The Ballad of Bitter and Sweet

Finding Common Ground

The next few days flew by for Olivia as she settled into her new routine at school and the café. Each shift at Bean There Brewed That brought her one step closer to feeling at home in Hobart. But the highlight of her week was always the potential encounter with Henry. She found herself eagerly looking forward to their conversations, buzzing with excitement every time the café door jingled.

One Friday afternoon, after a busy lunch rush, Olivia was cleaning up behind the counter when she heard the bell ring. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up to see Henry walk in, a grin on his face.

"Hey there!" he called out, striding toward her. "How's it going?"

"Hi, Henry! It's going well—just the usual craziness of the coffee rush," Olivia replied, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Need any help?" he offered with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Thanks, but I think I've got it covered. I'm a pro at dodging espresso shots by now!" she laughed.

Henry leaned against the counter, clearly enjoying their banter. "Glad to see you're getting the hang of it. You should celebrate with a flat white of your own!"

"Good idea! I'll make one after I finish up here." Olivia paused, then asked, "What brought you in today? Just a caffeine fix, or are you on a mission for something special?"

"Actually," he said, a touch of seriousness creeping into his tone, "I wanted to see if you'd like to join me and some friends for a movie night this weekend. We're going to watch a few classics—just a casual hangout."

Olivia felt her stomach flutter with excitement, but then a wave of trepidation washed over her. "That sounds amazing! I'd love to join, but..."

"But?" Henry queried, his expression shifting to one of concern.

"I really want to go, but my parents might not allow it. My dad is Asian and a bit strict when it comes to boys," she admitted, biting her lip. "I just don't want to create any tension at home."

Henry's expression softened. "I get that. Family can be tricky, especially with cultural expectations. But what if I talk to them directly? Sometimes parents just need to hear it from us to feel more at ease."

"You'd do that?" Olivia asked, surprised but relieved at his offer.

"Absolutely! I can let them know it's just a group of friends hanging out—nothing to worry about," he assured her, his tone earnest.

That lifted a little weight off her shoulders. "Thanks, Henry. That would really help. I just want to have a good time without putting any strain on my relationship with them."

"Of course! I want you to have fun," he said, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "I think once they see it's a relaxed gathering, they'll feel better about it."

Olivia felt gratefulness wash over her. "You're so thoughtful. I really appreciate it. I'm excited for the movie night, but I'll definitely make sure to mention it to them first to avoid surprises."

"Good plan! Either way, it'll be a fun time," he replied, his smile contagious.

As they talked, the comfort of their connection deepened. It felt easy, natural—like they had known each other longer than just a few encounters. Before long, the café was filled with the gentle hum of afternoon patrons, laughter, and clinking cups.

Olivia began crafting her flat white, her mind still on the movie night. "So, what should I wear for the movie night?"

"Casual is best! Just come as you are—bring a cozy jacket or blanket in case it gets chilly," he advised.