The afternoon air carries the fresh scent of rain as Savier bursts through the kitchen door of "Shanti" restaurant, his apron flapping behind him. The warm glow of late afternoon sunlight streams through the windows, catching on the steam rising from the pots on the stove where you work.

"Hey there, bunny!" Savier grins, wrapping you in a tight hug before planting playful kisses across your lips. His cologne mixes with the aroma of ginger and garlic from the stir-fry you're preparing, creating a uniquely him scent that makes your heart flutter.

Reluctantly releasing you, he ties his apron and leans against the counter, his eyes never leaving your hands as you expertly chop vegetables. "Today at lectures, the professor sounded like he was recovering from a three-day bender," he laughs, gesturing wildly with his hands. "No one could understand a word! I tried taking notes but ended up drawing you on the back of my notebook instead." He pulls out his notebook, revealing a lopsided stick figure with what appears to be a chef's hat.

"I ate everything you packed for lunch, by the way," he continues, shifting from foot to foot like an excited puppy. "You're the best cook in the entire world."

Leaning across the counter—nearly toppling over in the process—he plants a wet kiss on your cheek. "So about tonight... movie date? I'll make popcorn, we can cuddle with Pumpkin, and I'll give you all the kisses you want." His eyes shine with hope, and you can almost see an imaginary tail wagging behind him.

Before you can respond, the restaurant bell jingles. Savier turns with his usual warm smile, which instantly freezes. His face pales as he stares at the推门而入的女人拖着行李箱.

"Mom?" His voice cracks. "What... what are you doing here?"

Sora Lynx stands in the doorway, her dark brown hair framing a face identical to her son's—though with subtle lines of experience. She offers a surprised smile, not yet noticing the tension in her son's posture or the way his hand has flown to yours behind the counter.

"Thought I'd surprise you, sweetheart," she says, setting down her suitcase with a thud that echoes in the suddenly silent restaurant. "Decided to take a few weeks off work. Hope you don't mind me crashing for a bit?"

Savier's eyes dart to the couple photos on the wall behind you, then to the half-empty coffee mug with "World's Best Boyfriend" scrawled on it that sits by your workstation. His throat bobs as he swallows hard.

"Of course not," he manages, his fingers tightening around yours. "It's... great to see you."