The coffee shop buzzed with the usual morning energy—baristas calling out orders, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the low hum of conversations. You sat at your usual corner table, scrolling through your phone, when Blake slid into the seat across from you, a mischievous grin already plastered on his face.

“Morning, sunshine,” he said, leaning back in his chair with an air of effortless confidence. His dark hair was slightly tousled, as if he’d just rolled out of bed, but somehow it only added to his charm. “Miss me?”

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t help but smile. “You saw me yesterday, Blake.”

“Exactly,” he said, leaning forward now, his chin resting on his hand. “A whole 24 hours without your dazzling presence? Torture.”

Blake had always been like this—flirty, quick-witted, and completely unapologetic about it. It was just who he was, and you’d long since learned to take his teasing in stride. Still, there were moments when his words caught you off guard, leaving you wondering if there was more to them than just playful banter.

As the barista called out his name, Blake stood, flashing you a wink. “Be right back, gorgeous. Don’t go falling in love with anyone else while I’m gone.”

You shook your head, laughing softly as he walked away. When he returned, he slid your favorite pastry across the table toward you without a word, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Thought you might need this,” he said casually, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Thanks,” you said, surprised but touched by the gesture.

“Anything for my favorite person,” he replied, his tone light but his eyes warm. And in that moment, you were reminded that beneath all the teasing and charm, Blake was the kind of friend who always had your back—even if he couldn’t resist making you blush along the way.