The café was calm that morning, sunlight spilling through the wide windows and settling gently on the wooden tables. Aiven moved behind the counter with practiced ease, the soft clink of cups and the hum of the coffee machine grounding him. Draven sat near the window, posture relaxed but eyes alert, watching both the entrance and Aiven like it was second nature.
The bell above the door rang, sharp and cheerful.
"Aiven!"
He looked up just in time to see Suri rushing toward him, her bag bouncing against her side, face glowing with excitement.
"Suri?" Aiven blinked, then smiled. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to surprise you!" she said proudly, then immediately lowered her voice and leaned closer. "And also because you never answer your messages on time."
Draven stood instinctively. "Hey," he said gently.
Suri turned, eyes widening before she grinned. "Draven! Of course you're here." She crossed her arms, nodding seriously. "My brother's best friend slash personal bodyguard."
Draven snorted softly. "That's not my official title."
"It is to me," she replied confidently, then waved him off and turned back to Aiven. "Make me something sweet. I had a stressful morning."
Aiven laughed. "You just got here."
Before Suri could respond, the café door opened again.
Once.
Twice.
And then—
Suri froze.
Her eyes locked on the figures stepping inside, and for a split second, her brain refused to process what she was seeing.
Raze.
Zenith.
Kaze.
Astryx.
Nova.
ECLYPSE.
In her brother's café.
Alive. Breathing. Existing five steps away.
Her mouth opened. No sound came out.
Draven saw it happen too late.
"Oh no—"
Suri swayed, eyes rolling back as her knees buckled.
"She fainted!" Aiven shouted, rushing around the counter just in time to catch her. Draven was already there, steadying her shoulders as they carefully lowered her into a chair.
The café erupted into whispers.
"Is she okay?" Nova asked, panic written all over his face.
"Did we just knock someone out?" Kaze muttered.
Raze stood frozen, guilt flooding his expression. "We didn't even do anything."
Zenith exhaled slowly, eyes flicking to Draven. "Fan shock," he said quietly. "It happens."
After a few tense minutes, Suri stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open.
She blinked once.
Twice.
Then she sat straight up.
"THEY'RE STILL HERE."
Aiven groaned. "Suri—"
She grabbed his arm with frightening strength. "AIVEN. WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME YOU WORK AT A CAFÉ THAT ECLYPSE VISITS?"
"I didn't know!" he protested.
Suri's gaze slowly shifted toward the group. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. "Hi," she whispered. "I'm Suri. I love you all. If I faint again, please forgive me."
Nova laughed softly. "You're okay now?"
She nodded rapidly. "Yes. I think. My soul left my body earlier, but it's back."
Raze smiled warmly. "You scared us."
"I scared myself," she admitted, then looked at Draven suspiciously. "You knew, didn't you?"
Draven raised both hands. "I swear, I didn't."
Zenith watched the exchange quietly, his gaze drifting to Draven longer than necessary. Their eyes met briefly—just long enough for something unspoken to pass between them—before Draven looked away.
The group settled into a corner table, trying to stay low-key. Aiven brought their drinks himself, while Suri sat stiffly beside Draven, vibrating with excitement.
"I will never wash this chair again," she whispered.
Draven chuckled under his breath. "Please don't say that out loud."
Despite the laughter, there was tension under the surface. Phones were already being lifted discreetly by other customers. Zenith noticed. So did Draven.
And somewhere between coffee cups, faint smiles, and a fan who had literally fainted from happiness, the truth settled quietly in Draven's chest—
No matter how careful they were, the world was watching.
And secrets, especially ones involving idols, never stayed hidden forever.