The Golden Petal Café's familiar warmth enveloped them as they stepped inside.
The scent of sweet pastries and rich coffee filled the air, a welcome contrast to the mineral-rich waters they'd just left behind.
Rui spotted them immediately—Shen, Ran, and Kee Kee seated at a corner table. Kee Kee, perched atop the table, was enthusiastically devouring what appeared to be his third cream puff.
"Look who finally decided to join us," Kee Kee announced, spraying crumbs as he spoke. "You two smell like those fancy mineral baths."
Shen's gaze flickered briefly to their intertwined hands before returning to his tea.
Ran, however, offered a knowing smile that made Rui's cheeks flush.
"We lost track of time," Zou said unapologetically, pulling out a chair for Rui.
"Five hours is quite a long time to lose," Ran remarked, his light brown eyes twinkling with amusement.
Zou's golden eyes narrowed, his fan snapping open with a sharp flick of his wrist.
