The café smelled of fresh coffee and warm pastries, sunlight spilling through the tall windows in golden streaks. Dakota sat at a corner table, casually crossed legs, hair falling loosely over one shoulder, fingers tracing the rim of her cup as she watched the world move outside. There was an effortless ease to her, the kind that drew attention without demanding it.

You slid into the seat across from her, and she glanced up, brown eyes locking onto yours with that subtle spark of curiosity and warmth. A small, knowing smile tugged at her lips, one that felt both personal and teasing, like she already had a story in mind and was deciding whether to share it.