At The Existentialist Cafe Mga Nobela at Kwento

But then, he drinks it anyway. The inside of the café smelled like coffee heaven. The scent of freshly roasted beans filled the whole area. Lots of people were already lined-up to get their orders, busy fiddling on their phones as they waited for their turn. Jesse turned to look at the display fridge and pastry warmers. Thinking if he should get a bagel, a pretzel or an obscenely large chocolate-chip cookie.

The cafe door slowly closed by itself. ***

Having second thoughts, I cancelled the order, making my way outside. I entered a cafe and placed my order. The bell of the cafe dinged, indicating that a customer arrived. I looked through the mirror in front of me, it was the person in black. I smiled and placed an order for him. I didn't know what he liked so I ordered Hayden's favorite. Picking up my order, I sat with my back towards his back. He had also picked up his order that I had placed. He finished his lunch before me and walked outside the cafe, not before dropping a note on my table. I smiled, picking up the note.

I said, because priorities. He laughed under his breath, shaking his head as we started walking side by side. People passed by, humans mostly but Cassian didn't seem fazed. He blended right in, all easy confidence and casual charm, while I tried not to stare like some lost wolf in the big city. We stopped in front of a small café tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. The sign read Wild Bean Café, and the air smelled like heaven. Cassian pushed open the door, holding it for me with an amused tilt of his head. "After you."

“I’m sorry, that must be a scary scene for you.” My eyes widened and I shook my head quickly, “No, it’s fine. Are you okay now?” I asked and she gave me a soft smile, “I’m sorry if I ruined the night for all of us… I mean we can’t go back there now, it’s almost over… But maybe you guys would want to eat? There are some cafés that are still opened 24/7.” I’m so in, so I went inside the backseat and Alexander drove us to the café Cassiopeia was pertaining to. It was a small café and I’m surprised there’s still some customers dining in at this hour of the night.

Said lungs continue to fuss as the dark clouds that aren’t just in my mind give to a light drizzle. I know that my head cannot take bloody murder screaming, so I settle for whatever source of sugar and caffeine is within walking distance of our new ground floor condo. So we, me, Tio, and the security team, courtesy of his third Daddy, trudge to the café around the corner where the most interesting person happens to be. Coming into the small and cozy bakery that I’m shocked is open at this hour. An empty pastry case and counter greet me with a rather annoyed little growl attached to one of the nicest asses I’ve ever seen up in the air beneath a table.

I head to the restroom, splash water on my face, and steady my breathing. When I return, I order a sausage and iced coffee. My appetite is shaky but I know I need something in my system because I feel hungry too. I text Melissa that I’m here. She replies almost immediately. “Wait, I’m coming.” I lick my lips and sit back, my eyes drifting to the door every few seconds. As I wait, it hits me that I’m the only one in the cafe. The air feels thick. Suddenly, the door opens. A huge man dressed in all black walks in.

Because stopping now. Wasn’t an option anymore. Not after everything. Not after what I had seen. Not after what I had become. The moment I crossed the threshold. The café disappeared. Not faded. Not dimmed. Gone. Replaced. By something else. Something darker. Something quieter. Something that didn’t feel like a place. But a system stripped bare. And this time. There were no people. No noise. No cover. Just structure. And something inside it. Waiting for me.