One evening after school, as Leia walked past Nathan's mother's café, she noticed something unusual. The place was packed with customers, and his mother was the only one managing everything. The scent of freshly brewed tea and sizzling food filled the air, but so did the impatient murmurs of customers who had been waiting too long. A few of them were starting to complain, their voices tinged with frustration.
Leia's chest tightened at the sight. Nathan's mother looked exhausted, her movements hurried as she tried to juggle everything on her own.
She didn't hesitate.
Without a second thought, she stepped inside, setting her backpack down before walking toward the overwhelmed woman.
"Hello, Auntie! Let me help you," Leia said with a warm smile.
Nathan's mother, slightly startled, looked up and recognized Leia's school uniform. There was a flicker of hesitation in her tired eyes before she sighed in relief.
"I'm so sorry to trouble you," she said, though her voice carried genuine gratitude.
"It's no trouble at all!" Leia reassured her, puutung down her school bag before diving into the chaos.
Leia adapted quickly. She greeted customers with a bright smile, took down orders efficiently, and cleared tables with swift hands. The once-disgruntled customers began to settle, their irritation melting away as Leia helped keep things running smoothly. The clatter of dishes, the hum of conversation, and the rhythmic chopping from the kitchen blended into a steady rhythm, and soon, the café felt warm and welcoming again.
Nathan's mother watched Leia with admiration. There was a quiet sincerity in her actions, an unspoken kindness that touched her deeply.
Leia, on the other hand, felt something new—something that filled her with quiet joy. Helping Nathan's family, even in this small way, made her feel closer to him. Even if he wasn't here, even if he didn't know, it didn't matter.
By the time the last customer left and the café had regained its usual peacefulness, Leia let out a soft breath, stretching her tired arms.
Nathan's mother wiped her hands on her apron and walked up to her with a grateful smile.
"Thank you for today. You're such a wonderful girl," she said warmly. "By the way, what's your name?"
Leia smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Auntie, I'm Leia. And really, it was nothing. I just happened to pass by and saw you struggling, so I wanted to help. Doesn't Nathan usually assist you?"
Nathan's mother sighed. "He does, but he recently took on a tutoring job. He wants to save up some money, so there are a few days when he won't be able to come."
Leia hesitated before saying, "Auntie, if you don't mind, I can help out when Nathan isn't here."
Nathan's mother's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I couldn't possibly trouble you. You have your college entrance exams coming up, don't you?"
Leia shook her head. "It's really okay! I'd love to help."
After a moment, Nathan's mother finally nodded, touched by Leia's kindness. "Then I'll gratefully accept. Thank you, Leia."
Leia hesitated for a second before adding, "Just one thing… please don't tell Nathan that I'm helping out. I don't want him to think I'm meddling in his family's affairs."
Nathan's mother chuckled knowingly. "Alright, I won't say a word."
*****
From that day on, Leia came to help at the café three times a week. She gradually learned the regular customers' orders, helped experiment with new menu ideas, and even stayed behind to chat with Nathan's mother while closing up.
Over time, they grew close.
One evening, as Leia wiped down the tables, she casually asked, "Auntie, do you know which university Nathan is planning to apply to?"
Nathan's mother smiled with pride. "His goal is Qilin University."
Leia wasn't surprised. Nathan had always been brilliant. Of course, he would aim for one of the best universities in the country.
But a quiet pang of reality hit her.
She knew her own academic level. She had worked hard, but she wasn't at the top of the class like Nathan. The idea of being able to attend Qilin University with him was nothing more than a distant dream.
Her heart sank, just a little.
Still, she forced a smile. "That suits him. He deserves it."
Nathan's mother gave her a knowing look but didn't press further.
Then, one evening, out of nowhere, she asked, "Leia, do you like Nathan's?"
Leia froze mid-step, nearly dropping the dish she was holding. Her cheeks burned. "Auntie, why would you ask that?"
Nathan's mother let out a soft laugh. "I can tell. The way you care about him… it's different. Nathan is lucky to be liked by a girl like you."
Leia bit her lip, her heart hammering. "You're too kind, Auntie. But… Nathan is way out of my league. He's too perfect. I don't think I'd ever be good enough for him."
Nathan's mother shook her head. "Silly girl. No one is out of anyone's league when it comes to the heart. So, when are you planning to confess?"
Leia hesitated, then let out a soft, bitter chuckle. "We've been in the same class for three years, and we've never even had a proper conversation. I doubt he even knows who I am. There's no point in confessing."
Nathan's mother sighed. "Leia, don't let regret follow you for the rest of your life. No matter the outcome, be brave enough to say what's in your heart. I'll be cheering for you."
That night, as Leia lay in bed staring at the ceiling, her heart was filled with uncertainty.
And yet, she made a decision.
After the college entrance exams, at the graduation ceremony, she would tell Nathan how she felt.
No matter what happened, she wouldn't regret it.