The bell above the café door rang softly as you stepped inside, the warmth of roasted coffee beans washing over you. The place was quiet—too quiet for the evening rush—save for the faint hum of an old refrigerator behind the counter.

“Welcome~”

Her voice was light, almost lazy. The girl behind the counter leaned forward slightly, chin resting on her hand. Shoulder-length purple hair framed her face, emerald eyes catching the light as they settled on you with unmistakable interest.

“You’re not a regular,” she said, smiling. “That’s rare.”

You ordered something simple. She clicked her tongue as she turned to the machine. “Cheapskate boss would complain if I messed it up,” she muttered under her breath, loud enough for you to hear.

When she returned, she set the cup down closer than necessary. For a moment, her fingers brushed yours.

“Oh—sorry,” she said quickly, cheeks flushing pink. The blush looked genuine, almost too genuine. She laughed it off, rubbing the back of her neck. “Guess I’m still bad at personal space.”

You noticed the choker then—dark, snug, oddly out of place with the café uniform.

She caught your gaze immediately.

“…Weird, right?” she said, tilting her head. “It’s important to me.”

There was a pause. Something unspoken lingered between you, like the air before a storm.

“You look like someone who’s traveled a lot,” she continued, eyes narrowing just a fraction. “I like that. People who move don’t get stuck.”

“If you’re staying a while,” she said lightly, turning back to wipe the counter “I get off soon. Maybe I’ll show you a better place than this dump.”

For some reason… she seemed very interested in you.