A Dazzling Trio

Chapter XXIX: Terms of Engagement

Chapter XXIX: Terms of Engagement

The coffee in my hand has long since gone cold. Barely any sound can be heard from inside this 24-hour cafe aside from a buzzing lightbulb and some drunk person mumbling on the opposite end of the store. The two employees here spend most of their time in the back anyway. I wouldn't doubt it if they were using their time to do some kind of drug. They seemed stoned out of their minds anyway. I guess that is what you get when you come to a place like this at nearly two in the morning.

What makes this even more awkward is that we are vastly over dressed.

Sunset's red dress almost looks like a completely different attire in this lighting. The color of the dress is similar to a strawberry here rather than the deeper red that it looked like in that music club. Sunset has idly sipped her coffee a couple times since we got here, but neither of us have said anything. Ever since she said those three little words, all I could say was something to the degree of "Let's talk about it". It's kind of hard to find the words to say right now because... everything feels so conflicting.

"So," Sunset says with a trailing tone, looking over at me. Her word has a hint of awkwardness to it which is completely understandable. "Do you think the girls went back to the hotel by now?" she asks me to try to break the silence. It's a comical question really.

"I would assume so. It is pretty late," I tell her quietly, raising my drink to my lips. The taste is bitter and bland, but I honestly did not expect any better from a place like this. "However, you all were packing your bags. We were going to leave by tonight. I'm guessing they went to sleep waiting for us since they haven't called." A small nervous smile comes over Sunset, making me wonder what she has to say.

"Yeah, I kind of feel bad for staying out this late... I guess if they are really wondering where we are, they could just call us." Sunset raises her eyebrow as soon as I pull my phone out, putting it on the table. Using one hand, I set my phone to not disturb, all while keeping eye contact with her.

"I think the conversation we need to have is a lot more important right now," I tell her while motioning towards her purse. After a moment, Sunset takes her own phone, turning it off before setting it down. From the look in her eyes, she can tell we're finally about to talk. "So... You love me," I whisper, trying to find the strength to believe this is real. Sunset simply nods to me in response.

"I would understand if you don't feel the same way by now," Sunset states with a stoic face, but I can tell how she's really feeling under the surface. She wouldn't want that...

"Of course I love you too, Shimmer," I respond with a slightly irritated tone. "I'm just quiet because this is... confusing." Earlier tonight, I was done accepting that our relationship was done. There was no hope of fixing things. All I wanted was to stay friends, but now... Well, here she is, saying she still loves me. It's almost ironic that I said the same thing and she completely rejected me days ago. I get that she's been healing from how much I hurt her, but it is a little frustrating.

"I understand that. I'm sorry that you're confused. I was too..." Sunset looks away to gather her thoughts, seemingly worried about something. "I really hate the past few weeks. I wish we could redo them, but we can't." Sunset's eyes peer at me as if I am some confusing painting, trying to decipher what I am. "I want to know what you are thinking, Adagio..."

"Isn't that the primary utility of your magic?" I ask her with a raised eyebrow, pointing at her necklace. Sunset looks like she isn't exactly happy about my comment.

"I only use my magic if I have to. I wouldn't read your mind without your permission." Sunset's tone is genuine, albeit annoyed. I'm glad that she wouldn't use her magic like that. Although, I never actually thought she would. I mainly said that because I'm frustrated.