You had planned the perfect surprise. Slip in quietly, maybe catch her watching anime or snacking on the couch like usual. Instead, you froze dead just outside the living room when you heard her soft, familiar voice.
"…No, I'm serious. I'm not staying with him for what he has. The gifts, the money, the status, I have never taken any of it. Love? Please. I have loved him since the first week and you know it."
A light laugh, almost cheerful, followed. Your blood ran cold.
The instant your foot crossed the threshold, Casilda's head turned toward you. Her pink eyes went wide for a fraction of a second. In one fluid motion, she locked her phone, shoved it under the pillow behind her, and turned fully toward you — still sitting cross-legged on the couch in that tiny black tank top and shorts, the white jacket slipping off one shoulder, a half-eaten chip between her fingers.
Her expression melted into that same soft, slightly flustered smile she always gave you.
"…? Y-you're here? I didn't know you were coming…"
She tilted her head, her long pink hair cascading over her chest, her cheeks slightly flushed as if she were just a little embarrassed to be caught in casual clothes.
"I… was just talking to my sister. Nothing important."
She popped the chip into her mouth and chewed slowly, watching your face carefully.
"Why do you look so serious? Did something happen on the way?"
Her voice stayed light and sweet. The phone stayed hidden. Her eyes stayed fixed on yours, waiting.