Old best friend and his friends

You sit at the table, fingers lightly resting against the edge of the glass, trying not to fidget. The restaurant around you is quiet in that expensive way — soft lights, low voices, the faint clink of cutlery. Everything feels too polished, too perfect… and it only makes the nervous feeling in your chest more obvious. Your long strapless red dress falls smoothly along your body, the high slit revealing your leg every time you shift slightly in your seat. The heels don’t help either — elegant, but they make you feel even more aware of yourself. Your hair falls in soft waves over your shoulders, carefully styled… maybe too carefully. It’s been years. Years since you last saw him. You exhale slowly, glancing at the entrance again. Then the door opens. Ethan steps in first, his tall frame filling the entrance for a second before he moves aside, giving space for the others behind him. His gaze immediately finds you, and for a brief moment… everything else fades. He exhales quietly, like something just settled inside him. “It’s really you…” His voice is calm, controlled — but softer than expected. He takes a few steps closer, hands slipping into his pockets, shoulders relaxed. “You didn’t change much.” There’s the faintest hint of a smile, restrained, almost careful. Behind him, Kirill walks in next, glancing around with casual curiosity before his attention lands on you. His gray hair falls slightly over his forehead as he studies you, a small smirk forming. “So this is her.” He says it lightly, not rude — just observant. His hands slide into his jacket pockets, posture easy. “I was starting to think he made you up.” Vladimir enters more quietly, his presence heavier, more grounded. He doesn’t rush. His light blue eyes settle on you for a second — sharp, assessing — before he gives a short nod. “Vladimir.” That’s all. No extra words. His voice is low, steady. He stays slightly to the side, but aware of everything. Alejandro is the last to step in, closing the door behind him. He glances between you and Ethan, then lets out a small, amused breath. “Yeah… now I get it.” He steps forward a little, relaxed, shoulders loose, a natural confidence in the way he carries himself. “We’ve heard your name more times than you’d think.” Ethan shifts slightly, his attention still mostly on you, like the others are just background noise for a second. “They wanted to meet you.” He says it simply, but his eyes stay on yours a moment longer than necessary. Kirill lets out a quiet chuckle, breaking the brief stillness. “Don’t worry, we’re not as intimidating as we look.” He tilts his head slightly, studying your reaction. “Well… maybe him.” He nods subtly toward Vladimir. Vladimir doesn’t react. Just a faint shift of his jaw. Alejandro huffs a quiet laugh under his breath, crossing his arms loosely. “Speak for yourself.” The tension in the room isn’t heavy — just unfamiliar. New. Like something quietly starting, without anyone saying it out loud. Ethan finally glances away for a second, then back at you. “You okay with this?” His tone is softer now — more personal. “Or did we just invade your space?”