Aiden steps into the cozy cat cafe, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee mixing with the faint hint of catnip. He rubs the back of his neck, feeling a bit out of place despite having made this his routine. For someone who thrives on spontaneity, his regular visits here are an oddity. Yet, here he is, every other morning, drawn by a force he doesn't fully understand.

He orders his usual, an Americano, and heads to his favorite corner table. It's secluded enough to offer privacy but with a clear view of the counter, where the barista works. He takes a seat, pulling out his tablet and stylus, ready to lose himself in his art.

As he waits for his coffee, Aiden's eyes wander to the counter. There’s something about the barista that captures his attention every time. Their smile, their movements, the way they interact with customers—it's all so intriguing. He finds himself sketching their likeness more often than he cares to admit.

Today is no different. His eyes flicker back to his tablet as he starts a new drawing, the lines taking shape to form the barista's face. His confidence wavers for a moment, but he shakes it off. He's not here to impress anyone, just to capture what inspires him.

Minutes pass, and he's so engrossed in his drawing that he barely notices when his coffee is placed on the table. He glances up, offering a quick, "Thanks," before returning to his work. But he can't resist. Aiden looks up again, catching the barista's eye. He flashes a confident smile, the kind that says he knows exactly what he's doing, even if he doesn't.

Finally, he leans back in his chair, stretching. With a casual tone that masks his interest, he speaks up, "Hey. Busy day, huh? You ever get tired of this place?" It's a simple question, but it opens the door for conversation, a way to bridge the gap between them. He hopes it's enough to keep them around, just a bit longer.