lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila felt a quiet relief settle over her, a weight lifting in a way she hadn’t expected. His agreement, simple and straightforward, felt like an invitation to breathe a little easier. Deal. She could handle that. She grinned, leaning in slightly, eyes twinkling with an easy confidence. “I can definitely handle that. I have to know though, is your walking speed dependent on your company? Because I've definitely seen you walk faster at the vineyard." A teasing grin was on her face, mirroring his own.

But just as quickly, her smile softened, a moment of introspection slipping through. The job offer she’d received to move away had been weighing on her more than she cared to admit. The decision to stay—hadn't been an easy one to make. But right now, here in this moment, things felt simpler. For the first time in a while, she felt like she'd made the right choice.

“By the way,” she added casually, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, “I got a job offer a little while ago. To move away, actually. It was tempting...more pay and better exposure, but, it was on the other side of the country.” Her gaze flickered back to him, her smile still present but quieter. | @sanjitxgupta

Studying her was something Sanjit had grown to enjoy. He wanted to know her, all of her. At her words, he gave a slight nod of his head. It was an agreement and he would be lying if he said his heart had not skipped a beat in the process. "Deal." He said with a quiet voice, "I just hope you are prepared for me to take my coffee dangerously dark and my walks very slow." His words hinted with a playful tease, not drawing his gaze away from her. "Think you can handle that?" @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

[lailaxmir]

Laila offered a small, warm smile as she glanced over at Yasmin, her breath visible in the crisp morning air. She’d tucked her gloved hands into her coat pockets, but Yasmin’s quiet enthusiasm cut through the chill in a way that made the moment feel just a little brighter. “They really are,” Laila agreed, her tone sincere. “It’s nice seeing the community show up for something that matters.” She paused for a beat, then added, “I didn’t ever really think. I wanted a pet growing up, but there’s something about that shelter—everyone there just… cares. It’s hard not to want to support that.” She offered a small grin, tilting her head. “You’ve been helping out with the shelter for a while, right?” | @yasminxmoreno

starter for @lailaxmir

location: kismet harbor beach

Whenever there was an event that Yasmin could attend that supported anything local, she was there. Today, it was the walk for the animal shelter. All proceeds went to the animal shelter and it was a way for her to get an active start to the morning. It was a chilly and Yasmin rubbed her hands together as she stood in the group of people. "I love events like these," Yasmin said to the person next to her, "The shelter is so near and dear to my heart." Even if she hadn't adopted her cat from there, she was always appreciative of the work that they did.

[lailaxmir]

Laila's smile curved with quiet amusement as Ruby lifted her cup like they were old friends sharing some inside joke. She appreciated how quickly the conversation had moved from playful to honest—like slipping into a rhythm neither of them had to force. “I guess you would know a thing or two about the exhale,” she said, her gaze steady and thoughtful. “All that moving, all that observing… I imagine it’s hard to tell when a place is yours versus just another stop.” There was no judgment in her voice—just a quiet understanding.

At Ruby’s question, Laila leaned back slightly in her chair, a wry grin tugging at her mouth. “I’m an event planner,” she said, tone half-pride, half-playful exasperation. “Mostly weddings. I traded in the high-stress, high-glamour city chaos for rustic barns, unpredictable weather, and the occasional runaway groomsman. But Kismet’s good to me. Slower, softer.” Her gaze lingered on Ruby for a moment. “You probably see a hundred places like this. What made you stop here, really? Something tells me it wasn’t just the coffee.” | @rubywritesrp

Ruby let out a warm laugh, the sound light and genuine as she lifted her cup in a playful toast. "Hey, if good coffee and a little existential crisis go hand in hand, I’m not complaining," she teased, her grin bright. She took another sip, savoring the moment, feeling an unexpected ease settle between them, like they could have been friends for years instead of minutes. As Laila spoke, Ruby listened closely, her expression softening with real understanding. Something in the way Laila described it, the need for stillness and breathing room, tugged at a familiar corner of her heart. "I get that," Ruby said, her voice a little gentler now. "Sometimes you don’t even realize how much you’re holding your breath until you find a place that lets you exhale." She smiled, a little more earnest now. "But you mentioned a job opportunity... what do you do for work?" she asked, her curiosity easy and genuine, head tilting slightly as she leaned in, clearly interested.

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a soft laugh, nodding as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, completely. The overthinking is half the performance, I swear. And somehow they still end up surprised when they like both.” Her tone was light, but her smile held a knowing warmth as she glanced over at Fatma. She appreciated the ease in the moment—no tension, no lingering awkwardness. Whatever silent understanding they’d come to, it was enough for now. She wasn’t one to press when a truce was holding steady.

“You’ll be happy to know this place is blissfully free of ‘micro cuisine masquerading as luxury,’” Laila said with a smirk, pushing open the door to the restaurant. “The portions are decent, the flavours are actually layered, and the owner once gave me free dessert because I helped him re-label his calendar invites.” She held the door open for Fatma, her voice dipping with mock solemnity. “Honestly, it’s a public service that I brought you here. What have you been doing with your time in Kismet if not eating your way through its underrated gems?” The teasing in her voice was entirely evident with the smile on her face. | @fatmaxaslan

"Such typical male behaviour isn't it? When in doubt, get both. I don't know why they're always wrecking their brains about it." She shook her head, offering the other a smile when she spoke of being pleased with her presence. Now that she had heard the truth from Hasad, she hardly felt any ill will towards the woman, but she would of course not disclose the fact that she knew. What was said between the twins was to stay between them. But at least there was a better understanding towards the other. "As long as they don't charge you an arm for a single scallop, a twig of asparagus and some dribble of sauce, I'm sure I'll love it." Fatma mused, following the other towards the establishment. "Can't believe I've never been here before. It's not like I moved in here yesterday." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila felt the corners of her mouth lift almost against her will, the warmth of Sanjit’s words settling into her like sunlight after a stretch of cold. She wasn’t easily swayed—had spent so long keeping her world compartmentalized, emotions in tidy little boxes while work took centre stage. But here was this man, speaking softly about the kind of things most people only acknowledged once they were already too late. Her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than it needed to, as if memorizing the ease in his smile, the quiet sincerity in his tone. This doesn't wait around forever. The words echoed, just a little too close to something she’d been trying not to think about lately.

Internally, she hesitated—not because she didn’t want to say yes, but because the idea of wanting something that wasn’t part of her carefully managed life scared her a little. A real date. A real possibility. And yet, wasn’t that what she kept telling herself she needed to be better at? Letting good things in when they showed up? “Only if I get to return the favour after,” she replied, voice light but eyes a touch more serious than before. “We’ll call it even after two coffees and a walk that’s entirely free of distractions. Deal?” | @sanjitxgupta

"In that case," he teased, "I will do my best to keep the distractions to a minimum," he told her. A slow, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Life has a bad habit of convincing us work is more important than the good stuff." Sanjit had been easily convinced time and time again. "The work will still be there tomorrow," he started, his tone a little quieter now, "but this," he echoed her loose gesture, "this doesn't wait around forever." A small pause occurred before a more playful smile returned to his face. "So what do you say we make up for lost time? I'll even buy you the next cup of coffee to sweeten the deal." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila’s smile softened, her gaze thoughtful as she listened to him. She could see how far he’d come—not just in his career, but in the way he saw himself and the world around him. “You’ve done the work, Ben,” she said, her voice carrying a quiet conviction. “It’s easy to forget how much you’ve grown when you’re in the middle of it all, but looking at where you are now… you’ve come a long way. You should be proud of that, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.”

Her eyes met his, the words she spoke more than just encouragement—they were a reflection of how she saw him, someone who had built something real, not just in his career but in his own heart. “And I’m lucky too. To have someone like you in my life, someone who knows what it means to struggle, to grow, and to keep going. Not everyone gets to have that kind of connection.”

Laila paused, letting the quiet moment settle between them before she spoke again, her voice a little softer. “Yeah, we’ve both had our fair share of hard times, but I think we’re both finally learning how to appreciate what we’ve got now. And that’s something special.” | @benjaminxjackson

"I know right? Still can't believe it at all," he replied. Ben sometimes forgot this, he had really come a long way in just about everything. From being someone who refused to trust people, who choose not to connect with people and other chef when he was starting out in his career and also he had grown in his career. He is well known, skilled and popular too. "Also thank you for being someone who is amazing and someone I can trust," he added in a soft and warm voice. "Thanks for the vote of confidence".

"I am so lucky to have amazing people in my life and a great support system," he smiled. He was really thankful and sometimes when Ben thought about it, he got emotional because he could finally see that now. "Sounds good to be," he laughed. @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila smiled, her eyes softening as she watched Stevie’s energy. “You’re right. A treat every day… now that sounds like a habit I could get used to,” she replied with a playful wink. Her fingers lingered on the glass of the case, admiring the options but knowing she’d already been swayed by the cinnamon roll. At Stevie’s offer, Laila chuckled. “You’re so considerate. If you don’t mind, yes, please. I’m terrible at keeping cupcakes intact.” She grinned, her voice light. “I’m already planning how I’ll eat it—slowly, savouring every bite, like it’s the most important thing I’ve done all day.” There was an ease in the exchange, something comfortable that made Laila appreciate the small moments, the ones where everything just felt… simple. | @steviexwagner

She nodded. “Exactly. You should treat yourself every day.” Stevie agreed. She never held back on treats herself and would always have something if she was in the mood for it. Hearing Laila, she shook her head and laughed. “Yeah, that definitely calls for a treat.” She agreed and followed the other’s eyes on what she wanted to order. “That sounds perfect.” Stevie put on her gloves and reached into the case to get the cinnamon roll and the cupcake. “Would you like me to put the cupcake inside a box then for you?” @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Maybe I do need more friends," she admitted, mock-wistful, "but you have to admit, a man who’s passionate about compost is at least committed to growth." She gave him a playful look, but there was a fondness in her smile too. It was easy, being around Roman like this — light without feeling surface-level. She watched him add to the order, noting how naturally he thought about others — the animals, the land, even the people who depended on the farm. When he spoke about making time, her smile softened at the corners. "We always think there’s more time than there is," she said quietly, almost to herself. "But you’re here now. That counts for something."

At the mention of his nieces, she brightened, smiling at him. "Well, if they're anything like you, I’m sure I’d have a great time getting to know them." She grinned when he joked about the wedding, rolling her eyes affectionately. "Not quite Snow White, but close. Although... I did have a backup plan to turn into a Disney princess if things went south." Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "You laugh, but those dogs were dangerously close to a revolt at one point." | @romanrhodes

"you need more friends, laila. i'm worried about you. you should not find a man talking about compost unusually interesting. you're right, we both need to get out more." roman chuckled, pulling out his wallet to pay for the compost order. he added some extra orders or chicken feed, duck feed and tomato feed. so many hungry mouths (and roots) on the farm.

" i know but... i should've made some time." roman responded. his eyes were lowered, but his tone was soft yet firm. no self-deprecation, just honestly. he flashed a grin when laila mentioned his nieces. "you'd like them. they're good kids, they're kind and they're funny."

"thank you, ma'am, i appreciate it." roman grinned back. he kinda liked it when she was stern with him, even in play. roman listened to her speak, his eyebrows raising and raising. "wow, that's... a lot of animals in one wedding. is the bride snow white? that's the only way i can see that working."

[lailaxmir]

Laila grinned at Ruby’s gaslighting comment, laughing under her breath as she broke off a small piece of the cheese danish. "Exactly. It’s like you’re drinking it thinking, 'maybe I’m the problem,'" she said with a playful shake of her head. She took a bite, and as expected, it was far too good. With a mock sigh, she admitted, "Fine, you win. Totally worth the risk." There was something about Ruby’s energy — that easy blend of humour and honesty — that made Laila feel like they could have been friends for much longer than a few minutes. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she listened, her expression softening.

"A travel writer," she repeated, like she was tasting the words. "That sounds like a dream... but I can imagine how after a while, it might start to feel a little like chasing something you can't quite hold onto." Her thumb traced idly along the sleeve of her cup as she considered Ruby’s question. "I guess you could say I was chasing stillness too," Laila said, her voice thoughtful. "Kismet Harbor just... felt right when I came to see it when I first got the job opportunnity. Like it gave me permission to breathe a little deeper. I didn't even know I needed that until I found it." Her smile returned, a little lopsided, a little earnest. "And maybe, just maybe, for the coffee too." | @rubywritesrp

Ruby let out a soft, amused laugh at Laila’s almond milk take, her eyes sparkling with shared understanding. “I get it. There’s just something off about it, right? Like your coffee’s trying to gaslight you.” She cradled her cup gently, like it was a living, trusted companion, then glanced toward the slowly advancing line, giving a knowing nod toward the cheese danish in Laila’s hand. “I’ll take the blame. But only if you admit it was worth the risk when you finish it.” There was something about Laila’s easy warmth that Ruby immediately liked. Her brows lifted in interest as Laila mentioned her move. “November?” she echoed, tilting her head. “Then you’ve made it through the toughest part, those quiet, gray weeks after the holidays when the charm of a cozy small town starts to feel a little too quiet.” She smiled softly.

Ruby leaned slightly against the counter at the question, her voice gentle but bright. “I’m a travel writer,” she shared, like it was a small secret, a little piece of herself offered up with no fanfare. “Mostly long-form stuff, articles, photo essays, a few guidebooks. I’ve been on the road more often than not for the last ten years. But lately I’ve been… slowing down. Letting places like this pull me in for a bit.” She gave Laila a slightly sheepish look. “Guess I needed to remember what stillness feels like.” She glanced down at her coffee, then back up with a warm grin. “What about you? What brought you here, besides the excellent coffee?"

[lailaxmir]

Laila laughed softly, a hand resting lightly over her heart like she was touched by the compliment. "You're too kind, Marcel. But honestly, it was easy when the two of you made it so clear what you wanted — it made my job feel less like work and more like… celebrating alongside you." She leaned back slightly, a real smile lighting up her face as she listened to him recount the trip. "That sounds like absolute perfection," she said warmly. "The food, the spa, the dolphins at sunset… you couldn't have scripted a better way to start your next chapter." Her voice softened just a touch, sincerity shining through. "I'm really glad you got that kind of peace, even if just for a little while. You deserve it." There was a beat, a playful glint returning to her expression. "Though now you're right--the bar is set incredibly high, not only for the other weddings, but for me to try and deliver something just as good." | @marcelvaughn

Marcel chuckled, "Well you did an amazing job, I don't know what else to tell you." He told her, knowing she'd been able to pull a lot together in a short amount of time with the small pieces they had already managed to establish and make them all fall into place for their big day. "What can I say? I don't think many weddings are going to be able to top this one." He grinned happily, not even wanting to think about the fact that Julian would be getting married soon as well and probably outdo him by far. "Oh there was a lot. I think I mainly enjoyed the food ,but no surprise there--" He said, "Then we did spas, explored the island and I had booked us in on this dolphin watch ride at sunset. It was incredible." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth, one she didn’t bother to hide. There was something about Sanjit’s easy way of teasing that made the conversation feel effortless, like slipping into a familiar rhythm she didn’t realize she missed. "Careful," she said, tilting her head with a mock warning. "If you keep saying things like that, you might end up distracting me too." Her tone was light, but there was a glimmer of something real in her eyes — a rare ease she didn't always let herself show.

As he sat down across from her, she let herself relax back into her chair, feeling the lingering weight of the week start to ease off her shoulders. "What’s been keeping me away?" she echoed, glancing out toward the rows of vines stretching out in the distance. "Life, mostly. Work piling up, a never-ending list of things that needed fixing, and me convincing myself it was more important than...this." Her hand gestured loosely between them, between the soft hum of the coffeeshop and the rare chance to just be still. "But," she added, her gaze flickering back to him with a softer smile, "I'm starting to think I should’ve come visit a lot sooner." | @sanjitxgupta

"The company does tend to make all the difference, doesn't it?" Sanjit's smile deepened as he stepped closer. His fingers drummed against the coffee cup in his hand, "I'm not the dangerous one here," Sanjit quipped, "You're the one with that look that makes people forget what they were doing two seconds ago." And for the record, that happened to Sanjit whenever he was in her presence. "I've got some time," he chuckled with her words. "I've got the rest of the evening to haunt the vineyard, don't you worry." Sanjit played into the teasing banter once more as he took the seat across from her. "What's been keeping you from the vineyard and good company?" @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a quiet laugh, eyes crinkling as she gave an exaggerated shudder. “Almond milk is for emergencies only—like, desperate times. And even then, it feels like a personal betrayal.” Her gaze dropped briefly to the cheese danish in question, considering it like a calculated risk. “Alright, fair. Dangerous before 9 a.m. it is. If I regret it, I’ll just blame you and the gravitational pull of this place.” She stepped forward slightly as the line inched ahead. “I’ve been here a few months now. Moved in November. Was supposed to be temporary, but…” She shrugged, her smile curving with a familiar kind of fondness. “Small town gravity, right? Sucks you in with the community vibes and people who remember your coffee order after one visit.” Laila glanced back at her, head tilting just a little. “So what kind of work has you hopping around? Something glamorous, or just a lot of time zones and carry-ons?” | @rubywritesrp

Ruby glanced over at the sound of the voice behind her, the smile already tugging at her lips stretching a little wider when she met the stranger’s gaze. The easy charm in the woman’s tone made Ruby chuckle under her breath as she shifted slightly, making room in that silent way people used to long lines and small coffee shops. “Almond milk really is a last resort, isn’t it?” she said, her voice warm, touching with a rasp hinting at too many early mornings and airport coffees. Her gaze flicked back to the case for a beat before landing on Laila again, a brow lifting playfully. “Hey, don’t knock the cheese danish. Risky? Sure. But sometimes you’ve gotta live a little dangerously before 9 a.m.” At the question, she adjusted the strap of her tote bag where it had slipped off her shoulder. “A little of both, I guess,” she said easily. “I’ve been living here on and off for about twenty years, traveling a lot for work, so I come and go. But this place always pulls me back. Small town gravity.” Ruby leaned lightly against the counter, clearly unbothered by the wait or the conversation. “What about you?” she asked, genuinely curious now. “You a local, or just braving morning venue visits for fun?”

[lailaxmir]

Laila spotted Fatma just as the other approached her. She slipped her phone into her pocket and offered a small, steady smile as she approached. “You know,” she said, tone light but easy, "the last time I was there, the guy in line before me spent five minutes debating between two things and then he said he was getting it for his girlfriend. I figured he should've just taken both but before I could give him my unsolicited advice, he left."

Her gaze softened as she stopped in front of Fatma, catching the flicker of something uncertain behind her eyes. “I’m really glad you came,” she said genuinely. Laila bumped her shoulder gently against Fatma’s, more affection than force. “Come on. I’ve been bragging about this place like it’s a Michelin-star restaurant. If it disappoints, we’re getting something else just as tasty after.” | @fatmaxaslan

TEXT📱 → Laila: I am on my way. Husband took a bit more of my time before I could leave.

After her conversation with Hasad, knowing what had been what had led to their break-up, Fatma felt like she understood the woman more. She still found the situation confusing, but she wasn't able to put herself in their shoes, didn't know the process of her mind at that time. So a clean slate was necessary. It was the least she could do.

She just rounded the corner when her phone buzzed again, reading the text and letting out a soft chuckle before she replied.

TEXT📱 → Laila: You'd think they get paid more for the longer you spend in there, having to figure out what it is with such elusive names. Can't wait to taste, never had one.

As long as she wouldn't be the only one eating. She always found that confusing. Then, the sunflower mural came into view, eyes scanning for a brunette and once found, offered her a solemn smile. "Hey you." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a soft sigh as she reached the counter, the kind that said it's already been a day even though it was barely noon. “Honestly? I think you're onto something,” she said with a tired smile. “Every day should call for a treat—especially when the first thing you hear in the morning is that a groom wants to change the entire colour palette a week before the wedding.” She glanced at the display, eyes lingering on the cinnamon rolls before flicking to the cupcakes. “Okay, hear me out—cinnamon roll for immediate comfort, lemon cupcake for later because I’m going to need it.” She grinned, a little more relaxed now. “That’s how we’re doing today.” | @steviexwagner

Seeing Laila approach the counter, Stevie nodded with a smile and stood there waiting for her to order. “Good. I’m glad you feel that way. It’s exactly what I’ve always wanted.” It was her grandmother’s goal and in turn, it was hers. So far, it was just that and she couldn’t have been happier. “I personally think every day calls for a treat, but depends what you’re in the mood for. The cinnamon rolls are just fresh out of the oven, but I’ve been in a cupcake mood myself. The lemon ones are to die for.” @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

[lailaxmir]

Laila had been standing just behind the stranger in line, her fingers wrapped around the strap of her crossbody bag, more alert than she probably looked. It was second nature at this point—scanning a room without really trying, picking up on tone, posture, that little flicker of guarded warmth some people wore like perfume. The other woman didn’t seem guarded, though. Just busy. But not in the rushed, frantic way Laila was used to seeing. It was more… practiced. Focused. Like her mind had a thousand tabs open but she knew exactly where everything was.

She smiled at the oat milk comment, stepping closer. “Good to know,” she said, her voice smooth with a note of relief. “I didn’t survive a morning venue visit and a traffic jam just to settle for almond milk.” Her eyes followed Ruby’s glance to the case, considering. “Cheese danish, huh? You don’t strike me as the reckless breakfast type,” she said, a soft grin tugging at her lips. “But you said it with conviction, so now I kind of have to try it.” Laila paused, tilting her head thoughtfully. “You from around here? Or just passing through with good pastry recommendations?” | @rubywritesrp

Ruby had been half-lost in her inbox again, thumbs moving fast as she scrolled through a mix of emails, brand deals, travel itineraries, a reminder about a draft due under a name no one in this café knew belonged to her. The low hum of conversation around her faded into the background like white noise, comforting and familiar. Work was her rhythm, even at nine in the morning with sunlight warming the crown of her head and the scent of cinnamon hanging in the air. She barely registered the voice, just a soft interruption in the stream of thoughts and tasks. But then the words filtered in: oat milk. Her gaze lifted, attention shifting from screen to stranger, and she offered the kind of easy smile. . “Yeah, they’ve got oat milk,” she said, her voice warm with a rasp, like someone who’d been up for hours already. “You’re safe.” Ruby glanced toward the display case, momentarily letting her phone rest in her palm. “If you’re in the mood for something sweet, that cheese danish in the corner is criminally good. Like ‘I’ll text my sister a picture to make her jealous’ is good.”