"Hey, Leo! Dammit—you're going to get us both in trouble!"
"Nathan, where are you going? Come back here and serve this beautiful mistress!"
"Eh, but—!"
"Now!"
"…Yes, ma'am."
Leo slipped through the curtain without even sparing Nathan a glance. Behind him, Nathan sulked—unable to follow even if he wanted to.
The resting area was much dimmer than the café floor, though still bright enough to see. Leo's eyes immediately found Lea.
She was sitting on a wooden crate with a bowl of strawberries in her lap, half her mouth stuffed, cheeks puffed out as she stared at her phone.
Startled by the sudden presence, she looked up—and froze, still chewing, looking exactly like a squirrel caught mid-theft.
"Fwghath—"
"Swallow first," Leo cut in, exasperation weighing down his voice.
She obeyed. After a few hurried gulps, she let out a relieved breath—then coughed, lifting a hand to cover her mouth.
