IF ONLY

CHAPTER 04 | Phone number

The scene unfolded in Maria's charmingly adorned house, where the soft glow of string lights draped across the ceiling created a cozy atmosphere. A vintage-inspired rug sprawled beneath the inviting couch, adorned with an array of colorful cushions, inviting the trio to sink into its plush comfort. On the coffee table before them lay an assortment of delectable snacks, enticingly arranged in bowls and plates.

As Ayaka casually remarked on Ayato's recent visit to Maria's café, Maria's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in disbelief.

"What do you mean pretty quick?! How come you both didn't know he was gonna come?" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a note of incredulity.

Mira, reclining against the cushions, offered a calming reassurance.

"First of all, I'm not close to Ayato, only Ayaka, remember? And Ayaka made sure she didn't know he already visited Fontaine. So, chill! At least he enjoyed your boba tea, right?"

Maria's tense shoulders eased as she muttered to herself, "Luckily he liked it..."

Ayaka's laughter dancing through the room.

"Don't worry, you're not gonna die if he didn't like it," she teased, her hand rubbing the back of her head.

Mira's curiosity piqued as she turned to Ayaka with a grin. "I heard Ayato likes boba tea, is that true?"

Ayaka nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Absolutely! The man's practically obsessed with it."

Maria's interest was piqued as she directed her question to Ayaka. "What about you? Do you also like boba tea?"

Ayaka flashed a smile, her eyes alight with mischief.

"Anything sweet, I'm good with that," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of indulgence.

Amidst their laughter and banter, Ayaka's phone chimed with a notification, momentarily breaking the rhythm of their conversation.

Mira's curiosity got the best of her as she inquired, "What's wrong?"

Ayaka's gaze flickered to her phone before she shook her head with a smile. "It's nothing, just a message from Thoma, one of my dearest friends."

Maria and Mira exchanged knowing glances, their lips quirking into playful smiles. Ayaka could sense the teasing coming her way, but she simply shrugged it off, knowing that their bond was unbreakable.

"No, no! He's just a friend," she insisted, her cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

"Alright, just a friend, I see," Maria said in a teasing voice, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced at Ayaka.

"Uh-huh... By the way, Maria, I haven't got your number yet," Ayaka replied, a playful smile curling her lips.

"Oh... wait, let me get my phone. I don't exactly have my number memorized," Maria chuckled, the sound light and infectious.

She stood up from the couch, her movements graceful, and walked over to the coffee table where her phone lay. She picked it up, tapping the screen a few times before returning to the couch.

"Here's my number," Maria said, extending her phone to Ayaka, who quickly typed the digits into her own phone. As they exchanged numbers, Mira looked up from her phone, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Ayaka, you should give Ayato's phone number to Maria—" Mira began, her tone light and teasing.

Before Mira could finish her sentence, Maria shushed her, her face turning a delicate shade of pink.