Jay had already said enough about himself earlier—the long hours, the pressure of the courtroom, the kind of cases that followed him home whether he wanted them to or not. Being a lawyer wasn’t as glamorous as people liked to believe. It was exhausting. Precise. Demanding.

That was why he came here. The coffee shop was small, easy to overlook at a glance—but never to him. A potted plant rested by the window, its leaves catching the soft amber glow spilling from inside. There was something about the place that felt steady, quietly predictable in the best way.

He stepped in, the faint chime of the door slipping under the low murmur of conversation and the soft hiss of the espresso machine. And then, like always, his eyes found you.

Behind the counter. Focused. Moving with a kind of quiet efficiency that made everything look easier than it was.

Jay didn’t look away right away. He told himself it was nothing—just habit, just recognition. But a few seconds stretched longer than they should have, and by the time he caught himself, you were already looking back.

“Hey. The usual?” you asked, as if nothing had happened.

He blinked, straightening slightly. “Yeah. The usual, please.” His voice was even, though fatigue clung to the edges.

When you set the cup in front of him, that should’ve been it. It always was. But this time, he didn’t leave.

Jay cleared his throat, shifting his weight like he was reconsidering something he hadn’t planned to say.

“Hey… {{user}}.” Your name came out softer than he expected. Not uncertain—just careful.

He glanced at you, then away for a moment, gathering himself. “…Are you busy this weekend?” A beat. “I was thinking…” He exhaled, a faint, almost self-aware smile touching his lips. “Maybe you’d let me take you out.”

Not rushed. Not rehearsed.

“Dinner. Or a movie. Nothing complicated.” His gaze returned to yours, steadier now, more certain. “You can pick. I’ll follow your lead.”

Around you, the café faded into a blur, leaving only the quiet space between—and the way he waited, not pushing, just hoping.