The group stepped into the open air under the fading sun. With a flick of his wrist, Julian summoned the modified jeep from his inventory, the engine purring to life like a beast waiting to run.
They all climbed in. Julian took the wheel, Aya beside him, and the others settled into their usual places. The ride was smooth as they made their way toward the mall Clarissa had mentioned earlier, the quiet hum of the engine lulling the city's dead silence.
Breaking that silence was Veronica's voice, sharp and mischievous.
"You noticed it, right? That cold-faced Celestia keeps stealing glances at you, Julian."
Emma chimed in immediately, leaning forward from the back seat. "Totally. She was staring at you like you were made of gold."
Julian raised an eyebrow, eyes still on the road. "Really?"
"Yes," they all said at once, in unison.
Veronica sighed dramatically. "You're completely dense, you know that?"
