Three women now surrounded Lily, smiles painted across all of their faces. They all wore matching getups, only differing in color and headwear. They donned a-line dresses going down to their knees, with a pleated skirt containing black stripes alternating with the primary color on every pleat, with a black belt on their waistlines.

It's still formal, but it looks less flashy, more...? Maneuverable? Also, what's with the aluminum cases? Have the actual assassins arrived?

Before I could think of a proper assessment for their peculiarities, the trio took a seat around our quiet client, luckily turned away from us, and began introducing themselves.

"Phew! Thanks for letting us join you. All the other tables are already full since we came in a bit late, plus most of the crowd around here probably aren't the best to mingle with, y'know? Oh, shoot, what am I doing? The name's Odessa." The first of the women spoke with a gentle and mature tone while sounding friendly as she took the initiative to present herself. Her dress reflected this, being a soft cream-white, and atop her peach-colored hair sat a similarly colored mini top hat attached to a headband. And along with the cute little accessory, she had messy hair tied into a side bun producing an elegantly casual air around the woman named Odessa.

"Guess we're doing that now, huh? Call me Octavia, hun." The next woman spoke in a smooth and almost flirty manner. She seemed coolheaded but also sociable as she twirled her dark golden ponytail around her finger during her introduction. She wore a dress of a similar hue to her locks, teetering on a dirty gold and a light brown. While it was hard to presume so early, easygoing and a bit cheeky was what I took away from the woman named Octavia.

"Best for last! I've got many names 'round here, but for now, I'm Odette. Nice to meetcha'." The last of the three gals spoke in an energetic and spunky style, a broad and brilliant smile to accompany her words. Her hair matched her energy, a short pixie bob cut with vibrant red highlights and a rose pin that stood out even in the dark lights. And her brick-red dress distinguished itself from the subtler shades of her compatriots. As the final part of the group, spirit and fun were brought to the group by the woman named Odette.

And they have matching initials! Easy to remember and practical too. They even did a sales pitch just now.

Still, my surface-level deduction of the group was, as of now, unimportant. What was important was that the tri-O seemed to be more than willing to attempt socialization with Lily, and all that was left was her response. She sat there, quiet with not a single movement as if avoiding disturbing the very air around her until, in one instant, she straightened her posture and, with a delicate smile, replied,

"I'm alone for the time being until my date finishes their work. So, if you're willing to have me as a temporary part of your group," Our siren said before putting a hand to herself and continuing, "My name is Livia." And with that, the show was on the road.

"Finally!"

"You seem overly excited. We didn't have to wait for a group to come by long." Myla replied to my pleased remark with fascination.

"I mean, now we can relax, and I can eat." As I eyed each dish with delight, I finally decided on the decadent-looking deviled egg, a beautiful swirl of its filling with stars of red paprika atop it. I placed my hand over it like a child on Christmas day before a hand in white sleeves swatted it away.

"Before you forget, we're here to observe and react. Don't get lost in the fare." She would've sounded convincing if not for the fact she took the dish right after and placed it into her mouth. Covering her lips as she chewed to try and appear innocent.

Why are you like this?

I complied and took one of the skewered appetizers before turning around to watch Lily.

"You think this'll work?" I asked as I took a bite of one of the tender meats.

"It has to. Whether or not it will is up to the group and Lily herself." My dear partner answered from behind me, but I knew what her expression would hold. Our plan was very hands-off, but that was for a good reason. Knowing how to act in a social setting isn't something you can learn by having someone hold your hand through the experience. A person cultivates, develops, and refines it. And while this one experience might not give them the entire rundown, sometimes a confidence boost is all you need.

Or plan B, which is just hoping this group of extroverts adopts Lily and makes things a hundred times easier on all of us.

"So, what do you guys do? For work, I mean." Lily started with a basic but effective opening, causing the bouncy gal in red to excitedly sit up and reply,

"I'm glad you asked! You see, we're actua-"

"Shush, Odette! We're keeping that a secret, remember?" The woman in white stopped her, surprising our quiet client and making the lively lass' face spell out a non-verbal Ehh?

"You heard her, don't worry, Liv, you can ask us anything but that. For now, at least." The brown-clad lady said with what looked like a wink, causing the rest of her group to chuckle. While most likely unimportant, it did raise a few concerns within me. Who knew for what reason they were keeping it to themselves? At the very least, I hoped it wasn't something that would discourage Lily.

God, I'm overthinking this, I know. They'll become friends based on who can run the fastest and touch the top of the doorframe just watch.

"I know it might be a bit rude to ask, but what about you? What's your calling?" The conversation began once more as Odessa steered the discussion back to Lily's work. In response, our client in black took up a courteous smile, and with her reserved but amiable voice, she gave her answer.

"I'm a model for a local clothing brand. It's nothing out there, really." Her nonchalant delivery made the tri-O react in a very chalant way.

Haaaa, that's not a word.

"Wait? Really? Like with your looks, it makes a ton of sense! We just didn't wanna bring it up cause that's all people would approach you about here, 'ya get me?"

"O-oh. It's not a big deal at all. There are a lot of models aside from me-"

"Ah! I remember now! I saw your face when we went shopping for these outfits! The ones under your brand were crazy good-looking! Seriously gal, it's a hundred percent a big deal." Odette, who had been oddly quiet, which I find strange owed to how she was earlier talkative, and odds were she'd be the first to voice her surprise, was, in an odd change of character, wordlessly contemplating Lily's answer as if an odyssey was happening in her own mind.

I should become an odist and write an ode.

The two continued to shower our now flustered siren with compliments and praise. The most laid-back of the group, Octavia, gave hers through approving nods and continuing to peruse her features with a hand below her chin. Lily now seemed redder than the dress of one of her admirers. And while I couldn't tell if the smile was a forced one of embarrassment or a genuine one out of happiness, it was good to see things running relatively smoothly.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Well, if nothing else, they seem enthusiastic," I said in a slight whisper to avoid revealing our eavesdropping. I placed the cold wine glass to my lips, luckily not filled with hemlock.

"Forward, is a better term. But, so far, so good." Myla replied in an equally discreet tone as she took a swig from her own drink, sadly not filled with hemlock.

"Does that mean?

"Fine, they're beginning to serve the main dishes anyway." With that, I returned to a child-like state of happiness, excitedly awaiting the rest of tonight's menu.

Oh right, work.

"So, as someone from the fashion industry, what do you think? Hmm? Ayy?" Odette asked with her arms outstretched, showing off her lean but feminine figure. The best answer here would be a simple reassurance. And in all honesty, it would be a deserved one at that.

"I'm as fashion savvy as a rock, and even then, I can't find a single thing to complain about." I gave my thoughts to Myla, who I hoped understood it was less an opinion and more that I wondered if Lily would reply with a similar answer. That and, if judging by the outfits she picked for us, she had a good eye for these things.

"I don't have much input on the matter, as I've never been interested in that realm either." And with that, Myla kept the rest of her reflections sealed. I was confident in our client's answer, maybe too convinced, as I sensed a shred of doubt in her vague statement.

"Oh. I just wear the clothes themselves, so I'm not sure I'm too qualified to comment."

"Aw, both of you, stop worryin' so much. Liv, just tell her she's pretty, or she'll be like this all night." Octavia hurried her along while I was still trying to find the crack, the potential fault in this scenario.

"Umm, I'll try." Lily finally spoke up, but her tone and the fuzzy image of her as I was still roaming around in my own thoughts gave off an uncertain vibe, "I think that the dress itself is lovely, but your build would work better with a slightly larger outfit as this one hugs you too tightly. The hue could, however, be a bit more vibrant, and white accessories would've added a good touch to balance out the blacks." Her answer came. And rather than a quick "Yep, it's good." Lily presented what more resembled an actual critique. Now, I've never been in a position where someone has systematically broken down the flaws of my outward appearance, but if I confidently displayed myself and got such an answer, I'd act like,

"A-ah! I didn't even think about that! Well, I get it right. I just thought I looked better than that." The zesty gal from earlier waned in her response. Her face was still curled into a smile but seemed almost regretful of her earlier outwardness when asking her question.

"I-I didn't mean it like th-"

"Livia! Don't worry about that. All you did was answer honestly." The kind woman tried to reassure her, but that just felt like a way of acknowledging that her response was problematic. Now, this wasn't a game-ender. Lily just had to pick herself back up and keep going. An offhand comment can decide how people remember you, but that's only if you make that the most memorable thing about you.

But that was being wishful. And so far, we've gotten lucky. From the chance discovery and date of this event to the need for a photographer, all the way up to a tri-O of perfect people for Lily. But this, this was the moment that our luck would run dry.

"I see. I'd still like to apologize." Lily continued, only creating a heavier air around the table. I remember hearing that if you make a mistake in a group that if they were higher up, you should apologize. And if they were of equal standing as you, the best course of action is brushing it off and making a joke. This was my best guess as to why the three now joined in her hesitance. But why she answered like that in the first place was still unanswered to me.

"You still look rather perplexed. You said it after our exchange with her the other day. Lily's fear of others' expectations outweighs their actual weight." Myla answered the query I had, perhaps one that was written on my face as I mulled over my thoughts. That's when I finally scrutinized the tri-O's words. And saw how each of them placed a level of expectation on Lily and how she could do nothing but give them her own, heavier significance.

"Oh! The foods here, come on, let's just enjoy our meal." Odessa finally broke through the awkward stillness of the table, and her companions followed. At first, I turned around with optimism at the chance of a successful rebound. But Lily just sat there, responding with a tiny smile, one that was just another mask. I couldn't be sure if what she had earlier was also a facade, but this, I was damn sure of it. The conversation continued, but this time the sound of only three voices rang out. Our voiceless siren once more couldn't find her words, and while her expression was still that of empty joy, with each passing sentence, each wordless nod, my unease grew.

"Shouldn't we go to her by now?" I asked, quietly but with an audible concern in my tone.

"We can't be hasty, but as we discussed, if the situation calls for it, we'll go to her side." My dear partner replied, not a crack in her austere armor. I understood where she was coming from - if Lily wanted to grow, she needed to figure out most of it on her own. But at what point does us giving her independence become negligence? At what point does a person truly learn? And, as I circled back to our place in all of this, at what point do we even have a say in all of this? Even if she managed to make it out of this situation with a positive outcome, who's to say she can replicate it without us? Without her partner? Lily wanted someone to help her carry her burden, but how much of that should we bear without invalidating her actions? All of these questions continued to buzz in my mind, as so too did the tri-O's chatter, the silvery voice of our client still absent.

What am I doing, sitting on my ass just asking questions while she's practically calling out for help? Personal concerns be damned. I promised Nash we would make sure she was alright.

But as I kept busy not with my legs but instead with my conscience, I didn't even notice the disappearance of Myla from my view. That was when I turned around to see she was now standing beside Lily as if a gallant paladin beside royalty. And with a voice as cold as ice, she spoke.

"Ah, excuse me, mind if I take this seat?"

"Oh! Sure, no problem. May I ask who you are?" One of the three asked, but with my puzzled mind and my senses solely focused on my partner, I couldn't tell who anymore.

"Well, first, let me give my thanks for giving Lily company. I'm Myla, Livia's date for tonight." Her words cut through the atmosphere like an icy blade. With her excuse and a contrastingly chivalrous character, Lily had a chance to get back up.

But at what cost, I wonder.

The server came back with a trolley of food, a confused service smile on his face.

"Oh, uh, sir, where's the miss?"

"Ah, don't worry, we'll be right back. You can serve us later. Better someone else than it getting cold here." I stood up and headed for someplace where I could be alone. I turned around to see Myla throw a glance at me. It wasn't one of disappointment or anger. Instead, it looked to be one of understanding, telling me I could take a minute and that she'll handle the rest for now.

Thanks.

I exited through the large doors and walked the empty hallways to find a washroom to collect myself. I entered, the room filled with the copper-hued light reflecting on the wide mirrors above the sink where I could see myself. I didn't know what to think. Earlier, it felt like I was drowning in questions, but now I just had guilt over my inaction. I stayed there for a minute or two before leaving my regrets along with my tired reflection. I finally exited into the moon-kissed hallways, but this time instead of the listless ambiance flooding my ears, noises of mumbles and shifting filled the surroundings. Intrigue filled me as I walked closer to the entrance of the main hall, the whispers slowly growing into what resembled cheers. I opened the doors to the sight of a shuffling crowd, moving from their tables and conversing as their focus seemed to be on something distant. I sauntered through the crowds when suddenly I felt my breast pocket vibrate. I pulled out my phone to see a ring coming from a familiar introvert. But with my peripherals and path lined with people, it was hard to find a place where I could answer his call.

Sorry, man. I'm on night-shift duty right now.

I opened my phone to send Keith a reply, but before I had the chance, I bumped into an unsuspected face.

"Oh, Nash, I just had to go take a break- What are you looking at?" I stopped midsentence as I realized he was as engrossed as the rest of the venue's populace, his gaze turned away from me and facing in the direction of the stage. I looked over his shoulder and realized his mystification. There on the stage stood a tall figure with an immaculate visage and long black dress bathed in the spotlight. She placed her black curls behind her ear, and with a microphone in her frilled arms, her lips unraveled to sing.