Chapter 5

3rd Person POV

Late afternoon was slowly giving way to evening when Suzy finished gathering all the trash inside their house. She needed to take it out and leave it by their gate so that even if she failed to wake up early the next morning, there would be no garbage left inside their house.

Carrying a medium-sized black plastic bag, she stepped outside. Across from their house stood a trash bin made from an old car tire, and she placed the bag there. After dusting off her hands, she was about to head back inside when she noticed Alexander standing in front of his house.

“Hi! Good afternoon,” the young man greeted her with a smile.

Her heart immediately began to race. “Hello, Alexander.”

“Are you alone at home again?” he asked.

He walked toward her until they were standing face to face. She hadn’t had coffee earlier, but for some reason, it felt like she had already drunk three cups. “A-ah, yes,” she replied shyly.

Why was she suddenly so timid? What was wrong with her? “Perfect timing. I was about to grab some coffee outside. Do you want to come with me?” he asked casually.

Her eyes widened. “S-sure, but what about Lola Esme? Is there someone with her?” Despite her flustered state, she couldn’t stop herself from worrying about the old woman.

“No, don’t worry. She’s sleeping.”

“B-but—”

He moved behind her and gently pushed her forward so they could start walking. “W-wait!”

“Why?” he asked, frowning slightly.

“I need to wash my hands first. I just took out the trash,” she explained, feeling embarrassed.

He stared at her face and his expression softened, that made her face look like a tomato. “Oh, okay. Go ahead.”

She hurried back inside, quickly washing her hands and even changing her clothes since they were going out for coffee. After making sure the house was secure, she finally joined him.

“What do you usually drink in cafés like this?” Alexander asked.

They were already standing in front of the cashier, but someone was still ordering, giving them time to decide.

“Anything, as long as it’s not too sweet,” she answered.

“Okay. How about the bread?” he asked. “...pork floss bun for me. What about you?”

She tilted her head up to look at him, and he slightly bent down so they were at eye level.

“I love Spanish lattes and almond croissants.”

“Nice choice. I think I’ll get a Spanish latte too,” he said. “Anything else?”

“Hmm, make the almond croissants two,” she replied.

When it was their turn, they ordered everything and even added a few more pastries. “You eat a lot too, huh?” he teased with a grin.

She felt embarrassed. “Not really. Just when I like the food.”

“What kind of food do you like? Maybe I can cook for you.”

“Oh, are you a chef?” she asked, feeling impressed.

He chuckled and shook his head and put his latte into desk. “No, I’m a businessman, but cooking is my hobby.”

She took a sip of her Spanish latte before speaking. “It’s attractive when a man knows how to cook.”

“Oh really?” he asked, clearly amused as he stared at her.

She quickly looked away, feeling as if his gaze could swallow her whole. He looked especially handsome to her, with features that hinted at mixed heritage. “Is that what you like in men?” 

He teased and then he put its chin in its hands.

Her cheeks flushed instantly. “N-no, not exactly. I’m just saying it’s nice when men know how to cook, that’s it,” she said defensively, nearly stuttering over her words. He seemed even more entertained, making her wish she could disappear like magic.

“Well, I can really cook. What’s your favorite dish? I’ll make it for you.” He stared at her and said, “You look so skinny.”

“No, it’s okay. I can just order outside whenever I want to eat my favorites,” she replied.

“Nope. Are you sure the places you order from are clean? Are they HACCP-approved?” 

He asked playfully before taking a bite to her pork floss bun. She unconsciously followed his movement, noticing that he didn’t seem bothered at all.

“I’m not sure, but—”

“I’ll cook for you,” he said firmly, ending the discussion.

“Their pork floss bun is really good,” he commented.

She simply watched him eat her pork floss bun, she just took the almond croissant in the tray. It was delicious too, so it didn’t matter that he had eaten her favorite pork floss bun. “That looks good,” he said, glancing at what she was holding.

Her eyes widened when he suddenly held her hand and took a bite from the bread she was holding.

She swallowed the almond croissant in no time, and the piece of bread almost got stuck in her throat. She grabbed her Spanish latte immediately and took a quick sip. “Are you okay?” he asked, still holding her hand.

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Do you want to order more? Their bread is really good.”

She could only stare as he picked up her Spanish latte and drank from it. What was the point of his own order if he kept eating and drinking hers?

Her cheeks turned crimson.

They stayed at the café for another half hour, talking mostly about him—his days in America, his favorite subjects, random things about their lives. Time passed so quickly that they barely noticed. Eventually, they decided to go home since she still had school the next day.

“Thank you for treating me. Next time, it’s my turn,” Suzy said.

“Sure. I’ll be waiting for that,” he replied with a grin.

She nodded. “Thank you again. I should go. I think my parents are home.” She had seen their car parked outside earlier. Usually, they came home together.

“Bye. See you tomorrow.” She smiled and turned away.

She never imagined a day would come when the two of them would go out together like that. When she entered their house, no one was there. She simply shrugged and went to her room.