In a bustling city near the seaside, there was an adorable cottage-like building that seemed to be overflowing with customers.
The building was a popular café that harbored bakery treats, simple meals, and beverages. It's aesthetic was mainly feminine, lined with flowers and cute drawings of various animals. Due to this aspect, the majority of the customers they served were female. This, combined with the fact that the meals are rich in nutrients but low in calories, was why it was no surprise when the mornings, afternoons, and evenings were filled with both commoner and noblewomen.
However, this isn't to say that this business didn't bring any men. Most of the men that do visit come in the late evening, when their workday is over. At that time, for a short period, the business transitions into a cozy bar with hearty food to suit their male customer's interests.
Even though the food and beverages are excellent themselves, this isn't the only reason why the café is popular among the locals.
"Thank you for your patronage, please come visit Aloe Café soon!"
A bright-looking woman, whose skin was fair and short hair light brown in color, gave a gentle smile to the departing customers. She looked charming in her café uniform, an outfit similar to a maid but with more flair and personality. Her glittering emerald eyes were bewitching as they looked earnest when she served her patrons. Almost anyone that encountered her swooned over her delicate appearance, claiming that she was a sight for sore eyes.
"Vera, come collect these dishes and bring them to table four!" Her colleague, who was a stunning beauty by the name of Nairia, held a platter full of multiple plates.
Vera turned swiftly, giggling and shouting back, "Yes!"
Vera worked from when the Aloe Café opened to when the Aloe Café's Bar closed. It was only expected of her since she was the one who started the business. This meant while Nairia was busy wiping down the glasses at the counter and checking the stock of alcohol, Vera took her time in cleaning the tables and chairs.
She hummed a tune to herself as she worked, keeping a smile on her small face the entire time.
"Well, I've done my part," said Nairia after a while, giving the counter one last clean with a rag, "do you need me to stay extra today, Vera?"
Looking up, Vera gave Nairia's words a few seconds of thought before shaking her head.
"Go home to your fiancé, NaiNai. I'm almost done here, so you should head back before he starts complaining that I'm making you work too hard." She giggled as Nairia blushed at the mentioned of her soon-to-be husband.
"That idiot will survive without me for another hour or two," huffed Nairia.
Vera smiled. "Don't be like that, NaiNai. Your wedding is almost around the corner, it's no wonder he's so nervous lately. I think you should spend the time you have together."
Nairia gave an expression as if she was already tired of her fiancé while Vera laughed. Eventually, Nairia changed out of her uniform and Vera walked her out the front door, the two women saying their goodbyes for the night.
"Be safe, okay?" Nairia called to her as she left.
Vera only nodded and gave a small wave, staring at Nairia's figure getting smaller and smaller before going back inside. With a click, she locked the door to the shop and started to turn off the lights. Since she lived above her café, she didn't need to change out of her uniform immediately.
Another day of peace.
She gave a sigh as she reached behind herself to undo the apron's knot, pausing when she heard the chime of the café door.
I thought I locked it? Her nose scrunched briefly.
"My apologies, dear customer, but Aloe Café is already closed for the night," she said sweetly as she turned, putting on her best customer service smile.
I just hope it's not a drunkard—
"Vera."
At the voice, which was soft yet domineering, Vera froze. Her eyes slowly widened as she took in the tall, overbearing male in front of her. His usually stern and narrowed violet eyes held a strange gentleness in them as he held eye contact. The long, black hair that was so carefully nourished was loosely tied at the end of it, resting on his right shoulder. Instead of his loose shirt and cotton pants, he wore a black uniform paired with a cape so elegantly made that it made him look like a prince.
"How..." Vera whispered, her eyes trembling as the bitter feeling of tears welled up in them.
He stood in front of her, his face showing a sense of yearning and excitement. There was a certain desperation in his actions as he stepped closer, his arms reaching out. Vera, who was still petrified at his sudden appearance, didn't have enough time to move out of his reach when she came to. He was quick in ensnaring her once again, tightly pulling her towards him.
"Vera," he murmured in her ear, his deep voice full of affection as he brushed her hair back, "you cut your hair."
Vera faintly registered his words as she closed her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks in silent sobs.
He was the last person she wanted to see.
The person who gave her life.
Comments