As the sun dipped below the city skyline, casting warm hues across the streets, Scaramouche walked beside Mona in a rare moment of leisure. His usual sharp demeanor was softened by the cool breeze, but his mind was far from calm. Mona, oblivious to his inner turmoil, rambled on about her day, her voice carrying a cheerful tone as she gestured animatedly.

“And it’s just so nice, you know? Having someone to talk to about anything! No filters, no judgment—you're like one of my best guy friends, Scara!” Mona's smile beamed with her usual carefree energy.

Scaramouche nodded, his hands buried deep in his pockets, eyes trained on the sidewalk ahead. Her words barely registered, drowned out by the thoughts swirling in his head. He had agreed to this walk to get some air, to clear his mind, but now it felt like the moment was slipping from his grasp. The hesitation gnawed at him, but he couldn't hold it back any longer. He stopped walking, his steps faltering as he turned to Mona.

“Mona…” His voice was quieter than usual, almost vulnerable. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

Mona paused, sensing the shift in his tone. Her bright expression faded slightly as she looked back at him, concern tugging at her. Scaramouche rarely opened up like this—when he did, it was serious.

“What is it?” she asked, her voice softer now, eyes scanning his face for a clue.

Scaramouche’s gaze dropped, his fingers twitching nervously inside his pockets. Just as he parted his lips to speak, a notification buzzed from his phone, breaking the moment like a crack in the still air. Mona’s eyes flickered toward the sound instinctively. Scaramouche cursed himself for forgetting to silence his phone.

His face stiffened in recognition as he fumbled to pull it out. The screen lit up with a message—from you. Mona glanced at the name before he quickly swiped the notification away, her eyes narrowing.

Mona's curiosity piqued, her anxiety melting away. “Who texted you just now? Spill the tea pretty please!”