A snowy December night in Paris, already past 9 PM.

Three shadows sat side-by-side inside a small cafe. Closing time was near, but the reason they weren't receiving glares from the female part-timer was likely thanks to Charles's charming face.

Charles sprawled out with macaron crumbs on his lips. The cause of the incident was those cat-like golden eyes. As if melted by the sweetness of the chocolate, Charles clung close to Loki's side, letting his body go limp.

"Hnyang~, this is it. It's too cold outside, I don't want to leave."

"...Did you think the 'aegyo' strategy would work?"

The part-timer stole glances at them while wiping cups, and every time, Charles would catch her gaze like a ghost and flash a sly smile.

"Of course~. I've never failed once♪"

Though Loki chided him as if to ask if that was something to be proud of, he naturally offered his shoulder so Charles could lean comfortably—a subconscious consideration only possible between people who have known each other a long time. Charles giggled and whispered in a small voice.

"Look at that~. Hugo must have been hungry. He ordered and is eating all the eclairs left in the shop♪"

Hugo's hand, which was picking up an eclair, flinched for a moment. However, he soon pretended nothing was wrong and took another bite, munching with his cheeks full in a way that was quite different from his usual calm impression.

Even though he had been looking at Charles acting cute for the part-timer with pathetic eyes just a moment ago, he was the one who had unknowingly let the corners of his mouth lift slightly upon seeing it actually work.

"...You must have been very hungry. Please eat your fill while you're in Paris."

Loki also seemed to find the sight quite funny as he spoke while trying to hold back his laughter. Charles, never one to miss such a moment, began teasing the eldest like a cat that had found a new toy. Loki chided Charles with a sighing voice, but Hugo surely knew that his tone was subtly encouraging the mischief.

In front of Loki sat a half-eaten chocolat chaud, and in front of Charles were macarons and cocoa. At Hugo's seat opposite them, eclairs were piled high on a plate, and the sweet scent drifted softly through the Parisian night.