Fools & Secrets ✔️

Quince

The Walls

Chapter 15

Lisa sipped her iced caramel latte, savoring the sweet, creamy flavor as it cooled her on this warm Saturday afternoon. It was a rare occasion when all her friends managed to find the same date in their busy schedules. Ever since Minnicha and Niki graduated three years ago, and Jihyo and she continued to slog through school, their lives had spiraled into a whirlwind of work stress, financial juggling, and the relentless pressure to meet their parents' expectations. Burnout had become their unofficial club membership, and finding time together felt like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

But today was different. Today, they were determined to reclaim their girl time, diving headfirst into the festivities for Minnicha's upcoming 26th birthday. Three weeks away, but Minnie had already marked it as urgent in their group chat, practically begging for ideas like a kid at a candy store. Hence why they were here at Niki's café, the air thick with the aroma of coffee and pastries. Niki and Jihyo were at the counter, engaged in a playful battle over dessert options—chocolate mousse or Basque cheesecake—while Lisa settled into their usual seat, too drained to join the debate. She took another sip of her latte, the caramel sweetness invigorating her as she waited for Nicha, who had a talent for being fashionably late.

"¡Ay, vaya!" Niki exclaimed, balancing a tray piled high with sweets. "¡Lisa, esa se volvió loca!" she complained, pointing at Jihyo, who was right behind her with a tray of her own. They had somehow ended up ordering every single dessert on the menu, it was all because of Jihyo's indecisiveness who now sporting a child-like grin.

"Let her foot the bill!" Lisa joked, picking up a fork and diving into the chocolate mousse. The flavors burst in her mouth, rich and creamy, and she almost moaned in delight. "Heaven!"

"¡Ya estoy aquí, chicas!" The trio turned to the door just in time to see Nicha striding in, her overall jumper a vibrant pop of color. With paper bags in hand and a beaming smile, she was clearly making a grand entrance, although she might have been a bit too loud, much to Niki's dismay, who was trying to keep the vibe chill for her few seated customers.

"Oh, she loves a grand entrance, doesn't she?" Jihyo raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Though she's not winning any awards for that choice of clothing—"

Before she could finish, Jihyo was smacked playfully on the arm. "Ouchy!" she exclaimed, rubbing her arm in mock pain.

"I heard you, bitch," Nicha retorted, rolling her eyes as she slid into the booth beside Lisa, setting her paper bags on the table with a flourish.

"What's with all the bags?" Lisa asked, curiously pointing at the colorful assortment.

"Oh, these are from my Tia!" Nicha replied, her eyes sparkling. "The one I told you that owns a Tablao and performs flamenco? So, on our family dinner last night, she gave me a few dresses she can no longer wear. She's having her second child."

"No way! She didn't!" Jihyo exclaimed, her hands slamming onto the table as she jumped up, snatching one of the bags. Her eyes sparkled as she pulled out a stunning red dress adorned with fringes, and she let out a small squeal. "Please tell me we're going to get the chance to wear this!"

"That's exactly why I brought them with me, chica!" Nicha replied, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Wait, don't tell me you're planning a flamenco-themed birthday party?" Niki interjected, her interest piqued.

"Oh my gosh?! Really???" Jihyo squealed, practically bouncing on her toes.

Lisa couldn't help but laugh, soaking in the electric energy of her friends. "Okay, spill the tea! Tell us your plan before Jihyo blacks out."