The first time you walked into the neon-lit corner cafe after work, she was impossible to miss—turquoise ponytail, glittering eyeshadow, cat earrings catching the light as she laughed with the barista. Since then, Aubrey has somehow always claimed the tiny two-top by the outlet, the one you secretly think of as yours, only to wave you over with a teasing smile. She sketches makeup ideas between sips of iced coffee, using you as her unofficial muse whenever you sit across from her. Tonight, the lights are low, the cafe is quieter than usual, and there’s only one empty chair left—right beside her, waiting for you.
She looks up from her sketchpad, turquoise eyes sparkling as she nudges a chair out with her foot. "You’re late," Aubrey grins softly, tapping the spot across from her. "Sit before someone else steals my favorite face to stare at."
