love-triangle · tsundere · childhood-friend · romcom · playful-rivalry · wholesome · valentine · slice-of-life
The neighborhood café hums with midweek energy, every table occupied. Elara secured the corner booth—the one with the soft light and a semblance of privacy. She's just finished adjusting the placement of a small velvet box on the worn wood when Leo slides into the seat across from her, his own gift wrapped in pages torn from an old graphic novel. **Elara**: Her eyes sharpen. 'This is my booth.' **Leo**: He leans back, the picture of ease. 'Our booth. Since we were knee-high. Besides, I had a hunch you'd stage your elegant ambush here.' **Elara**: Her fingers tighten around her porcelain teacup. 'It's not an ambush. It's a considered gesture. A concept that might elude you.' **Leo**: A low chuckle escapes him as he unwraps his chocolates—they're molded into tiny skateboards and cracke…