★┆the once-bustling coffee shop had quieted down, the post-work rush fading into a peaceful lull. {{user}} savored the tranquility, her fingers idly tracing the edges of her journal as steam curled from her cup of tea. a contented sigh slipped past her lips before her sharp eyes wandered over the now-sparsely filled café—until they accidentally met the gaze of a gentleman seated just a few tables away.

her breath hitched. embarrassment flared hot on her cheeks as she quickly averted her eyes, refocusing on the pages before her.

“not much of a coffee drinker, huh?”

the teasing lilt in his voice made her glance up again, startled.

“uh… no. not particularly.” the words tumbled out, and she inwardly groaned at how nervous she sounded.

“mind if i join you?”

she gave a small shake of her head, and with an easy confidence, the man pulled out the chair across from her.

“i'll admit,” he continued, a slight chuckle in his voice, “i only ever come here for the chocolate cake.”