Anya's first morning at the cafe began earlier than she was used to, but there was a quiet excitement in her chest that kept her from feeling tired. The streets of Central City were already alive when she arrived, the hum of movement blending with the soft clinking sounds from inside the cafe as she pushed the door open. The familiar scent of coffee beans and freshly baked bread wrapped around her, grounding her in a way that reminded her faintly of her mother.
Agnes Whitmore was already behind the counter, tying her apron as she looked up and smiled. "Right on time," she said warmly. "That's a good sign."
"Good morning, Ms. Whitmore," Anya greeted politely.
"Call me Agnes," she corrected gently, waving her closer. "Come, I'll walk you through everything before we get busy."
Anya nodded and followed her behind the counter, her attention focused and ready.
Agnes began by introducing the menu, her explanations clear and detailed. She pointed out the different types of coffee beans they used, the variations between espresso, latte, cappuccino, and the smaller details that made each drink distinct. Anya listened carefully, committing each explanation to memory, occasionally asking questions to clarify.
"You're paying attention," Agnes noted with a small smile. "That's important. Most people try to rush this part."
"I want to get it right," Anya replied honestly.
Agnes nodded approvingly before moving on. "Alright, let's try making a few drinks."
She guided Anya through the process step by step, showing her how to handle the machine, how to measure, how to pour with control. At first, Anya's movements were careful and slightly tentative, but she adjusted quickly. The second cup she made was steadier, the third more confident.
Agnes watched quietly before nodding. "You learn fast," she said. "That's good."
Anya allowed herself a small smile, encouraged by the praise.
Soon after, Agnes had her move to the cashier.
"Now this part," Agnes said, tapping lightly on the register, "is just as important. You'll be the first person customers interact with, so stay calm, be polite, and don't rush."
Anya nodded, taking her position.
The first few customers made her slightly nervous, but she handled each order carefully, repeating requests to make sure she got them right. Her voice remained gentle and steady, her movements becoming more natural with each interaction.
Agnes observed from a short distance, arms crossed loosely as she watched Anya work. By the time the initial rush slowed, she stepped forward with a satisfied expression.
"You did well," she said. "Better than I expected for a first day."
"Thank you," Anya replied, relieved.
It was during a quieter moment that Anya met Caris.
Caris had been working in the back earlier, but she stepped forward with a bright, easy smile as she approached. She looked about the same age as Anya, her demeanor relaxed and friendly.
"You must be the new girl," Caris said. "I'm Caris."
"Anya," she replied, returning the smile.
"I heard you just started today," Caris continued, glancing toward the drinks Anya had made earlier. "You're already doing pretty well."
Anya shook her head lightly. "I'm still learning."
"Well, you're learning fast," Caris said with a small laugh. "It took me a week to stop messing up orders."
That made Anya smile, the tension easing between them.
As the cafe settled into a calmer rhythm, the two of them found moments to talk between tasks.
"So, are you from Central City?" Caris asked, leaning lightly against the counter.
"No," Anya replied. "I just moved here from Westbridge."
"Really?" Caris's eyes widened slightly. "That's quite a change."
"It is," Anya admitted. "I'll be starting at Central College soon. I'm a freshman."
Caris let out a soft whistle. "That's impressive. Central College isn't easy to get into."
Anya smiled faintly. "I just did my best."
"Well, it paid off," Caris said warmly. "You must be really smart."
Anya shook her head slightly, but she appreciated the compliment.
When her break time came, Anya stepped outside briefly, sitting at a small table near the café entrance. She took out her phone, still new and unfamiliar in her hands, and checked it.
A message from Alaric had already appeared.
What time do you finish?
Her lips curved slightly as she typed her reply.
Around six.
A few seconds later, another message came through.
I'll be nearby.
Anya paused for a moment, staring at the screen before locking it, a quiet warmth settling in her chest.
The rest of the shift passed quickly.
As the end of the day approached, Anya found herself moving more naturally through her tasks, her confidence growing with each completed order. Agnes gave her a final nod of approval before the closing hour.
"You did well today," she said. "Come back with the same attitude tomorrow."
"I will," Anya promised.
When she stepped out of the café, the evening air felt cooler, the city lights beginning to glow as the sun dipped lower.
And there he was.
Alaric stood just outside, leaning casually against his car, his presence immediately familiar even in the middle of the busy street.
Anya blinked in surprise as she walked toward him. "You didn't have to come pick me up," she said.
"I was nearby," he replied simply, straightening as she approached.
He opened the car door for her, and once they were both inside, he glanced at her.
"How was your first day?"
Anya leaned back slightly, letting out a small breath. "It was good. My boss is really patient, and she taught me everything step by step."
"That's good," Alaric said.
"And… I made a friend," she added, her tone a little brighter. "Her name is Caris. She's been working there for a few months."
Alaric nodded, a faint smile appearing. "Sounds like you're settling in."
"I think I am," Anya said softly.
He started the car, pulling smoothly into the flow of traffic.
"Let's get dinner," he said.
Anya turned slightly toward him, surprised but pleased. "You don't have training tonight?"
"It can wait," he replied calmly. "Today is your first day. That's worth celebrating."
Anya smiled, a quiet warmth spreading through her chest as she looked out at the city lights passing by, feeling, for the first time since arriving, that she was truly beginning to belong.
****
The restaurant Alaric brought her to was nothing like the small cafés Anya was used to. Warm lights glowed softly from above, reflecting against polished wooden floors and neatly set tables. The scent of grilled meat, butter, and herbs lingered in the air, blending with the low hum of quiet conversations around them. It felt elegant, but not intimidating, the kind of place where people came to slow down and enjoy their evening.
As they settled into their seats, she glanced around, quietly taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Before either of them could look at the menu, a waitress approached, her steps confident and her expression warm. However, the moment she began speaking, it became clear that her attention was not evenly shared.
"Good evening," she said with a soft smile, her gaze lingering on Alaric just a little longer than necessary. "Can I get you something to drink first?"
Alaric barely lifted his eyes from the menu. "Two glasses of water," he replied calmly, his tone polite but distant.
The waitress nodded, though she did not immediately leave. Instead, she leaned slightly closer, her smile deepening as she added, "If you need any recommendations, I'd be happy to help."
Anya noticed the shift in her tone, the subtle change in her posture, and the way her attention seemed almost entirely focused on Alaric. It was not overt, but it was clear enough.
Alaric, however, remained completely unaffected. When the waitress returned with their drinks, he ordered their food without hesitation, his voice steady and efficient, leaving no room for unnecessary conversation. Even when she lingered for a brief moment afterward, he did not engage further, his focus already shifting back to Anya.
Only when the waitress finally stepped away did Anya allow herself a small breath, her lips curving into a faint, amused smile as she rested her chin lightly on her hand.
"You're going to get a lot of attention when college starts," she said casually, though there was a quiet teasing note in her voice. "I don't think the female students are going to make things easy for you."
Alaric looked at her, his expression unreadable at first, as if considering her words.
Then, without warning, he reached across the table and took her hand.
The sudden contact made Anya pause, her fingers instinctively tightening slightly in his grip. His hand was warm, steady, holding hers with a quiet certainty that made her heart skip.
"If that's the case," he said, his voice low and even, "do you want to claim me as yours before school starts?"
The question caught her completely off guard.
Her face flushed almost instantly as she tried to pull her hand back, her voice quick and slightly unsteady. "Don't joke like that."
"I'm not joking," Alaric replied.
There was no trace of teasing in his expression now. His gaze was steady, serious in a way that made it impossible to dismiss his words.
"I've been waiting," he continued, his voice soft but unwavering. "Waiting for you to grow up. Waiting for you to be ready."
Anya felt her breath catch, her heart beating harder with each word he spoke.
"I don't want anyone else," he said quietly. "I never have."
The sounds of the restaurant seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the weight of his words between them.
Anya stared at him, her thoughts suddenly tangled, unsure how to process what he had just said.
"Why are you so sure?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alaric did not hesitate.
"I've been sure since the moment I met you," he said. "Since we were six."
The certainty in his voice left no space for doubt.
Anya felt the warmth rise to her cheeks again as she lowered her gaze to the table, her fingers still held gently in his. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything. She knew her feelings for him had changed, that they had deepened into something more than what they once were, but she did not know if she was ready to name it, to step fully into it.
The uncertainty sat quietly in her chest.
Alaric seemed to sense it. His grip loosened slightly, not letting go entirely, but giving her space.
"I'm not rushing you," he said after a moment, his voice softer now. "You don't have to answer me right now."
Anya slowly lifted her gaze to meet his.
"I'll wait," he continued. "As long as it takes for you to be ready."
There was no pressure in his tone, no expectation demanding an answer. There was only patience and a quiet confidence that did not waver.
Anya searched his eyes, and for a moment, everything felt still again, as if time itself had paused around them.
Then, slowly, she nodded.