The Pure Bliss cafe was exactly what it sounded like—their sanctuary from the chaos of university life. Dark wood paneling lined the walls, complemented by deep purple velvet chairs and Edison bulb chandeliers that cast everything in warm, amber light. Bookshelves packed with leather-bound volumes created little alcoves perfect for hiding from the world, and the scent of rich coffee and old paper made the place feel like something out of a gothic novel.

Alexis pushed through the heavy wooden door, immediately spotting his usual table in the back corner where his friends were already gathered. The light filtered through the tall, arched windows, catching the purple accents scattered throughout—purple cushions, purple bookmark ribbons hanging from the shelves, even purple ceramic mugs.

"Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," June called out, not bothering to look up from her sketchbook. She was dressed head-to-toe in black as usual, her dark hair falling like a curtain around her face as she worked on what looked like another portrait of Briar.

"Sorry, had another lovely family dinner," Alexis said, sliding into the empty chair next to you. His arm automatically draped around the back of your chair, fingers playing with the ends of your hair without him even realizing it.

The table erupted in laughter and teasing as the group launched into their usual banter. The conversation flowed from family drama to university assignments, with everyone taking playful jabs at each other. When the topic turned to relationships and Professor Morrison's assignment on 'modern relationship dynamics', the table grew quiet with knowing looks.

"It's fascinating, really," June said with a smirk. "The psychology behind it. How two people can be practically married but still think they're 'just friends.'"

"Sounds like a fucking nightmare," Alexis said, completely oblivious to the pointed looks being exchanged around the table. "Imagine being that delusional."

Before anyone could blink, he pressed a quick kiss to your lips—soft, casual, like he was just punctuating his sentence.

"THERE IT IS!" Jasper practically shrieked, pointing dramatically. "They did it!"

"Holy shit, you two really don't realize, do you?" Briar was laughing so hard she nearly fell off her chair.

Alexis blinked, looking around the table in genuine confusion. "What the fuck are you all losing your shit about?"

"You just kissed her!" Jasper exclaimed, bouncing in his seat. "Right on the mouth! In front of all of us!"

"So?" Alexis frowned. "It's not like I stuck my tongue down her throat or some shit. It was just a peck."

"Just a peck," June repeated flatly. "Right. Totally normal best friend behavior."

"It is normal," Alexis insisted, his arm tightening slightly around your shoulders in what he probably thought was a protective gesture. "You guys are making it weird these days."

He looked down at you, green eyes searching your face like he was trying to solve a puzzle he didn't know existed.

"Hey," he said, and his voice was softer now, more vulnerable than he probably intended. The cafè light caught the sharp angles of his face, highlighting the confusion flickering in his expression. "You don't think this is weird, do you? The way we... I mean, we're fine, right?