The next day, before dawn, Yvette awoke to find Eagle King and Flying Fish departing. She returned to the hotel for more sleep. Around 9:00 a.m., the doorbell rang. Yvette rose, donned an oversized T-shirt, and opened the door, her eyes still half-closed. Jeremiah stood outside, casually dressed, holding a food container. Unsurprised, she simply said, "Come in."
Jeremiah immediately noticed Yvette's long legs beneath the oversized shirt and her visible collarbones. He cleared his throat awkwardly, entered, and subtly averted his gaze. "The hotel doesn't serve Clusian food," he explained, carefully placing the container on the table.
Yvette, her voice still groggy, mumbled, "Wait a sec. I'm going to brush my teeth and wash my face," before disappearing into the bathroom. Jeremiah waited patiently. Ten minutes later, Yvette emerged, yawning and scrolling through her phone. She pulled up a chair at the dining table and began eating.
Jeremiah sat beside her, offering a napkin. "Do you have any plans later? Want to go for a walk?" he asked. Yvette, finding the food juicy and tender, agreed.
After their meal, Yvette chose an outfit from her wardrobe—Eagle King had pre-selected a black-and-white sporty ensemble. The Kransbay weather was exceptionally pleasant that day; a slight drop in temperature from previous days, a clear sky, bright sunshine, and a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. Cicadas buzzed incessantly.
They left the hotel and explored a nearby food street, sampling local snacks. Yvette wasn't particularly impressed and only ate a few bites. They eventually found a Clusian barbecue restaurant owned by a northern Clusian man. Recognizing their complexion, he warmly greeted them.
After ordering several skewers, the owner, a shrewd observer, noted their wealth and distinguished air. "Are you two here for the emerald auction?" he asked.
Jeremiah's eyes flickered as he smiled. "How did you know? Can you tell fortunes?" He quickly engaged the owner in friendly conversation.
The owner chuckled. "People from all over the world come here to buy raw emeralds. Every year around this time, some folks make a fortune, while others... aren't so lucky. Stone gambling is risky; some even jump off the building across the street."
He pointed to some men in black in the distance. "Since you're from Clusia, be careful. Caleb, our gang leader, ordered the capture of a thief. If they catch him, he's dead."
He glanced at Yvette, engrossed in her phone. "Are you two a couple? You look great together."
Yvette, pausing, kicked an empty beer can under the table, briefly glancing up before returning to her phone. Jeremiah mirrored her silence. The atmosphere became awkward. The owner, sensing his gaffe, nervously retreated.
Once alone, Jeremiah gently asked, "Are you mad about what the owner said?"
Yvette, putting away her phone, poured herself water. After a moment, she raised an eyebrow. "Do you like me?"
Jeremiah's hand froze. After a pause, he nodded seriously. "Yes."
Yvette stared at him. "When did it start?" she asked.
Jeremiah's gaze intensified. "Love at first sight."
Yvette was stunned. The owner's arrival with their skewers interrupted the charged moment. They ate in silence.
It was Jeremiah's first confession, and despite his composure, a hint of disappointment flickered as he sensed Yvette's seeming lack of reaction. His confession, he realized, had ended in vain.
Returning to the hotel, they encountered Emmett, who smelled the barbecue on them. "Mr. Chavez took Ms. Zeller out for barbecue again," he mused. Emmett, dressed casually, greeted Yvette politely.
Yvette, sensing their need to speak privately, excused herself. Jeremiah gave her takeout he’d brought back. "Tonight might get chaotic. Stay in your room. We're flying back to Seacrity tomorrow afternoon. Want to come?" he asked.
Yvette nodded. "Sure."
"I'll book your ticket," Jeremiah said.
"Okay," Yvette replied.