My Last And My Only

Chapter 163: Something New

It had been a few days since the girls bonded, and this was Aiah's first time back at Mezzo.

That alone felt like a small rebellion.

The café bell rang softly when she stepped inside.

Warm air, coffee, butter, sugar.

The familiar smell wrapped around her immediately, but the place itself felt different from the last time she had been here. Not in a bad way. Just fuller. Busier. More alive.

A new chalkboard menu stood near the counter. A tray of pastries sat under a glass cover. Someone had moved the little plant by the window to make room for an extra chair. The staff moved with the easy rhythm of people who had finally found their footing.

And behind the counter, sleeves rolled up and hair tied back, was Khae.

Fea was at the register with a pen tucked behind her ear. Lindtsey was near the pastry case, stacking napkins and checking the display. Angela was in the back, restocking cups with the calm patience of someone who had already seen every possible café disaster and survived them all.

Aiah's expression softened before she could stop it.

Khae looked up at the sound of the bell, and the moment she saw Aiah, her face changed too. Not dramatically. Just enough that Aiah noticed.

Khae smiled.

Aiah smiled back.

"Hey," Khae said, her voice warm.

"Hi."

Before either of them could say anything else, Fea appeared at the register with a receipt pad in hand.

"Aiah," she said brightly. "You're back."

Aiah laughed softly. "I am."

Lindtsey glanced over from the pastry case and gave her a quick wave. "About time."

Aiah grinned. "Missed me?"

"Obviously," Lindtsey said, deadpan, and went back to straightening the display.

Fea leaned one elbow on the counter and glanced at Aiah expectantly. "Same thing as always?"

Aiah paused.

Khae's eyes flicked up at that, curious.

Aiah shook her head. "Actually, no."

Fea blinked. "Oh?"

"Surprise me."

That earned her a grin.

Fea straightened, delighted. "Dangerous answer."

Khae gave a small laugh from behind the espresso machine. "That's what I said."

Fea pointed at her without looking away from Aiah. "See? Even Khae knows."

Aiah smiled. "Then I trust the experts."

Fea looked pleased by that. "Okay. I like her."

Khae made a quiet sound that might have been a laugh, might have been a warning.

Fea ignored it.

"Any allergies? Any dramatic dislikes? Any secret vendettas against cinnamon?"

Aiah pretended to think. "No vendettas."

"Good. That narrows it down."

Khae shook her head, amused, and went back to steaming milk.