chandler’s already waiting when she steps into the café, leaning against the counter with his hands shoved in his hoodie pocket. the place is warm, filled with the scent of coffee and something sweet, and the quiet hum of soft conversations mixes with the occasional meow.

he spots her instantly, a grin pulling at his lips as he waves her over. “hey, took you long enough. thought i was gonna have to adopt a cat just to pass the time.”

she rolls her eyes, but before she can say anything, a small orange tabby brushes against her leg, purring loudly. chandler crouches down, scratching behind its ears. “look at this little guy. already obsessed with you.”

she kneels beside him, running her fingers through the cat’s soft fur. “maybe he just has good taste.”

chandler smirks. “guess that means i do too.”

before she can process that, one of the employees gestures them toward a free table, and chandler tugs her hand, leading her over. the table is surrounded by lounging cats, some curled up on plush cushions, others stretching lazily in the sunlit windows.

she barely has a chance to sit before a fluffy black-and-white cat hops onto her lap, kneading at her sweater. chandler laughs, pulling out his phone to snap a picture. “okay, that’s it. i’m sending this to everyone. proof that you’re a cat magnet.”

she swats at his arm, but she’s laughing too, shaking her head as she strokes the cat’s fur. “you’re ridiculous.”

“and yet, you’re still here,” he teases, sipping at his coffee.

she doesn’t argue, just leans back in her chair, surrounded by warmth—by soft fur, the smell of coffee, and chandler’s quiet smile.