Facade
Alexis gazed down at the last swirl of red wine in her glass, its rich, velvety taste stirring memories of Zane's kisses—sweet with just a hint of something sharp beneath. The lively hum of cheers from the crowd echoed around the bar, blending with the flashing images on the big-screen TV. She didn't need to look to know which duel was underway; after all, she used to be the one crafting the schedule for him.
"Tonight, live from the Kaiba Dome, it's the moment everyone's been waiting for— the Tag-Duel Semi-Finals! The Trusedale Brothers face off against the Tyler Sisters in an epic showdown!"
Alexis ran her fingertips through her fringe in frustration, the memory gnawing at her—the last time she'd heard that familiar announcer's voice was on the very day she ended things with Zane.
"Long time no see, Alexis," a smooth, familiar voice greeted her.
She looked up to find a striking young man with piercing blue eyes and silver hair, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Aster, what are you doing here?" she asked, taking the last sip of her wine before he could answer.
Aster had only meant to stop for a quick drink before heading back to his car, but when he saw his old friend trudging through life in such a pitiful state, something compelled him to speak up. The absence of an engagement ring on Zane's finger during the TV interviews was a clear sign—almost everyone knew Alexis was no longer with Zane. "Even a pro needs to unwind with a drink sometimes, Alexis. What about you?" he asked, voice gentle but firm.
What had brought her to this place? Was it because she often came here with Zane, a shared habit they'd had? She met his gaze steadily and replied, "I came here for the wine, that's all…," her tone clipped, almost dismissive.
Her words lacked conviction, sounding as unsure as a rookie sales clerk trying to close a deal. Aster noticed the subtle droop of her eyes and how she kept glancing downward—clear signs that Alexis was still mourning the breakup. He smoothly pulled out a chair and settled across from her, a wry smile curling his lips. "That's the most unconvincing excuse I've heard all day," he remarked with a dismissive shrug.
She had forgotten just how sharp Aster's instincts could be, but then again, as a pro-duelist, he was used to reading people like an open book. "Is that really so hard to believe? The wine truly is exceptional after all," she said softly, attempting to mask her lingering sadness.
Aster leaned back in his chair, caught in a moment of indecision about whether to bring up the breakup or not. Part of him worried it might make her uncomfortable and prompt her to leave, yet another part sensed she needed to vent, to get it off her chest. Deciding to take the initiative, knowing he had his own plans to stick to, he broke the silence with a gentle curiosity, "So, why did you break up with Zaney?" he asked casually, giving a laid-back flick of his left hand, as if it was no big deal.
She truly had hoped he wouldn't pry into her past relationship. Maybe it was the wine softening her defenses, or his easygoing attitude that made her feel safe enough to open up. Finally, she took a deep breath and admitted, "He'd rather double down on his Hell-Kaiser persona than see a therapist. I just… couldn't take it anymore. But sometimes, I wonder if I should have stayed…"
He wasn't all that surprised to hear that—after all, a big part of Zane's marketing image was built around his "edgy looks." "You left for a reason, Alexis. But if you keep sitting here drowning in wine and obsessing over the 'what-ifs,' it won't get you anywhere," he said softly but firmly.
Alexis let out a breathy sigh, the haze of alcohol fuzzying her thoughts, yet she couldn't deny Aster's words. "You're right," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "I should probably head out before I get too wasted." She gently tucked a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear, offering Aster a warm, grateful smile. Rising to her feet, she hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave, the night calling her onward.
Aster trailed behind her, a small grin playing on his lips. "How about letting a real pro escort you home?" he teased, his voice dripping with just a touch too much charm.
Alexis paused, weighing her options carefully, suspicion flickering in her gaze. "I think I've already kept you too long, Aster," she replied, her tone flat but with an edge of caution.
Aster could see why she might suspect he had ulterior motives; it had been ages since they last saw each other. With a reassuring smile, he said, "I have no other plans except to escort you home, Alexis. I'm not like that sleazy red-hat guy from the Academy," he added, his tone sincere.
Alexis could have easily forgotten that guy. "Okay, fine, you win, Aster," she conceded, her voice tinged with defeat. Aster exhaled a quiet sigh of relief and fell into step just behind her. As he watched her, a flicker of wonder crossed his mind—perhaps, just maybe, their meeting wasn't mere coincidence but destiny knocking on their door.