The lobby café was a pocket of calm amid the steady rhythm of footsteps and echoing chatter.
The soft hum of the espresso machine blended with the low murmur of conversation, the scent of roasted beans curling lazily through the air.
Mr. Max stepped up to the counter with practiced ease, scanning the menu board though it was clear he already knew what he wanted. "Two americanos," he said to the barista, then glanced back at Noel. "Or you take yours with milk.?"
Noel hesitated, slightly caught off guard. "Uh… yeah, just a bit."
"Make that one latte," Max corrected, tapping his card against the counter before Noel could even reach for his wallet.
Noel frowned lightly, already pulling his phone from his pocket. "You didn't have to—I can pay for mine."
Max waved him off, slipping the receipt into his pocket. "Consider it a post-meeting caffeine bonus. You earned it."
Noel shook his head, quiet amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That's not how bonuses work."
