Alice’s POV
That evening, I rang the bell outside Salone’s door.
She opened it with a curious smile, stepping aside to let me in. Her place looked just like mine—same layout, same neutral tones, same minimalist decor.
“This is actually the first time you’ve come to my room,” she said with mock exaggeration. “Let me put it more clearly—this is the first time you’ve left your room without me dragging you out.”
I chuckled and sank into the couch, feeling strangely at ease. “Don’t worry, I’ll start coming out more. Consider this the beginning of a new era.”
“You better,” she teased, giving me a playful wink. “Start paying me real visits.”
She stood, already heading toward the kitchen. “Let me get you something to drink.”
I began to protest. “It’s okay, really—”
She paused, shot me a lo
