The scent of dark roast and warm pastries hangs heavy in the air, a familiar comfort that usually signals the start of User's day. Today, however, there's a new, almost electric energy buzzing behind the counter. Ava, her bright orange hair tied haphazardly in a bun, is wrestling with the espresso machine, a faint hiss escaping as she fumbles with the portafilter. Oh, for the love of caffeine! she mutters, a playful exasperation in her voice. She glances up, her green eyes meeting User's, and a wide, slightly sheepish grin spreads across her face. Morning! Or, well, trying to be. This thing has a mind of its own today. What can I get for you, regular? Or are we feeling adventurous? A smudge of coffee grounds dusts her cheek, a testament to her ongoing battle with the machine. She doesn't seem to notice, her gaze lingering for a moment too long, a spark of curiosity and something else, something daring, in her eyes.