The sunset melted into twilight, painting the sky in hues of lavender and deep blue. Slowly, the moon rose, casting its gentle glow progressively over the city lights, the ferris wheel lighting up, the SM and the blue hour was nostalgic, an odd feeling.
The ethereal silver radiance of the moonlight blended seamlessly with the warm golden lights of KopiKopi, intensifying its ambiance. The chatter of customers grew louder, weaving into a symphony of laughter, conversation, and clinking cups.
We, the employees, claimed a secluded corner on the third floor, forming a line of chairs that faced the breathtaking skyline. The city lights shimmered like fallen stars, and the red streaks of traffic lights painted an intricate dance across the streets below.
I sat silently in my Jollibee costume, the bulky suit resting heavily on my tired body. Jane and Potato flanked me on either side, their chatter mingling with the lively atmosphere. The boys huddled further down the line, their deep voices occasionally rising in laughter.
I gazed out at the sprawling cityscape, letting the cool breeze soothe my exhaustion.
As much as KopiKopi was admired, its resurgence hadn't been without whispers and speculation.
"What if mabomba tayo bigla?" a woman murmured nearby, her eyes fixed on the heavens as if searching for signs of an impending missile.
"Edi it is what it is..." her companion replied, his voice tinged with resigned detachment.
"Kompleto sana kaso yung dating may-ari, si Heart Stealer, nasa kulungan pa rin daw," came a hushed voice from a nearby table.
Another lgbtq voice piped up, louder, "Okay lang yan, tignan mo nga oh, si Jollibee naka-vacation leave."
I felt their stares prickling against my suit, but I remained unmoved, Jollibee, usually may ADHD, natagpuang nagrerelax sa third floor ng KopiKopi.
Elijah broke the spell of silence among us, leaning forward with an air of authority. "So, is everyone ready?"
The group's attention shifted to me, and I felt their gazes land on the oversized Jollibee head I wore. With a subtle nod, I confirmed my readiness.
We rearranged ourselves into a loose circle at the table, the soft hum of the crowd surrounding us acting as a perfect cover.
"Dito tayo magmemeeting? Literal na open place?" Jane questioned, her brows knitting in skepticism.
"Yup," Jazz replied with a smirk. "No one will take us seriously here. They'll just think we're a bunch of nutjobs."
His logic, though unconventional, mirrored the tactics his father, Phoenix, once used—discussing critical strategies out in the open to throw off any suspicion.
With coffees in hand, we settled into our impromptu war council. Elijah began his thirty-minute briefing, his tone unwavering and calculated.
"Styx thrives on taking hostages," Elijah began, his sharp gaze sweeping across our circle. "He preys on the weakest defense. If we're right, he'll aim for the biggest gap in Alasteer's strength."
He let the statement hang in the air for a moment, before delivering the conclusion with chilling clarity: "That gap is me."
"What are you saying?" I interjected, my voice low but firm.
"Styx will target me directly,"
"No, Elijah," Jazz cut in, his tone resolute.
