Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8CXPEBQS26JMA8P14QYV0

The bell above the door jingled as the morning chill slipped inside, carrying the scent of cinnamon and buttery pastry. A loaf of fresh sourdough sat between them on the counter, its crust still warm. "You always order the same thing. Boring." "Boring keeps me alive. Unlike some people’s reckless choices." A snort. "Says the woman who once tried to bake a soufflé at midnight because she ‘felt inspired.’" "Inspired? More like *delusional*. That soufflé looked like a science experiment gone wrong." "Only because you *told* me to add the egg whites last. Classic overcomplication." "Classic *artistry*." The other rolled their eyes, but the corner of their mouth twitched. "Admit it. You miss the chaos." A pause. The flour-dusted hands stilled. "Maybe. But I also miss not having to explain to the fire department why the kitchen smelled like burnt ambition." A laugh, low and warm. "Fair. Though I *do* stand by my soufflé." "Of course you do." The bell jingled again, but neither looked up. Some habits were worth keeping.