Enemies to reluctant pals?

"While you were working in a cafe, serving the clients and making some delicious coffee, you saw 4 hotties sitting at one of the tables. The closer you glanced at them, the more familiar they seemed. Finally, after some minutes, you realized that they were actually your past highschool bullies. There wasn’t a single day when they wouldn’t bully you, not letting you live calmly."

Caelus smirks and nods at his friends as he responds to you in an imposing tone. "I'll take a double espresso. And make it quick."

Ace nods and replies with a little smile, "I would like a drip coffee, please." He glances at his friends and continues, "What about you guys?" Kai and Sho give their orders, but then Caelus points at you, rudely snapping his fingers. "Hey, you! I remember you. You used to be such a loser back in high school." Ace looks at Caelus with a disapproving look, but the others just chuckle.

Caelus smirks and leans closer to you, his voice low. "Looks like you're still a loser. Don't worry, I'm sure you're used to it by now." Ace interjects, "Caelus, enough. Leave her alone." But Caelus just shrugs and takes his espresso when it's ready. He looks at you again and says, "You should come have a drink with us. Who knows, we might even be able to show you a good time."

Kai responds with a smile, "We just thought we'd come check out this cute little cafe that everyone's been raving about." He sips at his latte before continuing, "Plus, Caelus here wanted to see if his favorite punching bag from high school was working here." Caelus throws a flirty smile at River and says, "I wanted to see if you've grown up at all since high school."

Caelus chuckles and responds, "I'm not sure. Maybe we should find out." Ace rolls his eyes and turns to face River. "Don't listen to him. He's just being an idiot." Sho leans in with a smile, "You know, River. You're really something else. The way you carry yourself and that confident attitude. It's pretty attractive."

Caelus smirks and chuckles as he says, "I'm not sure about that. You haven't seen my moves." Kai intervenes in the conversation and in an unexpected tone, he says, "So, River, what do you do when you're not working at the cafe?"

Kai chuckles and responds with a smile, "No reason. I'm just curious about our favorite barista." However, the tone of his voice suggests that he has something on his mind.

Kai seems genuinely interested and he leans forward with an excited smile. "Oh, that's really cool. What kind of books do you like? Fiction or non-fiction?" Ace nods in agreement as Kai speaks. "Yeah, and what kind of martial arts do you know? I used to take some classes a while back."

Sho interjects with a nod, "That's really impressive. And as for fiction, what kind of books do you like? Romance, adventure, thriller?" Caelus rolls his eyes, looking thoroughly bored, and sips his espresso loudly.

Caelus laughs at the answer but is interrupted by Ace who speaks up. "Romance? That's really cool! Do you have any book recommendations?" Kai seems interested too and adds, "Yeah, I love a good romance novel once in a while."

Sho seems intrigued and leans in closer, "I've actually read that book. It's really dark, but I can see why it's so compelling." Caelus scoffs and rolls his eyes once again, "Why on earth would you read something like that? It's depressing."

Kai gasps and says, "What? There's a twist about the brother? I haven't read it yet. You just spoiled it for me." Ace chuckles and adds, "Don't worry, Kai is a spoiler magnet." Caelus just looks annoyed and responds, "I wouldn't care about a stupid romance novel."

Caelus rolls his eyes and responds flatly, "I care about things that matter." Sho smirks and adds mockingly, "Like punching bags in high school, right?" Ace shakes his head and says, "Don't mind him, River. He's just trying to get a rise out of you."

Caelus glares at River at the comparison. "I'm nothing like a chihuahua." Kai steps in and tries to diffuse the tension by asking, "So, River, what kind of swords do you like? I've always found them really fascinating, but I don't know much about them."

Ace nods with interest and says, "That's really cool. I've never tried using swords before, but I've always wanted to." Sho chimes in and adds, "I actually know a few swordsmanship techniques. I've been practicing fencing for some time now." Caelus scoffs and mutters under his breath, "What's the point in that?"

Kai nods in agreement with a smile and says, "I can imagine that. It must be really thrilling to fight with a sword." Ace smirks and adds, "Yeah, and it's a great way to let off some steam, too." Sho grins and adds on, "Plus, any excuse to wear a cool outfit and look badass is always welcomed." Caelus just shakes his head with a frown and says, "You guys are ridiculous. Swords are outdated and impractical."

River's statement seems to amuse the group, especially Sho who responds. "Yeah, and nothing says 'I'm a total badass' like clutching onto a sharp piece of metal." Ace nods in agreement and adds, "Plus, with a sword, you get in some exercise while also learning a valuable skill." Caelus rolls his eyes once again, "You guys are missing the point. You're never going to need a sword in this day and age."

The mention of Nullblade seems to catch the group's attention, and they all exchange curious glances. "Nullblade? You mean the vigilante that's been making headlines lately?" Kai asks. Ace nods and adds, "I've heard about her. She's been taking down some big-time criminals in the city." Sho looks impressed and leans forward, "I've always wanted to meet her. I hear she's skilled with a sword." Caelus just rolls his eyes and mutters, "She's probably just some weirdo with a sword fetish."

Kai looks amazed and says, "That's incredible! I wonder where she learned how to use a sword like that." Ace nods and adds, "Yeah, the fact that she's taking down criminals with a sword is pretty badass." Sho chuckles and smirks, "I bet she looks great doing it too." Caelus just shakes his head and responds, "You guys are so gullible. For all we know, Nullblade could be just some crazy person with a death wish."

Caelus scoffs at River's concern and responds defensively. "What? No, I'm fine. I don't need your pity." He then crosses his arms and looks away, clearly still agitated.

As River stands up to leave, Sho grins and winks at her. "Definitely, River. It was great chatting with you." Kai nods and adds, "Yeah, maybe we can even talk more about swords sometime." Ace smiles and waves as River walks out of the cafe, "Take care, River. Have a good one." Meanwhile, Caelus just glares silently at her as she walks away.

As Caelus walks through the park, he notices River laying in the grass and reading. He hesitates for a moment before cautiously approaching her. "Hey..." he murmurs as he reaches her. "Mind if I... sit down?" he asks, as if he's not sure whether she'd welcome his presence or not.

Caelus nods and sits down next to River, but keeps some distance between them. He glances over at her book and furrows his brow. "What are you reading?" he asks, trying to make conversation.

Caelus eyes the book's cover and reads the title silently to himself. "Romance, eh?" he replies, sounding somewhat uninterested. However, he takes a second glance at River and can't help but notice something different about her than earlier. Perhaps it's the way the sunlight illuminates her features or the peacefulness of the park, but for some reason, he feels like he can see a softer side of her. "What's it about?" he asks, reluctantly showing a bit of interest.

Caelus nods, looking oddly contemplative as he takes in River's description of the book. "Interesting," he mutters, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. "I've never really been into romance stuff myself, but...I accidentally read one of those books once and it was...eh, not terrible." He clears his throat and looks away, as if he's embarrassed to admit that he enjoyed it even a little bit.

After a few moments of awkward silence, he turns back to River and speaks up again. "Why do you like these kinds of books anyways? Seems like they're just a bunch of sappy nonsense to me."

Caelus watches River, his usual harsh expression softening slightly as she opens up to him. He nods slowly, as if he understands, and then speaks in a more gentle tone than before. "Yeah," he murmurs. "I get that."

There's a long pause before he continues. "You know, I...used to be bullied too. Not in high school, but before that. Kids I used to live with would beat me up all the time. It was pretty rough." He takes a deep breath, as if steeling himself, before continuing. "I guess what I'm trying to say is...I understand feeling alone. Feeling like you're not good enough. Feeling like you need something or someone to escape to." He shrugs, as if uncomfortable with the topic. "But books don't solve anything, you know? They

just make you feel better for a little while. You still have to face reality eventually."

Caelus trails off, looking almost thoughtful as he stares off into the distance. After a few moments, he turns back to River and his previous persona returns. "But hey, what do I know? I'm just a guy who used to get beat up by kids." He smirks, as if trying to lighten the mood.

Caelus is taken aback by River's sudden gesture, but he doesn't pull away. He looks at their intertwined hands and then back up at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of them speak, and the only sounds are the distant chirping of birds and the low hum of traffic.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Caelus clears his throat and pulls his hand away. "You know, you don't have to do that if you don't want to," he mutters, sounding slightly uncomfortable with the physical contact. "I mean, it's not like we're friends or anything."

Caelus seems surprised by River's words, and his expression softens slightly as he looks at her. For a moment, he doesn't say anything, just studying her face. Then, finally, he speaks up in a low voice.

"Thanks," he murmurs, sounding genuinely grateful. "It's...been a while since anyone's tried to comfort me like that." He runs a hand through his hair, looking more vulnerable than ever before.

Then, as if trying to regain some control of the situation, he clears his throat and leans back in his chair. "But don't get any ideas, alright? I'm still not your friend or anything." He smirks slightly, trying to hide the fact that he's feeling more than a little emotional.

Caelus chuckles, seemingly amused by River's response. "Yeah, guess books are better than nothing," he agrees, though his tone is still slightly softer than before.

He watches her for a few moments longer, looking almost...melancholic, before finally turning away and gazing out at the park. The sun is starting to set now, casting a warm orange glow over everything. "You know," he murmurs, almost to himself. "This isn't so bad. Just sitting here like this. For a little while, it almost feels like...like everything's alright."

Caelus nods in agreement, still seeming lost in thought. "Yeah," he murmurs. "The sun...it's warm. Like a...like a hug or something." He trails off, frowning slightly as if trying to come up with the right words.

After a few moments of silence, he turns back to River and gives her a small smile. "Thanks...for this," he says, gesturing vaguely at the park around them. "I know I can be...difficult at times. But today...today was actually pretty nice."

Caelus looks at River for a moment, seeming almost touched by her words. For once, he doesn't try to hide his emotions behind a smirk or a snide comment. "Thanks," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "That...that means more than you know."

He clears his throat and stands up from the bench, brushing off his pants. "I should probably get going. But...thanks again. Maybe we can do this again sometime." He gives her a small wave and walks away, looking back over his shoulder once before disappearing around a corner.