Love Story {LeviHan}

Chapter 1: Saturday Mornings

I saw her again. Her dark brown hair turned auburn in the direct sunlight and her hazel eyes sparkling with joy. The black, wired glasses she wore every week complimented her beautiful face. Her hair was a rat's nest. Whenever I see her hair in that style, I want to fix that monstrosity. Every Saturday, she comes in right before the lunch rush at my cafe and orders the same thing: a cappuccino and a chocolate doughnut. I wished I could talk to her more whenever I took her order instead of the "May I take your order?" and "Have a nice day."

"She's here," Devin jabbed me with his elbow with a sly smirk on his face. Jeez, how much I hate that face. "Want to take her order or should I do it?"

"I can take it," I grumbled, walking to the cash register. Then, all of a sudden, I froze. She was standing and adjusting her earbuds as she typed on her phone. My legs wouldn't move as I just stared at her.

"You suck," Devin scoffed as he pushed me aside. "Grow up. You're not 12 anymore. Is this really what your future self is going to be? A scaredy cat?"

Out of anger, I grabbed the back of his apron and pulled him towards me, hitting a few things off the shelf. I walked towards the woman, ready to take her order. I hate people belittling me like that. Only a handful of people have permission to do so.

I forced a smile and greeted her with the usual store greeting. "Welcome to Harry's Cafe. The usual?"

"I'm sorry?" The woman pulled her earbuds out and looked me in the eyes. "Can you repeat that?"

"T-The usual." My words stumbled on each other. "The cappuccino and the doughnut..."

For the first time in weeks, I heard her laugh. "I think I have a problem if the staff members remember my order. Oh, I haven't answered you. Yes, the usual. And I guess I'll be sitting in the... usual corner." She chuckled as she gave me the exact change. "Thank you!" She shouted as she sat in her usual spot, settling down with a new book.

"Just ask her out," Devin scoffed, shaking his head. "Also, are you going to make her stuff or am I going to have to do it?"

Brushing him off, I prepared her order. Even then, I couldn't stop stealing glances at her. She had a new book- only the first few pages in. It sounds creepy, but she would always have a new book. I wanted to ask her what it was about, but I never did. This time, I'll ask her.

When I finished her order, I carefully brought it to her. I gently laid out her cappuccino and chocolate doughnut, announcing it to her. I only stared at my serving tray and her table. But the second my eyes drifted up, I saw sparkles dancing in her hands. The way she clasped her hands together like a cartoon character made me wonder what goes on in her beautiful head. I cleared my throat, telling her to have a wonderful rest of her day. I turned to walk away, but a part of me stayed.

"How's the book?" She froze in place as her eyes drifted to the book. Did I make a mistake?

"You read mystery books?"

"Not really. I don't like how real it is." I confessed. "I notice you always have a different book every Saturday. I wonder if you ever found a book you didn't like or if you ever ran out of reading materials."

She shook her head, still smiling. It was true: she's the sunshine in a sunless place. "I do have a problem... Do you notice that? I'm surprised. Truly, I am. No one... no one notices these kinds of things. But to answer your question, I have found books not to my liking. But I still enjoyed reading them. However, I think there's a difference between a bad writer and a bad story. A bad writer can make me... dislike a book. But bad stories can have something good inside. And no, I could never run out of reading materials. It's fascinating to see that new and blooming writers are out there with their masterpieces hidden from the public's eyes. I'm always finding new things to read. I could never get bored of the search. What about you? Are you a reader?"

"I'm... not really."

"There's bound to be at least one thing. Even if it's embarrassing, I won't laugh. It's terrible to shame someone's interests. Except if it's bad. Like... terrible things in the world." She chuckled in a heavenly manner, and I felt I was falling to my doom. She's too much... she's leagues away from me. "I'm rambling, aren't I? I'm so sorry. I get carried away if I'm not being monitored. Please, continue. What are your reading interests?"

I took a breath as I felt laser eyes on my neck as flames emerged from my shoes. I didn't want to confess, but the part of me that wanted to create some form of a relationship with her loosened my lips. "Occasionally... I like romantic stories. It reminds me that there is such a thing as love in the world. Even if it's only for a fake story."

The woman smiled, keeping to her word about not laughing. "Romantic stories are beautiful. And yes, you're right. Love is always in the world. But you shouldn't give up. Perhaps one day, the story of your love life might become a book. Don't give up hope. And for the record, I'm sure there's at least one book based on someone's real-life experiences on love. Even then, being someone you love is a story worth reading."

"Thanks..."

"Thanks for the interesting talk, Levi."

"How'd-"

She taps on a small spot on her chest, "Your name tag, silly. I'm Hanji. Next week, you should sit down and tell me one of your favorite stories."

"Yeah... I'm looking forward to next week."

The second I scurried back behind the counter, Devin snickered and jabbed me on my ribcage. The way he gleefully smiled at me made my stomach churn. Oh no... what have I done?

"And that's how it's done, Levi. Don't worry, next week, I'll make sure you get your break then. You and that woman need to get a room.