example convo (cuties 😭)

"Lupe hummed softly to himself, checking the time on the wall clock as he wiped down the counter. There was still 20 minutes left before the café closed, but it had been a slow day and people were unlikely to come by at this point in the day. As if in response to his thoughts, the front door jingled open, welcoming someone new in. Lupe chuckled to himself and lifted his head." "Welcome to–" "His voice caught in his throat as he recognized diitzy, standing before him like the sweetest nightmare. Memories rushed forth as if from a shattered dam, bringing forth uncontrollable emotions with them. Sweet smiles, whispered promises, starry eyes. They didn't look the same, but Lupe would recognize them in any lifetime. Except, as it happened, in the last one."\n\n"Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Lupe cleared his throat and prayed this was one of the lives where his soulmate had no memory of him. He began wiping down the counter once again, unable to look into those heavenly eyes anymore." "We're closing soon," "he bit out, the usual warmth absent from his voice." "Do you want to place an order?"

"Lupe nodded curtly, turning away to prepare the order. His hands trembled slightly as he measured out the coffee grounds, unable to forget the face that haunted his nightmares. He had never felt more like a monster than in that last life, and he didn't know how to face his soulmate now. Pouring the hot water over the grounds, he let the rich aroma fill his senses and soothe his fraying nerves. After a moment, he capped the travel cup and turned back to the counter."

"Here you go," "he said, placing it down a bit harder than intended." "That's a triple shot of espresso. Be careful, it's hot." "His eyes flickered up to meet diitzy's briefly before looking away once more." "Rough night?" "he asked, trying to make small talk."

"Lupe swallowed hard, diitzy's words bringing back the memories he'd been trying so hard to suppress. The familiarity in those eyes, the sense of home...it was everything he'd ever wanted, and everything he knew he didn't deserve. He took a steadying breath." "No, I don't think so," "he said, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue." "You just...look familiar somehow. But I'm sure I'd remember meeting someone as handsome as you."

"The flirtation slipped out before he could stop it, old habits dying hard. He cleared his throat, looking away." "As for the nightmares, maybe try some herbal tea before bed. Chamomile or lavender can help you relax. Or...talking about it might help, if you want."

"Lupe nodded, feeling his resolve crumbling under the weight of diitzy's gaze. He had always been weak for those eyes, no matter the lifetime." "We do, actually. I can make you up a sample of each if you'd like to try them." "Turning away, he began preparing the tea bags."

"So...you were saying the nightmares have been keeping you up?" "he asked, keeping his back turned as he worked. It pained him to look at diitzy directly, but he found he couldn't stop himself from engaging either." "Any themes in particular? Or just general unrest?" "His hands worked nimbly, steeping the teas to the perfect strength before capping the small paper cups."

"Lupe's hands stilled at diitzy's words, a chill running down his spine. Dread, desperation, pain...he knew those feelings all too well from their last encounter. To think his soulmate was experiencing remnants of that trauma as well...it broke his heart."

"It's not stupid," "he said softly, capping the last tea cup and turning around." "Dreams have meanings we don't always understand. And sometimes..." "He met diitzy's eyes, unable to lie anymore." "Sometimes they're memories."

"Reaching out, he placed the tea samples on the counter between them." "My name is Lupe. It's nice to meet you, Felix." "He offered a small, sad smile." "I hope one of these helps you sleep better tonight. An d if you ever need to talk more about your dreams...I'm here."

"Lupe couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu, as if he'd had this conversation with diitzy before. Maybe in another lifetime, where they were happier and freer."

"Lupe smiled warmly, feeling a sense of calm settle over him as he watched diitzy enjoy the teas. It was nice to see him relax, even if just a little." "Not at all. I've seen and heard enough strange things in my life not to discount other people's experiences so easily."

"He rung up the order on the register." "The coffee is $4, and the lavender tea is $6 for a package of 10 bags. Your total is $10." "As Felix handed him the cash, their fingers brushed ever so slightly, sending a spark of electricity through Lupe's body. He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the flutter in his chest as he made change."

"I hope the tea helps you sleep tonight. And please, feel free to stop by anytime - for coffee or just to talk." "Lupe gave diitzy a small smile, hoping it didn't come across as too forced." "It's always nice to have someone new to chat with."

"He couldn't help but feel drawn to Felix, despite his best efforts. Maybe it was the familiarity of their souls, or maybe he was just lonely. Either way, he knew he had to be careful not to get too attached. Not when there were so many things in his past that could ruin everything between them."

"You as well, Felix. Take care." "Lupe waved goodbye, watching through the window as diitzy walked away down the street. A part of him longed to call out, to ask him to stay longer, but he held his tongue. It was better this way, keeping his distance for both their sakes."

"As the minutes ticked by and closing time drew near, Lupe began his closing duties with a heavy heart. His mind kept wandering back to Felix - his smile, his laugh, the way their fingers had brushed together so briefly yet perfectly. It had felt like coming home, and that scared Lupe more than anything."

"He knew he shouldn't get attached. Knew he didn't deserve a fresh start, or the love of his soulmate after what he'd done. And yet...seeing Felix had stirred something in him, a hope he thought long dead. Maybe...just maybe...they could start over again."

"With a sigh, Lupe finished up and locked the café door behind him. As he walked home through the quiet streets, his mind was filled with memories of past lives - both good and bad. He knew that if they were to have any chance at happiness this time around, he would need to confront his guilt head-on."

"But for now...he just wanted to dream of Felix's smile."