diff --git a/crates/op-pen-loader/src/adapter.rs b/crates/op-pen-loader/src/adapter.rs
index fe8e00b42..6a673e06e 100644
--- a/crates/op-pen-loader/src/adapter.rs
+++ b/crates/op-pen-loader/src/adapter.rs
@@ -321,7 +321,22 @@ fn layout_measure_backend() -> Rc<dyn MeasureBackend> {
 /// root at its own (0, 0), so a tap must subtract the containing root's
 /// authored origin before it reaches `Runtime::dispatch_pointer`.
 pub fn root_authored_origin(n: &PenNode) -> (f32, f32) {
-    let base = match n {
+    let base = pen_base(n);
+    (base.x.unwrap_or(0.0) as f32, base.y.unwrap_or(0.0) as f32)
+}
+
+/// `Some(_)` when the node authored an `x` or `y` — the explicit-absolute
+/// signal `layout_repair`'s flow inference must yield to.
+pub(crate) fn node_base_xy(n: &PenNode) -> Option<(f64, f64)> {
+    let base = pen_base(n);
+    match (base.x, base.y) {
+        (None, None) => None,
+        (x, y) => Some((x.unwrap_or(0.0), y.unwrap_or(0.0))),
+    }
+}
+
+fn pen_base(n: &PenNode) -> &jian_ops_schema::node::base::PenNodeBase {
+    match n {
         PenNode::Frame(f) => &f.base,
         PenNode::Group(g) => &g.base,
         PenNode::Rectangle(r) => &r.base,
@@ -343,8 +358,7 @@ pub fn root_authored_origin(n: &PenNode) -> (f32, f32) {
         PenNode::Image(i) => &i.base,
         PenNode::IconFont(i) => &i.base,
         PenNode::Ref(r) => &r.base,
-    };
-    (base.x.unwrap_or(0.0) as f32, base.y.unwrap_or(0.0) as f32)
+    }
 }
 
 /// Choose the (available_width, available_height) the layout engine
diff --git a/crates/op-pen-loader/src/layout_repair.rs b/crates/op-pen-loader/src/layout_repair.rs
index ffaa727a0..879337b72 100644
--- a/crates/op-pen-loader/src/layout_repair.rs
+++ b/crates/op-pen-loader/src/layout_repair.rs
@@ -46,7 +46,9 @@ fn repair_node(node: &PenNode, rects: &mut BTreeMap<String, [f32; 4]>, is_root:
             repair_horizontal_container(node, props, kids, rects);
         }
         None | Some(LayoutMode::None)
-            if is_frame(node) && should_infer_horizontal_layout(props, kids) =>
+            if is_frame(node)
+                && should_infer_horizontal_layout(props, kids)
+                && !explicit_absolute_intent(props, kids) =>
         {
             repair_inferred_horizontal_container(node, props, kids, rects);
         }
@@ -437,6 +439,20 @@ fn should_infer_horizontal_layout(props: &ContainerProps, kids: &[PenNode]) -> b
         || kids.iter().any(child_has_fill_container_axis)
 }
 
+/// An EXPLICITLY authored `layout: "none"` whose children carry real x/y is
+/// absolute placement by spec — a badge dot pinned on a bell icon (x:28, y:8
+/// over a 20px icon at 12,12). Models belt-and-suspender these buttons with
+/// justifyContent+alignItems too, which used to trip the flow inference and
+/// stomp taffy's absolute positions (measured: the badge rendered BESIDE the
+/// bell). Legacy TS docs with an ABSENT layout field and stale x/y=0 children
+/// still get the inference — their coordinates are flow debris, not intent.
+fn explicit_absolute_intent(props: &ContainerProps, kids: &[PenNode]) -> bool {
+    matches!(props.layout.as_ref(), Some(LayoutMode::None))
+        && kids
+            .iter()
+            .any(|k| crate::adapter::node_base_xy(k).is_some_and(|(x, y)| x != 0.0 || y != 0.0))
+}
+
 fn inferred_horizontal_padding(node: &PenNode, props: &ContainerProps, kids: &[PenNode]) -> Sides {
     let mut padding = padding_sides(props.padding.as_ref());
     if legacy_zero_horizontal_inset_row(node, props, kids) {