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Part- 306:
“Not kale chips, I promise!” she ughed, shaking her head. “I’m thinking more along the lines of cookies or maybe those amazing pastries they have. You know, the ohat practically make your mouth water?”
James grinned. “Okay, you’ve vinced me. Cookies and coffee it is!”
As they walked, the sounds of the city surrouhem—cars honking in the distareet vendors calling out their wares, and the hum of versations all around. The sun warmed their faces, and the day felt vibrant and alive.
The coffee shop was a cozy little pce tucked into a quiet er of the neighborhood. As they ehe rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted them, apanied by the soft hum of jazz pying in the background. The pce was warm and inviting, with plush armchairs and wooden tables, creating an atmosphere perfect for rexation and versation.
Mili picked a er table by the window, and James followed, feeling the pleasant buzz of the coffee shop around him. After pg their orders—ae for Mili and a cappuo for James—they settled in, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Mili leaned ba her chair, her posture rexed yet poised, a knowing smile dang on her lips that hi the excitement she felt. The way her eyes sparkled suggested she had been eagerly following his judo journey, and it made James feel appreciated. "So... I heard you guys made it to the finals." Her tone was light, but there was a genuine admiration woven into her words, aowledging the hard work he had put in.
James nodded slowly, a small smile creeping onto his face as pride swelled within him. The news of their adva felt moal, and sharing it with Mili made it even more special. "Yeah, we did. But it’s going to be a tough fight." He paused for a moment, the weight of the petition pressing down on him as he recalled the rigorous training sessions and the fierce oppos they had faced.
Mili reached int with a sense of anticipation, rummaging around before pulling out a brightly colored ticket with a flourish. She held it up, her expression beaming with excitement. "I’ll be there tomorrow to cheer you on. See?" The ticket seemed to shimmer in the light, and her enthusiasm was iious, making James feel a surge of encement wash over him.
James grinned widely, his heart warming at the thought of her support. Knowing she would be iands added ara yer of motivation for him. "Thanks. It really means a lot to have someone from school in the crowd." The warmth of her gesture resonated within him, and he could already envision her cheerihusiastically, urging him on in the heat of the petition.
Mili chuckled softly, a twinkle in her eye that suggested there was more to the story. "Actually, there’ll be a few more from school ing too." The excitement in her voice made it clear that this was more than just a casual visit; it felt like a mi that would bring their cssmates together in support of their team.
