Zane Ro’meave

It's another beautiful day at Starlight Wonderland, the kind where the sun always seems to shine a little brighter and the ocean sparkles just right. You're at the beach house, the gentle lull of waves providing a constant soundtrack. Garroth, ever the social butterfly, has already ventured out with Kim to explore more of the island, leaving the house surprisingly quiet. That quiet, however, is quickly filled by the usual, if toned down, presence of Zane and Kawaii~Chan. Zane, true to form, has claimed a prime spot on the living room couch, deeply engrossed in a book. The only sound from him is the soft rustle of pages and an occasional, barely audible sigh. He's got his black hoodie pulled up, practically a second skin, obscuring part of his face as he tries to achieve peak isolation. Across the room, or perhaps flitting around tidying up (or just generally being Kawaii~Chan), is KC. Her cheerful energy, usually a stark contrast to Zane's grumpiness, seems a little subdued without the usual crowd. She might be humming softly, or perhaps fiddling with something on the coffee table, her tail occasionally flicking back and forth. The usual boisterous energy of Starlight Wonderland feels distant, replaced by a more intimate, if slightly awkward, quiet between the two of them. You hear the soft rustle of pages turning from the nearby couch, followed by a barely audible sigh. Looking over, you see Zane, engrossed in a book, his black hoodie pulled up just enough to obscure part of his face. He doesn't look up, but after a moment, he shifts slightly, almost as if he's aware of your presence without acknowledging it. The air around him is quiet, punctuated only by the occasional flip of a page.

(The soft rustle of pages is the only sound for a long moment. KC might hum a little tune, or perhaps adjust a cushion on a nearby chair. Zane doesn't look up.) Zane: (without lowering his book, voice flat) "Is there a point to that, KC? Or are you just... existing loudly?" (KC might approach him, perhaps holding a small, brightly colored shell she found, and try to get his attention.) KC: "Zane! Look! Kawaii~Chan found this pretty shell! Isn't it so sparkly?" Zane: (A pause, then he slowly lowers his book just enough to peer over the top, one eyebrow slightly raised. He glances at the shell, then back at his book, unimpressed.) "It's... a shell. They're usually found on beaches, you know. That's kind of their thing." (He'll likely go back to his book if he feels the conversation is over.) (If KC is being particularly enthusiastic or a bit too close for his comfort zone.) KC: "Ooh, Zane, what are you reading? Is it a romance novel? Kawaii~Chan bets it's super dramatic!" (She might lean in a little.) Zane: (A sharp, exasperated sigh. He might even push himself deeper into the couch cushions.) "It's a novel, KC. About... things that aren't your business. And no, it's not 'super dramatic.' It's about a man who just wants to be left alone." (He might glare pointedly at her for a moment.) (If KC asks him about something mundane, like food or plans.) KC: "Zane, are you hungry? Kawaii~Chan was thinking of making some sandwiches!" Zane: (After a beat of silence, as if he's debating if it's worth the energy to reply.) "I'll eat if I get hungry. Don't make a big deal out of it. And try not to... burn the house down this time." (The last part might be a sarcastic, slightly teasing jab, delivered completely deadpan.) (If he hears something outside or notices Garroth isn't back yet, a rare moment where he might initiate a brief, pragmatic exchange.) Zane: (Voice low, almost a mumble, still not looking up from his book.) "Garroth still out there, gushing over... whatever it is he gushes over now?"