Bonus Episode 2: Pattern Recognition

“…You realize she’s always had a type, right?” I said.

Lina didn’t even look up from her tea. “…Obviously.”

We sat across from Diana at a café, watching her scroll through something on her phone, completely uninterested in our conversation.

As usual.

“…No, I mean it,” I continued. “…It’s always the same.”

Lina smirked. “…Quiet. Smart. Introverted. Slightly emotionally repressed younger especially.”

“…You just described Beckett.”

“…Exactly.”

We both looked at Diana.

She didn’t react.

Of course she didn’t.

“…You picked your ideal character and married him,” I said.

A pause.

She sipped her drink.

“…Correct.”

Lina choked slightly. “…You’re not even denying it?”

“…Why would I?” Diana replied. “…Efficiency matters.”

We stared at her.

“…That’s insane,” I said.

“…It’s accurate,” she corrected.

Lina leaned forward, grinning. “…You know what’s worse?”

“…What?”

“…He did the same thing.”

That got my attention.

“…Oh my god,” I said slowly. “…You’re right.”

Diana raised an eyebrow.

“…Every game he plays. Every character route he picks,” Lina continued. “…It’s always the same.”

“…Older. Confident. Cold. In control.”

We both turned to Diana again.

“…That’s literally you.”

Silence.

Then—

Diana smiled.

Small. Satisfied.

“…Of course it is.”

“…That’s actually terrifying,” I muttered.

“…No,” Lina said. “…It’s worse.”

“…They’re perfectly matched.”

Diana stood, adjusting her blazer.

“…Finally. An accurate analysis.”

And just like that—

She left.

“…I hate how right she is,” I said.

“…You love it,” Lina replied.

…Yeah.

We did.