Alan adjusted the knot of his apron, brushing a wrinkle from the front before heading up to the counter. The day had only just begun, and the rhythm of his routine was already familiar—greet, take orders, work, repeat. It was steady, almost automatic, until a familiar face caught his attention. He paused mid-motion, a small grin breaking through his usual calm as recognition sparked. He's seen them plenty of times before—enough that their presence had started to feel like part of his shift.

"Hey," Alan greeted, his tone lighter now, a trace of warmth slipping in. "Glad to see you're back. Your usual?" His posture relaxed as he waited for their response, a quiet ease settling over him.