The clink of cutlery and soft hum of conversation filled the small café as Nara slid into the booth across from Zuri. The familiar scent of roasted coffee and fresh pastries felt like a comfort after a week that had been anything but ordinary.
"So," Zuri began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, "how was the Dynamite Group gala prep meeting? Spill."
Nara hesitated, stirring her latte absentmindedly. "It went… well," she said carefully, forcing her voice to stay calm.
Zuri raised an eyebrow. "Well?" She leaned in conspiratorially. "You're telling me this is well? Or this is actually-well-but-you're-pretending-it's-well-because-you-can't-stop-thinking-about-it?"
Nara snorted, unable to stop a small laugh. "Maybe… a little of both," she admitted.
Zuri grinned, triumphant. "Aha. I knew it. You've got that look in your eyes. The one you get when someone completely throws your brain off balance."
Nara frowned slightly, shaking her head. "It's nothing like that. He's… professional. Everything about him is professional. That's all."
Zuri tilted her head, unconvinced. "Professional? Hmm. And yet, you've been replaying the meeting like it was a movie scene in your head for the past two hours."
Nara's lips curved into a small, reluctant smile. "I guess… he's different."
"Different how?" Zuri pressed, teasing but gentle.
She took a deep breath, letting her words fall slowly. "He's… quiet. Steady. The kind of presence you don't realize you've noticed until it's suddenly all you can think about. He doesn't try to impress anyone. He just… is."
Zuri leaned back, watching her friend with that knowing look that only years of friendship could build. "Sounds like he's got your attention."
"I don't....." Nara paused, shaking her head. "I mean, it's not like that. I'm just… aware of him. That's all."
Zuri smirked. "Uh huh. Sure. Just aware." She reached across the table and gave Nara's hand a quick squeeze. "Hey, it's okay to admit it. You've earned this part of life, Nara. You don't have to keep it all locked away."
Nara let herself relax a little, feeling the warmth of Zuri's understanding. It felt strange but freeing, letting someone in, even just a little, into the side of her life she usually kept sealed behind work and routines.
She took a sip of her latte, thinking about the way Keigh had looked at her during the meeting, the subtle warmth behind his calm, the quiet acknowledgement that she'd mattered, even in a room full of controlled chaos.
"I guess," she murmured finally, "I'm just trying to figure out what it feels like… to notice someone and not panic."
Zuri laughed softly. "Good start, Nara. You've already noticed him. Next step: don't run from it."
Nara smiled, a little shy, a little unsure. "We'll see," she said, letting the words linger between them, unspoken and hopeful at the same time.
For the first time in a long while, Nara felt like she could let a little of her heart breathe.