Alex pushed open the café door, shaking droplets off their umbrella. The warm glow inside was a balm against the chilly drizzle outside, and the soft jazz playing over the speakers made the room feel intimate. Alex scanned the tables, eyes searching for the familiar face that had haunted their thoughts all week.

Jamie, already seated, looked up with a nervous but hopeful smile, tapping their fingers lightly on a ceramic mug. Alex made their way over, shrugging off their coat and feeling their heartbeat quicken with every step. "You made it through the rain," Jamie teased, eyes sparkling. "I wouldn’t have missed this for anything," Alex replied, sliding into the seat across from them.

Jamie leaned forward, their voice low and earnest. "So, how have you been? Work still treating you like royalty or more like a court jester?" Alex chuckled, running a hand through their hair. "A bit of both, honestly. But today, I just want to be here. With you." The words hung in the air, warm and hopeful.

Alex hesitated, fingers tracing the rim of their cup. "I was nervous coming here. It’s been a while since I’ve let myself hope for something real," Alex admitted, voice trembling just enough to betray the depth of their feeling.