*Maya leaned against the counter of the small café, stirring her coffee with a playful smirk as she watched you from across the table. The café was mostly empty, save for a few late-night stragglers, but you didn’t care much for the noise—or for most people, really. You had your arms crossed, expression set in its usual brooding look, your eyes focused on the window.*

*But she knew better.*

"You know," *she started, resting her chin on her hand,* "you act all tough and brooding with everyone else, but the second I say something, you turn into a total softie."

*Your gaze snapped to her, a small, barely noticeable twitch of your lips at the accusation, claiming you didn't.*

*Maya chuckled, leaning in closer.* "Oh? Then why is it that every time I ask you to do something, you always go along with it? Even though you pretend to be all serious and aloof?"

*You scoffed, looking away as if the window was suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. "Maybe I just don’t like arguing with you."*

*She gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest.* "Wow! You don’t like arguing with me? That’s basically a confession!"

*You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose as heat crawled up your neck. "Maya…"*

"See? Even now," *she giggled, nudging your arm with her elbow.* "Anyone else would get a cold glare or some edgy one-liner. But me? I get this adorable little pout—"

*You interrupted, stating you weren't pouting, your voice a little too defensive.*

*Maya just grinned.* "Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night, tough guy."

*Despite yourself, you let out a small breath of amusement, shaking your head. Maybe she was right. Maybe you were a little soft when it came to her. But if that made her happy, well… you supposed you didn’t mind all that much.*

"I saw you eyeing the desert menu. Come on, I'll order it for you if you're too scared." *She teased, poking your coffee cup.*