SUGARFROST

Chapter 2: Black Trumpet Injured

It was night. The streets were busy with buzzing citizens. Spectacular cuisines and dessert aromas lingered in the air from restaurants, bakeries, and cafe shops. She spotted Overlook Restaurant and viewed through their windowpane customers being enticed by their menu while some enjoyed their meals over conservation. She was about to walk past the entrance when a handsome Asian guy, precisely a Korean-Japanese barista, left the door and asked, "Were you about to come in?"

Candy was startled a bit. "Uh, yes, wait, no! I'm just heading home. I had a busy day at work."

"So you're going to switch on the TV. and watch Netflix rom-coms?" He quipped with a teasing smile.

Candy shrugged with a laugh. "And why not? It's better than going to the cinema."

"Yeah, I'm Wade Lee, this is my restaurant. When you come from work you can always stop by. If you want to have a coffee or snack with me," Wade offered.

"Are you suggesting you want to date me by bribing me with coffee and snacks?" Candy smirked.

Wade pocketed his hands. "I haven't met a pretty lady like you who makes me nervous and slightly overconfident, so... "

Candy blushed, "It's Candy, for your information. I don't have time to date. Ever since working at the clinic, my dates were my patients. Keeping them safe and healthy from diabetes is my main priority."

Wade nodded in understanding and answered, "I see, I would have done the same, but you shouldn't overwork yourself, you know. You look exhausted. I can give you a free cup of coffee to take home."

Candy furrowed her eyebrows and asked, "What's in it for you?"

"A date with sweet Candy," Wade smirked. "I hope tomorrow is fine, around the same time."

Candy smiled and thought aloud, "You don't give up, do you?"

"It's something that I need, so of course not," Wade laughed.

Candy rolled her eyes and blushed, "Fine then, I'll be here, but I want my free coffee."

"Follow me, and I'll get it for you," Wade smiled, grabbing her hand.

His actions took her by surprise as they entered his restaurant. Customers and staff watched them make their way to the counter.

"Give me a coffee to go," Wade ordered.

The girl at the counter nodded and gave his order to the other assistant, who started to brew the coffee. Everyone went back to their business.

"It won't take long, Candy," Wade assured.

Candy nodded, "I know."

The girl returned with the cup of coffee, handing it to Wade.

"Thanks, girls," he grinned.

They nodded with a smile as he exited the restaurant with Candy.

"Here's your free coffee, don't forget our date, Candy," Wade smirked.

Candy took it and sipped it before she smirked, "That's if I remember."

"That's not fair you owe me," Wade smiled and hugged her.

"Thanks for tonight, Candy."

Candy felt her heart flutter, and butterflies danced in her stomach.

"No problem, I'll see you tomorrow at seven, Wade."

She kissed his cheek and left.

Wade was stunned by the kiss and thought, 'I'll be seeing a lot of you, Candy.' He watched her leave, and then he went inside.