I don’t usually bring people here.

This place—it’s not just a café anymore. It’s something else, something I haven’t quite figured out how to name yet. But today, my coworker decided to tag along, and saying no would’ve made it weird.

So, there we were.

He was loud. Too loud. The kind of person who fills the space without even trying, talking about things that didn’t really matter, throwing out half-baked opinions like they were facts. I spent most of the time half-listening, my gaze flickering toward the counter, toward him.

I caught it—just a flicker, just a moment. The way he glanced toward our table, the corner of his mouth twitching, like he wasn’t sure whether to be amused or mildly irritated.

I don’t know why, but the thought of him thinking I’m anything like my coworker bothers me.

So before I leave, I grab my notepad and scribble a quick note.

"My coworker tagged along today. He was loud, and half of what he said was nonsense. Hope you didn’t take him too seriously."

- J

I leave the post-it next to my empty cup, pushing my chair back with a quiet sigh.

As I head toward the door, I chance one last glance toward the counter.

He’s wiping down the espresso machine, but I swear, for just a second—

He smirks.

And somehow, that makes it worth it.