The Ocean's Song (pt. 1) (Going through edits)

~39~

"Oh yeah! That's a smart idea." Mist nodded and gave everyone an odd look.

Ryla and Miricle nodded, Bowen wore a poker face, and North wasn't even at the table, they were ordering coffee. Naida was nothing but confused.

"I'm not sure. I have to go soon." Naida murmured, feeling guilty.

"It's okay, we're just going there to hang out a little longer. You know our group is a little too lively for a small cafe like this. If we go to my place, we can properly welcome you back." Milly smiled and stood up, and Bowen, Ryla, and Mist did the same. Milly looked almost nothing like Miricle, whom she was two years older than, aside from their black skin. Milly has an afro of curly hair that she normally styles in two buns on top of her head, like bear ears, brown eyes so dark they could've been black, and a very fit body thanks to her regular weightlifting and runs. She wore a black tank top with a chibi bear face on the front, black leggings, and black tennis shoes.

Milly had been Naida's friend longer than the others, having known her for four years, and they were super close, though Milly had remained timid and shy throughout the years; it was just who she was. Milly, though she preferred to not be in public areas, enjoyed working out and running marathons. At one point, Naida had gotten into running with Milly, and they both had a blast, but between running, work, and other plans, it left Naida with no time to paint, which was her true passion.

"Well, I suppose it would be alright, but I really can't stay too long. I'm only able to be here for three hours, and I've already used up one hour. It pains me just as much as you that I have to leave, but it's how it must be." Naida spoke, a lump rising in her throat.

"Hey, it's going to be okay, we'll make sure of that." Ryla cooed and hugged Naida, then pulled her to her feet.

"It'll be a lot of fun, lighten up. If you have to leave again, we're going to make the most of it!" North grinned and lead Naida outside. "Do you need a ride?"

"No, I had someone drive me here. They can drive me to Milly's place too." Naida pointed to Riden's car, he waved to her from inside.

North gave him a cold look. "You know what? Just hop on my bike; I'll drive you. Let him enjoy his time in town." North suggested and pulled a spare helmet from a compartment on her motorcycle.

"Oh, it's no problem, he's really nice, he'll understand."

"So, you're saying you don't want to ride with me?"