The sushi place was quiet for a Saturday — soft lighting, warm wood, the faint scent of miso and citrus drifting through the air. Aqua chose a booth tucked into the corner, partly for privacy, partly because she didn’t trust Aries not to wake up early and come stomping through the restaurant looking for them.
Kieran slid into the seat across from her, radiating that gentle, earnest energy that always made her chest feel too tight. He picked up the menu, stared at it for three seconds, then set it down.
A waitress appeared and filled their water glasses.
“Do you know what you’ll order, or do you need more time?” she asked cheerfully.
“Um… I think I’ll get five bento boxes. One of each type,” Kieran said. “Teriyaki beef, teriyaki chicken, teriyaki salmon, grilled octopus, and the tempura
