I tossed my phone onto the couch and stretched, letting out a small sigh of relief. The pay was better than I expected. Decent enough to keep both Daniel and me afloat for a while.
Daniel sat across from me, arms crossed, still not fully convinced about my new job. "So? How much?"
I gave him a smirk before answering. "Enough to cover rent, food, and maybe even a few extra things if we budget right."
He raised an eyebrow. "And by 'a few extra things,' you mean?"
I shrugged. "I don't know… maybe actual furniture?"
He snorted, shaking his head. "Fine. I'll admit, it's better than I thought. But I'm still watching your back, Rose."
"I never doubted that," I said, giving him a small smile before grabbing my bag. "I'm heading out for a bit."
"Where to?"
"A café. Thought I'd take a break and enjoy something that isn't instant noodles or gas station sandwiches."
Daniel smirked but waved me off. "Just don't get into any trouble."
Later That Afternoon – The Café
The scent of fresh coffee wrapped around me the moment I stepped inside. It was the kind of place that felt warm and cozy despite the buzz of people chatting and the clinking of mugs.
I made my way to the counter, scanning the menu when I noticed the girl in front of me. She was petite, with jet-black hair tied in a low bun, her posture straight as she ordered a coffee in a calm, almost detached manner.
Something about her felt… controlled. Like she wasn't just ordering a drink but carefully calculating every movement, every word.
I placed my order right after her, but when I turned around to find a seat, I realized the place was packed.
No free tables. No empty chairs.
Except for the one across from her.
She noticed me the second I stepped closer, her dark eyes flicking up, but she said nothing. Just observed.
I hesitated for half a second before finally pulling the chair out and sitting down. "Hope you don't mind," I said casually.
She didn't react much, only giving a slight nod before returning to her coffee.
It was quiet between us. Not necessarily awkward, but there was an odd tension—like she wasn't used to strangers invading her space.
I took a sip of my drink, letting the silence stretch.
Then, my phone rang.
Daniel's name flashed on the screen, and I answered immediately. "Yeah?"
"You good?" His voice was casual but laced with its usual protective tone.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm at a café, not a war zone."
"Still. Just checking."
I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "I'll be home soon, mom."
Daniel groaned. "Alright, smartass. See you later."
As I hung up, I caught the girl across from me watching. Not in a nosy way, but more like she was studying me, processing something.
Then, to my surprise, she spoke.
"Your hair's nice," she said simply.
It was so out of nowhere that I blinked before responding. "Uh… thanks?"
She nodded slightly, taking another sip of her coffee.
I tilted my head. "You don't talk much, do you?"
She exhaled lightly, not quite a laugh but close. "I talk when there's something worth saying."
I smirked, intrigued. "And my hair was worth mentioning?"
She shrugged, setting her cup down. "Maybe."
For the first time since sitting down, I got the feeling that this wasn't just a random encounter.
Something told me this girl wasn't just another stranger.
And I was about to find out why.