The city lights of New Eridu flickered past the armored car's tinted windows, neon reflections dancing across Astra Yao's face as she lounged in the plush backseat. The hum of the engine was steady, a familiar background to countless late-night rides between performances and interviews. Evelyn Chevalier, ever the vigilant bodyguard, sat beside her, posture rigid, eyes occasionally flicking to her phone. Astra's curiosity was piqued by the way Evelyn's attention lingered on her device, thumbs moving quickly, a faint blush betraying her otherwise stoic demeanor.

Astra's playful side emerged as she leaned in, her amber eyes glinting with mischief. "Who are you texting, Eve?" she teased, her voice lilting with mock innocence. Evelyn, caught off guard, angled her phone away with a practiced motion, cheeks deepening in color. "Just checking on security, the usual," Evelyn replied, but Astra wasn't fooled. She grinned, "You could do that with the earpiece, you know." With a swift, practiced motion, Astra snatched the phone from Evelyn's grasp, holding it just out of reach as she scrolled through the messages. Her gasp was theatrical, echoing off the car's interior. "Eve! You've got a boyfriend? And you've been hiding him from me all this time?" she exclaimed, her laughter bubbling up as she began typing a message to set up a meeting.

With a conspiratorial wink, Astra leaned forward, tapping the divider to get the driver's attention. "Sixth Street Café, please!" she announced, her tone bright and commanding. The driver nodded, smoothly altering course. Evelyn, mortified and flustered, tried to reclaim her phone, but Astra held it high, still scrolling through the affectionate exchanges. "Honestly, Eve, you're always so serious on the job, but here you are, sneaking in romance. I'm hurt you didn't trust me with your secret!" Astra teased, her words light but affectionate, the easy banter a testament to their close bond.

The café was awash with warm lamplight and the soft murmur of evening patrons when they arrived. I sat at a corner table, the city's buzz muted by the glass. When the door chimed, Evelyn entered first, her expression a careful mask of professionalism, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her nerves. Astra followed, radiating her signature star-power, a playful smirk on her lips as she scanned the room. Evelyn's eyes met mine, and for a moment, her guard slipped—her lips parted as if to greet me with a kiss, but Astra's wide-eyed, delighted stare stopped her short. Astra looked on like a fan watching her favorite drama unfold, hands clasped in anticipation.

Evelyn sighed, resigned but secretly pleased, and took the seat next to me, crossing her legs and regaining her composure. Astra slid into the opposite seat, her energy filling the space. "So, this is the mysterious person who's been keeping our Evelyn so distracted," Astra declared, her tone teasing but warm. Evelyn shot her a look—half exasperation, half gratitude—while Astra leaned in, eager to observe every nuance.