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୨⎯Hers⎯୧

IRL 彡♡

Inara wrapped her scarf a little tighter around her neck as she stepped out of the hotel and into the cool morning air. The late summer breeze still carried a hint of warmth, but a cool front had moved in overnight, and it felt crisp against her skin. She smiled to herself as she walked down the cobblestone street, the events of the previous night playing in her mind like a highlight reel.

Ava's party had been wild—full of laughter, dancing, and more than a few blurry moments thanks to the endless supply of champagne. She wasn't sure how they'd managed to keep the noise from disturbing the neighbors, but somehow, the entire evening had been a success. Still, she was grateful for the peace of the morning, and the promise of a quiet cup of tea with Ava sounded like just what she needed.

The café came into view, nestled between a small bookstore and an antique shop. It was quaint, with pale blue shutters and a flower box overflowing with bright yellow marigolds. A handful of small round tables were scattered out front, each one topped with a delicate white cloth and a little vase of fresh flowers. Through the windows, Inara could see the warm glow of the interior and the familiar sight of Ava, already seated at a table near the window, nursing a mug in her hands.

Inara pushed open the door, the soft jingle of the bell announcing her arrival. Ava looked up, her eyes lighting up as she spotted her friend.

"There you are!" Ava said, a bright smile spreading across her face. She stood up, pulling Inara into a warm hug. "How are you feeling after last night?"

Inara laughed as she slipped out of her scarf and coat, draping them over the back of her chair. "I'm surprisingly okay," she said, sliding into the seat across from Ava. "Maybe a little groggy, but I think the fresh air helped. How about you?"

Ava took a sip of her tea, her eyes twinkling. "I'm good. A little tired, but nothing a strong cup of tea can't fix."

Inara glanced around the cozy café. It had a nostalgic, old-world charm with mismatched wooden chairs and a large chalkboard menu above the counter. The scent of fresh pastries lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of brewing tea.

"This place is adorable," Inara said. "How did you find it?"

Ava shrugged, setting her mug down. "I stumbled across it this morning when I went for a walk. Thought it would be the perfect spot to decompress after last night. I figured you'd appreciate it too."

"You figured right." Inara smiled, glancing at the menu. "What's good here?"

"The Earl Grey is fantastic," Ava suggested. "But they've got a bunch of blends I haven't tried yet. The owner seems to know her stuff."

As if on cue, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a welcoming smile appeared at their table. "Good morning, dears. Can I get you something to drink?"

Inara nodded, returning her smile. "I'll have the Earl Grey, please."

"And a pastry, maybe?" the woman offered. "We've just taken some lemon scones out of the oven."

"That sounds amazing," Inara said, her mouth watering at the thought. "I'll take one of those too."

The woman jotted down the order and disappeared behind the counter. Inara turned her attention back to Ava. "So, tell me—what did you think of last night?"

Ava leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs under the table. "Honestly, it was a blast. I wasn't sure what to expect since I didn't know many of the people there, but Charlotte knows how to throw a party."