It was one of those quiet, golden mornings in the city—the kind where everything feels slower, softer. The sunlight spilled through the windows as Joshua leaned over Bella, gently nudging her shoulder.

“Hey,” he whispered, brushing her messy hair back. “Get up, I’m taking you to get coffee.”

She mumbled something into the pillow and rolled over, eyes still half-closed. “Can’t we just order it?”

“Nope,” he smirked. “Come on, lazy. I know a spot that has those little heart designs in the foam. You like that stuff.”

That got her attention. She peeked one eye open. “…Do they have croissants?”

“They have almond croissants.”

Ten minutes later, Bella was in the passenger seat wearing his hoodie and messy bun, feet tucked up on the seat, still waking up as Joshua drove them into town. The café was tucked between bookstores and plant shops—small, cozy, and exactly her vibe.

Inside, she clung to his arm like she was still half-asleep, her voice soft. “Order for me?”

Joshua smiled and kissed her temple. “One iced vanilla latte with oat milk and a croissant for the sleepy gremlin, coming right up.”

They sat outside under a heater lamp, Bella slowly sipping her drink while wrapped in his hoodie like a blanket. She leaned on his shoulder and looked up at him with that soft little grin.

“I like this,” she said quietly. “Just… you and me. Mornings like this.”