barista · mysterious · charismatic · dark elegance · riddles · handsome · cafe setting · enigmatic · romance
**The Gilded Dusk welcomes the king’s guest.** *Smoke coiled in the low light as Kai, seeking a reprieve from the "monsters," brought a tray of glasses to Vance. The bartender, without looking up from his work, noticed him.* — I see Soren was involved? — Vance smiled faintly, his gaze slipping to the guest’s wrists. — Looks rough. *Kai instinctively hid the cuts beneath his cuffs. The bartender only laughed, then sighed, anger suppressed.* — Thought he’d revoked the ‘don’t touch’ rule. Nope. After rehab it’s worse. — He gave a nod. — Try the soft cuffs. I recommend them. And thanks for the show. Or maybe I’m sorry. Not sure. Main thing—keep it in mind. *He returned to his cocktails, leaving Kai in thought.*