WHEN YOU'RE CLOSER

CHAPTER 2

"Aster," called Mina.

From spacing out, I blinked to reality. "Yes, Loly?" I asked.

"Are you okay? You seem spacing out since morning." She says with worry.

I smiled at her. "Of course, I am fine, Loly. Don't worry about me and go back there." I shooed her away to go back to the counter. She is assigned as a cashier here at the cafe while I am the one who's making orders. We're short on staff but we're surviving just fine. Especially since this place is located a few blocks away from universities and buildings. 

"Ah, right," as if she was reminded of something. "I went here to call you because someone's looking for you. His name's Landon." She nods thinking if what she said was right. "His face was not familiar to me, though. Do you know him? He's gorgeous, Aster!" she seems hysterical. "Introduce me to him, please," pleaded to me while pouting.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "He is my boyfriend, Loly. And of course, I'll introduce you to each other."

She dropped her mouth open. "What the fuck? You're joking, right? Right, Aster? You gotta be kidding me!" she exclaimed in disbelief. "I've known you for a month and this is the first time you open this up to me?"

"We're just new, too, Loly," new as last night. But I didn't voice it out. That deal was just between the two of us and no one has to know it except us. "Come on," I gestured for her to walk with me.

There are a few customers busy doing their work on their laptops. Since it's the afternoon, it's not that plenty of customers. Students might be at home now. Moreover, it's the weekend and that is the better word to explain it. 

"Glad you came here sober, huh?" I started when we reached the counter. He's wearing a white polo shirt and partnered with shorts.  "How are you?"

"Doing well, of course," he smiled gently, brushing his hair upwards. "And you?"

I nod in answer. "Anyway, Landon, this is Loly, and Loly, Landon."

Loly seemed so shocked that up until now, she could not process everything. I snapped my fingers in front of her face made her blink and come back to her senses.

"Oh, yeah," she blinked again and offered her hands afterward. "Good to see you, Landon." She formally said.

I shook my head while chuckling.

"You too," Landon held her hand and smiled at her a little.

"Uh, could you give me a minute? You can have a seat in the meantime while waiting." I say and that made him face me.

He nods in response. "Sure, take your time."

"You don't want to order anything? It's on me no worries," I assured him.

"The usual," he murmured, biting his lips.

I laugh, looking amused. Why is this man shy in front of me? "Copy that," I nod. "I'll just give it to you later."

"Thank you," he smiled and pouted a little.

So cute!

He turned his back and seated at the window side of the cafe. I was about to get back to the kitchen when Loly called.

"I don't know his usual," she lowered her voice.

"Iced americano, less ice, and no sugar." I smiled and went to the kitchen.

"Is he aware that we have a strong coffee?" I heard her asking herself before I walked away.

He is fully aware. I answered in my mind.