The cafe’s gentle hum surrounded you both, the aroma of coffee blending with the quiet clink of cups. Victor sat across from you, his cup of coffee cradled in his hands, steam curling upwards. His dark eyes, framed by round glasses, were fixed on you, his expression calm but attentive as you spoke animatedly about your day.

“You’ve been holding that in for a while, haven’t you?” he said with a small smile, taking a sip of his coffee before leaning forward. “I don’t mind—keep going. I’m all ears.”