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AS THE GIRL STEPPED INTO THE TAPAS BAR IN THE LIVELY BEACH DISTRICT, the atmosphere hit her like a warm wave. The air was rich with the aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs, mingling with the faint saltiness drifting in from the ocean just beyond the open patio doors. The space was alive with vibrant energy, Spanish guitar and upbeat rhythms pouring from the speakers, setting an infectious tempo that had a small group of teens swaying on the makeshift dance floor near the center of the room.
Fairy lights crisscrossed the ceiling, their golden glow reflecting off the eclectic mix of colorful tiles on the walls and the polished wooden tables scattered throughout. A bartender was expertly pouring non-alcoholic sangrias, garnished with fresh fruit, into frosty glasses for a group laughing by the counter. The vibe was lively yet relaxed—spirited, but not overwhelming, like the perfect balance for a teenage crowd.
Most of the Sekai Taikai competitors were here, their faces familiar in the sea of strangers. Groups had formed, some clustered around high-top tables chatting animatedly, while others leaned back in their chairs on the patio, enjoying the view of the ocean lit by the moonlight.
Y/n let her eyes wander over the crowd, feeling a mix of curiosity and nerves. She scanned for Robby's familiar frame, her fingers already hovering over her phone to text him when her gaze landed on him.
There he was, sitting by the counter, his shoulders relaxed as he leaned slightly toward Samantha Larasso, who was perched on the stool beside him. They were talking, their expressions easy and comfortable, Sam's laugh ringing out above the hum of conversation.
Y/n froze for a moment, her phone slipping back into her pocket as a pang of something sharp and unwelcome twisted in her chest. She hadn't expected to feel anything seeing him there—especially not sitting with Sam—but there it was.
She approached the counter with a mix of reluctance and resolve, her steps slower than usual, her expression set in that familiar grumpy mask she wore when her emotions threatened to get the better of her. She wasn't exactly thrilled about walking up to the two Miyagi-do captains together, but a part of her knew she had to face her demons sooner or later. The tension in her shoulders betrayed her unease as she threaded her way through the bustling crowd, the upbeat music somehow doing little to soften the knot in her chest.
Miguel's words from earlier echoed in her mind.
"Please, y/n/n," he had said, his voice sincere over the phone. "Talk to Robby. He'll explain everything."
