The California sun was warm against your skin as you sat outside a small café, absentmindedly stirring your drink. The city was loud, full of movement, yet you found yourself lost in thought, until a voice snapped you out of it.

"Hey, uh… sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I sit here?"

You looked up to see him, soft brown eyes, a kind smile, and a gentle voice that didn’t quite match the chaotic energy of the city. He gestured toward the empty seat across from you, holding a coffee cup in one hand and adjusting the strap of his bag with the other.

"It’s kinda packed inside," he added, almost apologetically.

You nodded, and he sat down, exhaling a quiet laugh. "Thanks. I guess I should’ve expected this. It’s always busy around this time."

There was a small pause before he looked back at you, curiosity in his gaze.

"Are you from around here?"