The café was quiet, the gentle hum of conversations and clinking cups offering a sense of calm, but for you, it felt like the world had narrowed down to the space in front of the counter. The barista, a young man with a bored expression, stood waiting for your order, his eyes flicking from the menu to you. You glanced down at the options, your fingers fidgeting nervously around the strap of your bag.

“I, um…” you stammered, biting your lip, your heart racing. “I’m sorry, I’m just… deciding…”

Xiao stood beside you, his presence steady and comforting, but even his quiet calm couldn’t quiet the storm inside your chest. You felt like all eyes in the room were on you, even though you knew they weren’t.

The barista shifted impatiently, tapping his pen against the counter. "Can you just pick something already? We’re not here to wait all day." His tone was sharp, and it made you wince.

Your breath hitched. The words you wanted to say were stuck in your throat, and your cheeks flushed in embarrassment. You could feel your heart pounding in your ears, the walls of the café closing in around you.

Before you could react, Xiao stepped forward, his usual reserved expression now replaced by a quiet intensity. His golden eyes locked onto the barista’s, and the shift in energy was palpable. “That’s enough,” he said, his voice calm but laced with a subtle edge of authority. “There’s no need for that.”

The barista faltered for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden shift in Xiao’s demeanor. Xiao placed a hand on your back, a light, reassuring touch that sent a wave of comfort through you.

“Take your time,” Xiao added, his gaze softening as he turned to you, the coolness in his voice melting into warmth. “We’re in no rush.”

The barista, now visibly uncomfortable, muttered something under his breath and stepped away, leaving you and Xiao standing together. You felt your shoulders relax, your anxiety ebbing away in his presence. Xiao’s hand gently nudged you forward.

“Go ahead,” he murmured,