WHEN YOU'RE CLOSER

CHAPTER 1

Reaching your dream was one of the hardest things to do. Even though you only want a simple goal. A plan where you could be at peace. A vision of serenity. Yet, all those dreams were something that held you back and told you that is not what you are supposed to be dreaming. You are not supposed to be wanting and needing. And that is too good for you.

As where I am today, doing what I wanted to do, I felt well. I feel alive. Opening a cafe on my own was my best decision all these years of my existence, I think. 

"Oh, you're closing already," a man appeared from the back while I was locking the door of the cafe.

I looked at him and saw a man with a black polo shirt that was hugging his muscles. He was wearing thin eyeglasses that suited his face shape and also emphasized his jaw more. He was also tall and had fair skin.

From shock, I composed myself and talked. "Uh, yeah," I nod.

"Okay, thanks." He turned his back on me, but I called him after a second.

"I could spare minutes if you'll order," I said.

He turned to face me and he seemed very enlightened. "Are you sure?"

I nod my head two times. "Yeah? That depends on how many you'll order, Sir."

"Too bad, I was just supposed to order one coffee. To sober up." He says with disappointment in his voice.

"Well, it was supposed to be a joke." I bit my lip from embarrassment.

"Oh," was the only thing that he could say.

I nodded and turned my back to open again the door. "Well, what will be your order?" I asked when we reached the counter.

"One iced americano. A strong one," he said while looking at the menu.

"One iced americano," I repeated what he said. "Five minutes for waiting if that would be fine?" I asked and he just nodded. "What's your name, Sir? So I could call you after it's done."

"Landon," he says and handed me his black card.

I grabbed his card and after I was done scanning his card, I gave it back to him. "Give me five minutes and it will be done. Thank you."

"Sure. Thank you, too." He smiled gently.

He looks warm from what I can see right now. He is also calm to talk to. As if there is no pressure waiting for you. And he will listen no matter what. He felt surreal. Too good for me.

"Landon," I called his name. "Your order is ready." I continued.

He walked towards me and grabbed the plastic bag that contained his orders. "Thank you,"

"No worries. My pleasure to serve, Sir Landon." I smiled gently.

"Just call me Landon." He chuckles a little. "May I know your name?" he suddenly asked.

"Aster," I respond. "My name is Aster."

"Aster is a beautiful name." He commended.

I nod, chuckling. "Yeah? Thanks, Landon."

"Aster is a star, am I right?" he asked all of a sudden.

"Yup, correct." I nod. "You should take a seat, Landon. I'll wait for you to sober up."

He looked at me intently. "You are caring to your customer, I see."

I laugh at his statement. "Nah," shaking my head. "You look like a shit right now to tell you the truth."

He laughs as well. "Life is just hard as hell." He sighed deeply. "But yeah, as if the world will change for me."

"It will never stop for you. For anyone. It will just continuously round as it is." I nodded and looked at him. "It must put you up hard this time, huh?"

"Too hard," he agreed.

"Do you want any help?" I asked out of a sudden. He was shocked at what I said and neither do I.

What am I even doing?

"You'll seriously help me?" he's still shocked at what I said.

I closed my eyes for it to rest a bit. "If you'll kneel in front of me," I said while my eyes were closed. As soon as I opened it, my mouth formed an o, and I got up from my seat. "Hey! I'm just kidding!" I held his hand to help him stand up from kneeling.

He's firm in his position right now so my strength is not enough to make him stand up.

"Landon!" I raised my voice a little hoping he'll listen to me. "Fine, stay kneeling!" giving up.

"Aster, please help me," he's almost crying.

"Fine, fine! Just tell me what help you need, Landon," I gave up. "Just please, get up. You're making me feel bad."

He lifts his face and stands up from kneeling. "Thank you, Aster! Thank you so much!"

"Hey, it depends on what help you need, Landon. Don't get your hopes up." I reminded him.

He composed himself and sighed before talking. "Uh, well, my family is persuading me to have a woman in my life. They have been pestering me for years now, Aster. And I am telling you, it is annoying at this point." He started. "I love my family. Though I am not even ready to commit again. Aster, this may sound so petty, though I badly want my family to see me happy."

I sighed deeply. "Why don't you talk to them about that? I mean, at least they will know that you are not yet ready to commit again. Maybe they'll understand?"

He shook his head and laughed in desperation. "The thing about them, Aster, is that they will pursue me more to find someone for me to move on. They would never stop until I settle down."

"It's tough," I commented. "If ever I'll agree, how many times do we need to pretend?" I asked. Even though I am not sure of this, I'm still thinking of the possibility.

There was something in me that wanted to help him. Maybe after so many years, I felt useful in something.

"Five months," he started. "Give me five months, Aster."

"Five months is too long, Landon. I have life and I cannot just say yes to you." I voiced out.

"If you think that you are doing this for free, you're wrong. I'll pay, Aster. I'll pay for your time." He said, encouraging me.

"You don't need to," I instantly said.

"I insist, Aster. Your time is also precious to you and I can't just get it from you."

"If that's what you want then." I nod. There's no use in arguing with him if he's determined. "Fine, let's make a deal. I'll be your girlfriend and you'll be my boyfriend. Just for five months, Landon. Five months and we're done. Deal?" giving my hand to make the deal and it's for him to seal.

"Deal." Accept my hand and shake it.

What the fuck did I get myself into?