Chapter Text
The fall had eventually come to Piltover. It wasn’t utterly cold, of course, but still quite chilly—enough to wear a jacket. Caitlyn loved fall because it meant she was free from explaining why she couldn’t make it to see someone in the city or join a party. Everything could be put down to bad weather and its consequences.
Since it was just the beginning of September and the weather hadn’t worsened to a necessary level yet, Caitlyn was bound to agree to meet Mel. It wasn’t that she disliked her friend, it’s just… well, it was hard to explain. The moment wasn’t right for Caitlyn: she’d recently broken up with her girlfriend, she was working at her mom’s company which wasn’t her dream at all. Speaking of her mom, their relationship had always been somewhat tense, but lately it had grown worse. Her mother was sure it was high time her daughter found a husband and settled into the company. She totally ignored the fact that Caitlyn had no interest in men. For Cassandra, it was just a childish whim. With all these thoughts in her head, the last thing Caitlyn wanted was to see people at all. But Mel was persistent, so she had to give in.
Caitlyn was approaching a cozy-looking coffee shop already decorated with fall-themed details. Big pumpkins sat on the porch, checkered tablecloths covered the wooden tables, and small bouquets of yellow and orange chrysanthemums were placed on each one. Even the smell was autumnal—the air carried cinnamon, pumpkin purée, and brown sugar, making the atmosphere even cozier.
She noticed Mel sitting outside on a small but neat terrace adjacent to the coffee shop. Mel was sipping her pumpkin spice latte and waving Caitlyn over. Caitlyn smiled and approached, trying to look positive and carefree, though she knew Mel wouldn’t buy it.
“Hey, Caitlyn!” Mel stood up and hugged her tightly. “God, it’s been a while. I’m so happy to see you. How have you been?”
Caitlyn hugged her in return and sat down.
“Hi, Mel. Sorry—I know, I’m awful. It’s totally my fault we haven’t seen each other for so long. It’s just…” She sighed. “Never mind. How are you? How’s Jayce ? Gosh, I haven’t talked to him for ages, it won’t be a wonder if he stops being my friend.”
Caitlyn tensed. Jayce was her best friend too, and like Mel, he had tried to reach her several times. She had ignored him every time. Now she felt terrible.
“Stop, please,” Mel interrupted quickly. “We’re your best friends, Cait. We get it, and we’re not angry with you. We just worry. That’s why I wanted to see you—to check how you’re doing and help however we can.”
It felt nice. Despite being distant, Caitlyn felt warmer knowing her friends took no offence and were still ready to support her. She squeezed Mel’s hand.
“Thank you, guys. I know I behaved selfishly, but I just… was lost and needed to be alone.”
“It makes sense, Cait. So, tell me—how’s your job? Is your mom still bugging you about the company and finding a husband?” Mel looked genuinely worried.
“Yeah.” Caitlyn sighed. “Nothing changes. To tell you the truth, I’ve started thinking about giving in and marrying any guy she chooses. I’m so exhausted. I don’t want to think about anything anymore.” She dropped her head tiredly.
At that moment, a waitress came up smiling pleasantly, a menu in hand.
“Good morning! Happy to see you in our coffee shop. Here’s the menu. If you want, I can recommend some drinks.”
“Oh, hi. You know what, I’ll have the same.” Caitlyn pointed at Mel’s drink, a little flustered.
“Sure! Would you care for any pastries? We have delicious apple pie and cinnamon rolls.”
“I’m good, thanks,” Caitlyn replied with a small smile.
“And I’ll have a cinnamon roll, please,” Mel added.
The waitress nodded and headed back inside.
“So,” Mel leaned forward, “you’re saying you’re considering following whatever plan your mother has for you, no matter how outrageous it might be?”
“Well, you make it sound too harsh, but in a nutshell—yeah, that’s the point.”
The waitress returned with their order and carefully set it on the table. Caitlyn took a sip of her latte, closing her eyes to savor the taste and the pleasant warmth spreading down her throat.
“Mmm, it’s really good,” she hummed.
“Yeah, coffee and pastries here are great. But don’t distract me.” Mel gave her a stern look. “Cait, you cannot do everything your mom wants if it makes you miserable. It’s your life, not hers.”
“I know.” Caitlyn took another sip. “I just feel… weak. Like I have no energy to fight her. It seems the best I can do is go with the flow.” She turned her gaze to the trees nearby, their leaves starting to yellow. The sight felt strangely serene.
“Hey.” Mel pulled her attention back. “You need to cheer up—not just mentally. Physically, too. Healthy mind in a healthy body, you know?”
Caitlyn looked at her quizzically, smiling in confusion.
“Well, I don’t see what you’re implying, lady.”
“I mean you need some activity. Lucky for you, I’ve got the perfect idea. I recently signed up at a gym—big, clean, brand-new equipment, and only ten minutes from your apartment. Plus, they’ve got amazing coaches. Mine’s Vi, a professional boxer. I’ve been training with her a month and I can already see results.”
Caitlyn finished her latte, lifted her eyes, and smiled faintly.
“You know I’m more about shooting, not sweating. I don’t see how that helps me.”
Mel smirked and went for her trump card.
“So you don’t want to see your friends that often, then? Okay, I see.” She pretended to pout.
Caitlyn sighed, caught between guilt and amusement. She knew it was a bluff, but she’d already made the mistake of pushing her friends away once. She wasn’t going to do it again.
“That’s a dirty trick,” Caitlyn muttered. “But who am I to argue with you?” She raised her hand in surrender.
Mel giggled happily, clearly enjoying herself.
“I promise, you won’t regret it. Besides, I’d like the company. Jayce refuses to come with me—lazy as always.”
“Now I see what this is really about.” Caitlyn laughed, nudging her arm. “So, when’s the first session? And how do I get there?”
Mel pushed her chair closer, opened the map on her phone, and started explaining the details—route, membership card, even uniform. Caitlyn mentally kicked herself for falling for such a cheap trick. But it seemed there was no way back.