~Aria's POV
They were still smiling when I finally stood up.
I wrapped my fingers around my cup and gave a small nod, holding their eyes one after the other. "Thank you," I said, and this time it felt deeper than manners. "I truly enjoyed myself."
"Oh, we know," the silver haired woman said with a knowing laugh, her eyes crinkling. "You smiled the entire time."
"And you laughed," the man beside her added, tapping the table once. "That means you were comfortable."
"You must come often now," another woman said, lifting a finger playfully. "We will be expecting you."
I laughed again, soft and warm, and nodded. "I will. I promise."
They waved as I stepped outside, their voices chasing me down the small street with jokes, reminders, and exaggerated warnings about sons and grandsons. The bell above the door rang gently, sealing the moment behind me.
