I felt as if I had stepped into a scene straight out of a whimsical film—a cozy coffee shop, warm and inviting, with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the air like an old friend. The soft glow of fairy lights created a gentle ambiance that contrasted with the flurry of emotions inside me—anticipation, excitement, and a healthy dose of anxiety. It was just Aaron and me in what seemed like a safe little world, separate from the village's curious eyes.
He went all out—buying the last three hours of the café's opening, wrapping us in an intimate bubble that felt both thrillingly generous and slightly overwhelming. I felt my cheeks flush with warmth, maybe from the steaming cup of hot cocoa I was holding carefully, or perhaps it was him. I peered over my cup, stealing gl
