The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第13章 Brunch and Hidden Currents

      By the time Claire arrived, the penthouse smelled faintly of fresh pastries and brewed coffee, the city stretching endlessly beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Eden had already arranged a small tray of fruit, croissants, and champagne flutes for a mimicked brunch vibe, laughing softly at the absurdity of pretending they were somewhere else entirely.

"Good morning, gorgeous," Claire greeted, sweeping in dramatically with her suitcase in tow. "Wow... Kenji really lives like this? I'm officially jealous."

Eden laughed, handing her a glass of mimosa. "You think last night was indulgent? This is just his morning normal."

Claire perched on the couch, flipping her hair back. "Well, I'll survive, somehow. But seriously, how are you feeling? You look... radiant, as always. Still swooning over him?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but there was an undercurrent to her gaze—a subtle probing that Eden didn't notice.

"I... yeah," Eden admitted, smiling. "It's... surreal. I mean, last night—everything. I didn't expect any of that." She took a sip of champagne, enjoying the playful moment, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Claire's expression softened, though her tone remained casual. "Sounds like he really swept you off your feet. But I have to ask—did he say anything about... later? Or future plans? You know, post-gala stuff?"

Eden tilted her head, recalling the note. "He said he had to go to his office this morning... but that he'd see me later. That's it." She shrugged. "Not sure what that even means, but I'm not worried. He's Kenji—he has his schedule."

Claire smiled knowingly, sipping her drink and leaning back. "Right, right... Kenji being Kenji. I get it." She let the pause linger, and then laughed lightly, pointing at the croissants. "Well, until we know what 'later' is, we can at least enjoy this, right?"

Eden grinned, digging into the fruit tray. "Exactly. I'm glad you're here. I mean... it's nice to just hang out without the chaos for a minute."

Claire leaned closer, lowering her voice slightly, playful but probing. "You know, Eden... a guy like him... people start imagining all kinds of things. Are you imagining anything?"

Eden laughed nervously, brushing it off. "Honestly? I'm just enjoying being with him. That's enough for now."

Claire's eyes gleamed, just for a heartbeat, betraying a hint of something deeper—but Eden didn't see it. She simply smiled and waved a hand toward the champagne. "Well, cheers to that. Just... enjoying the moment."

As they ate and laughed, Claire steered the conversation with gentle curiosity, asking about Kenji, his quirks, and the gala, all while masking a secret plan forming quietly behind her cheerful banter. Eden, meanwhile, was completely caught up in the glow of the city, the penthouse, and the lingering warmth of last night—oblivious to the subtle currents swirling just beneath the surface.

By the time brunch wrapped up, Eden felt lighter, happier, and ready to let the morning stretch ahead—but Claire's careful smile hinted at something Eden wouldn't yet understand.