Across the café, Evan watched her with quiet curiosity, his book forgotten in his hands. The rhythmic motion of her fingers caught his attention first, but it was the distant look in her eyes—like she was lost somewhere far beyond the crowded room—that held him. Without realizing it, he closed the book and leaned forward slightly, wondering what she might be thinking.

She slid the ring off, then slid it back on, adjusting it one last time before she finally spared a glance at her coffee. Unsurprisingly, it was now cold. She had been absent-minded for a little too long, a bad habit when she was on edge.

Evan took a sip of his own drink, debating with himself. Approaching strangers wasn’t his usual style, but something about her—about the way she seemed so present and yet so far away—made him feel like he should say something. Before he could second-guess himself, he stood, clutching his book like a talisman, and made his way to her table. “Excuse me,” he said, his voice tentative but steady, “do you mind if I join you?”

Christina was slightly pulled back into the present, glancing up at the man who asked to join her. Then she paused, staring at his face for a second too long before saying, “No. It’s alright.”

Evan hesitated, caught off guard by the way her gaze lingered, as if she were searching for something in his face. He pulled out the chair across from her and sat, resting the book on the table between them. “You looked like you were deep in thought,” he said, offering a small smile. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

She started fiddling with her ring again. “I was,” she admitted, glancing over to his book and whispering its title, “The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe…” before looking up to face him. The man had a gentle smile, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

Evan’s smile widened, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “A classic,” he said softly. “It’s my go-to when I need a little escape.” He studied her for a moment, noticing how her fingers seemed to tighten around the ring as she spoke. “What about you?” he ventured. “Are you escaping something—or just waiting for time to pass?”

"I’ve never read the book, but I did enjoy the movie very much." She confessed. "And, escape, huh? I guess I am. I'm an intergalactic time traveler. There are... people trying to capture me."

Evan raised an eyebrow, his grin widening at the sudden twist in the conversation. “Well, that explains the ring,” he said, playing along. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “What is it—some kind of cloaking device? Or maybe a portal activator?” His tone was teasing but warm, inviting her to continue the game.

But Christina wasn't playing, and the ring, indeed, was a portal activator. She glanced down at the intricate design, her fingers brushing over the various colored gemstones embedded in the gold—emerald for Earth, sapphire for Delta 107, onyx for the mothership, ruby for… there were twelve stones in total, each a different size, each a different world. She glanced up at the unsuspecting man across from her and had an impulsive thought. "Do you wanna see the stars?" she asked.

Evan blinked, momentarily confused by the sudden shift in her tone. Her question hung in the air between them, and though his logical mind told him this had to be a quirky joke, something in her eyes—a strange mix of intensity and vulnerability—made him hesitate. “The stars?” he repeated slowly, leaning forward. “What, like... through a telescope? Or are we talking something more... unconventional?” He smirked, but his curiosity was genuine.

She took a sip of her room temperature coffee before saying, "Depends on how adventurous you are."

Evan chuckled softly, leaning his elbows on the table. “Adventurous enough to follow a stranger who claims to be an intergalactic time traveler,” he said, his voice laced with intrigue. He tilted his head, studying her again. “But only if you promise it’s not some elaborate way to ditch me halfway.”

Amused, Christina reached out her hand to him, the one with the ornate ring. "C'mon. I'll take you to see the stars and I promise not to ditch you halfway."

Evan hesitated, glancing at her hand and then back at her face. There was no hint of mockery, no sly grin to suggest she was joking. If anything, there was a quiet certainty in her gaze that made his pulse quicken. “Alright,” he said finally, his voice steady despite the nerves creeping up his spine. He reached out and clasped her hand gently. “Let’s see the stars.”

It was... beyond words. As soon as Evan held her hand, a shift occurred. It was as if the café suddenly vanished, like curtains had been drawn closed, only to open up a moment later into a vivid array of colors beyond comprehension. He didn’t have any time to react. Christina took note of his expression and thought that he was holding up better than expected, so she led him until the scenery changed. Before them was the galaxy.

Evan stumbled slightly as his mind struggled to grasp what his eyes were seeing. The vast expanse of the galaxy stretched out before him, a symphony of shimmering stars, swirling nebulae, and cascading light. His breath caught in his throat as he turned to Christina, her face illuminated by the ethereal glow. “This... this is real?” he managed to whisper, awe bleeding into his voice.

She smiled faintly, releasing his hand. “Welcome to the stars,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “Now do you believe me?”