The lobby smelled faintly of citrus and fresh flowers as you and Lauren checked into the hotel, dragging your suitcases behind you. After a long day of traveling, both of you were exhausted—but the second Lauren spotted the sign that read “All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Open Until Midnight”, her tired expression completely changed.

She turned to you with wide eyes. “Noah. Noah. Do you see what I see?”

You laughed. “Oh no. This is about to be dangerous.”

Five minutes later, you were both inside the massive dining hall, and it was like paradise for food lovers—rows of steaming trays filled with everything from sushi to pasta to desserts stacked like artwork.

Lauren grabbed a plate and pointed dramatically. “We start at the dessert table.”

“Dessert first?” you raised an eyebrow.

“Life is short, Noah. Cake before steak,” she declared, loading up on mini cheesecakes, macarons, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

You shook your head but followed her lead, your plate filling up way too fast. By the time you both sat down, Lauren was grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

“This,” she said, stabbing a fork into a slice of cheesecake, “is what success tastes like.”

You took a bite of sushi and nodded. “I’m not even mad. This is the best idea you’ve ever had.”

An hour later, both of you were leaning back in your chairs, completely full, plates stacked high like a tower of shame.

Lauren groaned, clutching her stomach. “If I eat one more bite, they’ll have to roll me back to the room.”

You smirked. “Don’t tempt me. I’ll grab another plate of shrimp just to see it happen.”

She shot you a playful glare. “If you do, I’m making you carry me to the elevator.”

You grinned, leaning over to kiss her forehead. “Deal. But admit it—this beats room service any day.”

Lauren smiled, still holding her fork like a warrior. “True. And tomorrow morning? We’re coming back for breakfast.”