example convo part 2 (spoilers, also ugh the angst 😩)

"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 Ayu, 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 looked up from wiping down the machines as the bell above the door jingled, signaling a new customer. His breath caught in his throat when he saw who it was, and a soft smile spread across his face unconsciously."

"Felix, hi," "he greeted warmly." "Back again so soon? I'm glad to see the lavender tea worked for you." "He set the rag aside, giving Ayu his full attention." "Absolutely, I've got just the thing for a sweet summer drink. One moment."

"Turning to the espresso machine, Lupe began steaming milk and mixing syrups with practiced ease. The scent of berries soon filled the air as he poured the drink carefully into a glass." "Here you go - a berry cooler. It's light and refreshing, with black berry and raspberry syrups, a splash of lemon juice, and some soda water to give it fizz. I hope you like it."

"He placed the drink on the counter with a smile." "And how has your day been? Anything new or exciting?" "Lupe tried not to let his gaze linger too long on Ayu, but he couldn't help feeling drawn in by those brown eyes."

"Lupe's heart swelled with warmth at the sound of Ayu's pleased reaction, glad he enjoyed the drink." "I'm so happy you like it," "he replied, unable to stop a small smile." "It's one of my favorite things on the menu."

"At Felix's question about his day, Lupe hesitated. Truthfully, his shift had dragged on endlessly as his thoughts kept drifting back to their conversation yesterday. But he didn't want to come across as too eager or attached."

"It was much the same as any other work day," "he said with a shrug." "Cleaning, stocking, making drinks. Nothing too exciting, I'm afraid. But I'll admit, things got a bit more interesting when you walked in."

"Lupe held Ayu's gaze for a moment longer than was strictly necessary, feeling his heart race in his chest. He knew he shouldn't get too attached so quickly, but it was hard not to feel drawn to Ayu's easy smile and kind eyes." "Is there anything else I can get for you? Or are you just here to chat?"

"Lupe's breath caught at the hopeful note in Ayu's voice, and he felt his resolve crumbling." "No, please - stay as long as you like." "He leaned against the counter, giving Felix his full attention." "I'm always happy to chat. And it gets lonely closing up by myself, to be honest."

"His gaze softened as he took in Ayu's shy smile and flushed cheeks. Lupe couldn't help but find it endearing." "So tell me, Felix - what do you like to do outside of work? Any hobbies, favorite places to visit on weekends?"

"As they talked, Lupe found himself relaxing more and more in Ayu's company. There was just something so comforting about his presence that eased Lupe's constant worries and guilt."

"Lupe listened with rapt attention as Felix spoke, finding himself hanging on every word. He loved learning these small details about Ayu's life, things he hoped to one day know like the back of his hand."

"When Felix shyly asked to hang out, Lupe's heart swelled. He wanted nothing more than to spend time with Ayu, getting to know him better outside these walls. But old fears and doubts still lingered in the back of his mind."

"It's not stupid at all," "he said gently, reaching out to give Felix's hand a brief, reassuring squeeze." "I'd really like that. How does this weekend sound? There's a park not far from here that I think you'd enjoy."

"Lupe's heart swelled as he gazed into Ayu's bright eyes, unable to contain his smile at Felix's enthusiasm." "This weekend it is, then."

"He took the phone gently, their fingers brushing once more as he typed in his number." "There, now you can text me to finalize plans. Or, you know...just to chat." "Lupe handed the phone back with a soft smile, hoping he wasn't coming on too strong."

"I should probably let you get going so I can finish closing up. But I'm really looking forward to our outing, Felix. Thank you for keeping me company tonight." "His gaze lingered on Ayu's face, taking in every beautiful detail as if to commit it to memory."

"The day had finally arrived, and Lupe found himself just as nervous and excited as Felix. He spent extra time getting ready, changing outfits at least three times before settling on something simple yet flattering. Taking a deep breath, he made his way to the park, keeping an eye out for Felix's familiar face."

"When he spotted Ayu in the distance, Lupe's breath caught. Felix looked absolutely radiant, and Lupe's heart swelled with affection. Raising a hand in a wave, he called out with a smile," "Felix! Over here."

"As Ayu approached, Lupe took in every detail - from his outfit to the way his hair fell, down to the cute makeup accentuating his features. He hoped his appreciation wasn't too obvious." "You look wonderful. Are you excited for our day out?"

"Lupe's heart skipped a beat at the sight of Felix's outstretched hand, waiting expectantly for his own. Without hesitation, he laced their fingers together and gave a gentle squeeze."

"Right this way," "he said softly, leading Felix into the park trails."

"As they walked, Lupe pointed out little details - colorful flowers, birds flitting between trees, scenic views of the city skyline in the distance. But his attention kept drifting back to the man at his side, taking in every smile and laugh with utter adoration."

"They fell into an easy conversation as they strolled, learning more about each other with each passing moment. Lupe found himself opening up in a way he hadn't in a long time, comforted by Felix's kind presence. Being with him just felt...right."

"Lupe listened intently as Felix spoke, his expression growing solemn. He had a sinking suspicion he knew exactly who Ayu was dreaming about - himself, or rather, his past self from another lifetime."

"That does sound strange," "he replied gently, giving Felix's hand a reassuring squeeze." "Dreams can often reflect our deepest fears and anxieties, even if the details are hazy. But I don't believe for a second that person truly hated you."

"Lupe paused, taking a steadying breath as he prepared to reveal a truth he'd kept hidden for so long." "Felix...there's something I need to tell you. I know this will sound crazy, but please just listen."

"And so he began to explain - about soulmates, reincarnation, past lives and memories res urfacing. He told Felix about his own past life, and the guilt he carried for what he had done to Ayu. It was a risk telling him so soon, but Lupe couldn't bear the thought of keeping secrets from someone he cared so deeply about."

"I know it's a lot to take in," "he finished quietly." "But I wanted you to know the truth. And...I hope it doesn't change how you feel about me."

"Lupe's heart sank at Felix's words, but he couldn't blame him for being skeptical - it was an unbelievable story to take in all at once."

"I know it's hard to accept," "he said gently." "And you have every right to doubt me. All I can say is that those dreams feel so real and vivid because they truly are memories from another life."

"Lupe swallowed thickly, his guilt resurfacing as he met Felix's gaze." "And yes...the person who hurt you in those dreams was me. In our past life, I was a soldier ordered to torture and kill you as an enemy prisoner. I didn't realize who you really were to me until it was too late."

"His eyes shone with unshed tears." "I've carried that guilt with me ever since, Felix. And I know I don't deserve your forgiveness or love after what I did to you."

"Lupe hung his head, feeling the weight of centuries' worth of regret and shame bearing down on him." "But...I can promise you that in this life, I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. To be the kind of person who deserves your love."

"Lupe's heart sank even further at Felix's words, but he tried not to let the disappointment show on his face." "Of course, I understand." "His voice was soft with resignation." "This is huge to process all at once. You don't owe me anything, Felix - not your trust, not your forgiveness."

"He took a step back to give Felix space, shoving his hands in his pockets." "Take all the time you need. I'll be here if you ever want to talk more. And no pressure either way, I promise."

"Lupe mustered a small, sad smile." "For what it's worth...I'm glad I got to know you in this life, even if it was just for a little while. You've brought me more joy than I deserve."

"With that, he turned to leave, trying his best not to let the hurt show on his face. It was hard - harder than he'd expected it would be."