" She hugged her sketchbook close to her chest. "I looked him up last night. He's cool."
Laura sighed and glanced out the window. "He's also obnoxious. Or at least, that's what I remember."
Sunny giggled. "You just don't like loud people."
Laura didn't argue.
She'd been thinking about it all week.
The suggestion had come out of nowhere—Axel, bouncing ideas around like usual, had brought up Zane in between takes.
At first, Laura shut it down. Immediately.
Too unreliable. Too flashy. Too… much.
But the performance date loomed closer each day. The fourth part of the set was designed for a duet, and no matter how many arrangements they tried, it just didn't work without an extra voice. An extra presence.
And Axel had been persistent—more than usual.
"Just meet him," he'd said. "Talk to him. I think you'll be surprised."
Now here she was, fingers wrapped around a warm ceramic mug of tea Sunny had made for her, a printed sheet of questions resting on the table between them like a contract.
Professional, she reminded herself. That was the key. Keep it professional.
The door opened again. Axel slipped inside, pushing his hair out of his face with one hand and offering a crooked wave with the other.
"Yo."
"You're late," Laura said.
"You're early," he countered, sliding into the booth beside Sunny. "How's the tea?"
"Too hot," Laura muttered, taking another sip anyway.
Sunny bounced a little in her seat. "So? Is he coming?"
Axel leaned back and stretched. "Oh, he's coming. Probably fashionably late, knowing him."
And as if summoned by the phrase—
The door opened with a slow, drawn-out chime.
Zane didn't walk in. He arrived.
Red hair freshly styled, sunglasses still on despite the dim lighting, and a silver chain glinting against his half-zipped bomber jacket. He moved like someone who expected the world to notice—casual, confident, and just this side of insufferable.
Sunny stared.
Laura's brows lifted, unimpressed.
He didn't apologize. Of course he didn't.
Instead, Zane strode straight to their table like he owned the café. "Well, well," he said, slipping off his sunglasses with a grin. "The old gang... and company."
"Still allergic to clocks, huh?" Axel smirked.
Zane clapped him on the shoulder and laughed. "Come on, man. You knew what you were inviting."
Laura crossed her arms. "You were late."
"I'm dramatic." Zane pulled out a chair and spun it around before sitting on it backward. "Besides, I had to make an entrance."
Sunny was still watching him like she wasn't sure whether to be starstruck or confused.
Zane caught her gaze and gave a wink. "And who might you be?"
"Oh—I—I'm Sunny!" she said quickly. "I do visuals. And backup vocals. Sometimes. Well, I'm still learning…"
"She's our artist," Axel said, nudging her. "And she'll probably be the most popular one in the group within a year."
Zane raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. Interesting. Didn't think Axel had it in him to put together an actual team."
"I didn't," Axel shot back. "Laura did. I just had the idea."
Laura gave a small nod. "I have a few questions prepared—"
Zane groaned. "Interview?"
"We want to make sure you fit," she said sharply. "This isn't a one-man show."
He tilted his head, amused. "You're the serious one."
"She's the reason we sound good," Axel said.
Zane's smirk softened—just slightly—as he looked between them. "Alright. Let's hear it, then. Hit me with your worst."
Laura took a breath and turned over the page.
Outside, the wind had picked up. The trees rattled softly against the windows, and inside the café, the four of them sat around a table for the first time. Not quite in harmony—yet—but just close enough to touch it.