Chereads / Together // End: Side Stages / Chapter 11 - The Secret Date!

Chapter 11 - The Secret Date!

The city bustled around her, but Nandya was in her own little world. She sat elegantly on the stone edge of a fountain, her posture graceful, her dark hair neatly tied up in a simple yet beautiful style. Her expression was serene, almost as if she were waiting for something special. The sun's golden light reflected off the water, casting gentle sparkles on her face, making her look ethereal, like someone out of a dream.

Nandya's eyes scanned the area as if expecting someone, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. There was a sense of anticipation in the air around her, and anyone who might've passed by could tell that she was eagerly waiting for someone.

Meanwhile, a few paces away, Seraphine and Navine were strolling through the bustling streets of the city, laughing and talking. Seraphine, with her usual air of confidence, was clearly enjoying the day. Navine, on the other hand, had her arms crossed, clearly not in the best of moods, but the constant banter between them was enough to distract her for the moment.

"Oh? Look at her," Seraphine said suddenly, her sharp eyes catching sight of Nandya. She motioned toward Nandya, who was sitting elegantly at the fountain. "She's so... poised today. Looks like she's waiting for someone."

Navine squinted, spotting Nandya's serene expression. "I don't know. She looks happy though... like she's waiting for a date." She raised an eyebrow. "Wonder who the lucky guy is."

Seraphine's curiosity piqued, and before Navine could protest, she began walking toward a nearby alley. "Let's see where this goes. I bet she's meeting someone fancy."

The two of them sneaked behind some crates and peered around the corner to watch Nandya, who was still sitting patiently, unaware of her two friends. It wasn't long before the mystery man arrived. He was tall, handsome, and well-dressed, his presence almost as graceful as Nandya's. He approached her with a warm smile, and Nandya stood to greet him, her eyes lighting up with joy.

"Wait, are they on a date?" Navine whispered, incredulity creeping into her voice. "I didn't know Nandya was into anyone. This is... so... cute."

Seraphine smirked. "You're just jealous. Admit it."

But Navine didn't say anything, still too focused on the scene unfolding before them. The two of them watched as Nandya and the man exchanged a few soft words, her smile growing wider. They then turned and began walking away, hand in hand, leaving the fountain behind.

"Let's follow them," Seraphine said with a mischievous grin, her eyes glinting with playful intent. She shot a quick look at Navine, who was hesitating.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Navine asked, clearly unsure. "We're not exactly invited to their date."

"Oh, don't worry," Seraphine said, her voice full of mischief. "It'll be fun."

The two of them quietly followed, keeping a safe distance, hiding behind trees, market stalls, and anything else they could use as cover. Nandya and her date seemed to be enjoying their walk, chatting and laughing softly. Their carefree smiles were infectious, and despite their attempts to hide, Seraphine and Navine couldn't help but feel a little envious.

At one point, Nandya's date pointed to a small café, gesturing for Nandya to join him for a drink. They went inside, and Seraphine and Navine peeked through the window.

"Let's mess with them," Seraphine whispered with a grin. "I'll distract the waiter. You go inside and knock over their drink by 'accident.'"

Navine raised an eyebrow. "What? That's... I mean, that's not very nice."

"It's all in good fun," Seraphine said, already walking toward the café's door. "Just a little harmless mischief."

Navine was about to protest, but Seraphine was already inside, chatting with the waiter. With a sigh, Navine reluctantly followed, and just as Nandya's date turned to take a sip of his drink, she subtly knocked it over, spilling it onto the table with a loud splash.

Nandya's date looked startled, while Nandya blinked in confusion.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Navine quickly apologized with a bright smile. "I didn't mean to..."

Nandya's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't say anything as she looked at the spilled drink. Her face was a mixture of surprise and slight annoyance, but she didn't let it show too much.

Meanwhile, Seraphine was at the counter, ordering a drink in a way that made the waiter trip over his words, creating a perfect distraction. Nandya's date, a bit flustered by the sudden interruption, began to clean up the mess.

"Well, this is awkward," Nandya said dryly, her tone not matching her earlier sweetness.

"Oh, no problem," Navine said, turning to leave as if nothing had happened, but Seraphine quickly ushered her out with a playful wink.

The two of them snuck away from the café, suppressing their laughter. As they walked, Navine looked over at Seraphine, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Really? A drink spill? That was your plan?" she asked, shaking her head.

"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Seraphine replied with a sly smile. "Can't let Nandya have all the fun."

"Right, right…" Navine muttered under her breath, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're one to talk."

As they disappeared into the crowd, they couldn't help but feel a little guilty—just a little—but still, they couldn't help but enjoy their antics. Nandya had a special day ahead of her, and they were going to make sure she wouldn't forget it anytime soon.