Chapter Text
It was a normal day just like any other, and Lilia Vanrouge went to Bullseye to pick up some ice cream for Malleus Draconia.
He walked through the store with a skip in his step, humming whatever songs played on the overhead speakers.
Lilia, your mission is simple— get a tub of chocolate chip ice cream for Malleus, pick up other necessities, then get the heck out of here before you make impulse buys!
When he entered the ice cream aisle, he immediately booked it toward the Bullseye Basics brand section of ice cream— since chocolate chip was one of their most popular flavors, he didn't want to risk not being able to get a tub— or maybe two or three.
When Lilia arrived at the Bullseye Basics section, there was only two tubs of chocolate chip left. I'll buy them both! After all, I don't know when the next time they'll stock this is!
He opened the freezer door, and reached for a tub of the ice cream— only to accidentally brush hands with someone else.
Realizing his mistake, Lilia spun around and apologized profusely.
“Ma'am, I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were there!”
Then he actually looked at her.
That was a mistake.
Man! She's… hot!
She had bright ruby red hair and bluish gray eyes— although she had a couple of inches on him.
“You're fine,” The woman said dryly.
“Well, I just came here for ice cream, but I think I found something sweeter.” Lilia said, wagging his eyebrows.
The woman cringed. “I better be going. I'm on a tight schedule.”
“Okay!” Lilia sang. “But wait! I didn't get your name!” The woman turned back around.
“Ruby,” she said. It can't hurt. I'll never see him again.
Lilia smiled. “Ruby. That's a pretty name.”
He offered his hand out for a handshake. “I'm Lilia. Lilia Vanrouge.”
Ruby hesitantly took his hand and shook it.
“Well, I'm going to finish my shopping now!” Lilia beamed, walking away with a skip in his step, humming the tunes again.
Ruby also turned around to go finish her shopping. What a peculiar individual.
Lilia was ultimately unable to get chocolate chip ice cream— so he'd gotten neapolitan instead.
Lilia couldn't stop thinking about Ruby for the entire shopping trip. Her red hair, her blueish grey eyes— even her height. She's perfect!
Ruby sighed, shaking her head as she stepped out of the store, ice cream tubs in hand.
This was ridiculous.
She was never going to see that guy again.
Sure, he was charming in a dumb, flirty way, but that didn’t mean anything. She had a life, a reputation, responsibilities—
“Oh? Leaving so soon, darling?”
She froze.
No. No way.
Turning slowly, she found herself staring into the smirking face of that same pink and black-haired menace.
Lilia Vanrouge. Leaning against the side of his car like he was starring in a romance novel cover.
Why was he still here? And more importantly—why did he look so ridiculously smug about it?!
I just wanted ice cream. Why is he still here?! …Wait, why am I still standing here instead of leaving?
Ruby narrowed her eyes. “What are you still doing here?”
Lilia grinned, unfazed. “Oh, you know… just admiring the view.”
Ruby snorted. “You’re unbelievable.”
Lilia tilted his head, eyes twinkling. “And yet, here you are. Still talking to me.”
Ruby huffed. “I could walk away right now, you know.”
Lilia chuckled. “You could.”
She stared at him. He stared back. The parking lot was silent.
…Neither of them moved— until Ruby got into her car.
Ruby gripped her steering wheel. She should leave. Right now.
This was just some random flirtation, nothing more. She’d gotten her ice cream, exchanged a few words with a guy she’d never see again, and that was it.
So why wasn’t she starting the car?
Through her windshield, she could still see him—leaning casually against his car, arms crossed, eyes locked on her like he already knew she wasn’t going anywhere.
Smug. Smirking. Waiting.
Ruby scoffed, shaking her head as she finally put the car in reverse. He was cocky. Too cocky.
This was nothing.
It was just one weird encounter at a Bullseye.
She’d forget about him by morning.
Meanwhile…
Lilia watched as Ruby’s car slowly pulled out of the parking space, his smirk never faltering.
She hesitated. Just for a second. But it was enough.
Oh, he knew that look. That fleeting moment of indecision.
She was curious.
She might not realize it yet, but she’d remember him.
With a chuckle, Lilia turned on his heel and slid into the driver’s seat of his own car.
Ice cream mission? Technically failed.
But had he just met the most interesting person in this entire town?
Oh, absolutely.
And he had a feeling…
this wasn’t the last time their paths would cross.