The Missing Link

003. Who?

3
❥๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑❥

“ANOTHER NUÑEZ.”

“Huh?” Zane replied, the strange sensation returning, a mix of curiosity and surprise.

“You’re one of the Nuñezes here, right? Known to the owner,” she said, her voice steady and casual. “Nephew or relative?”

“Nephew. H-How did you know? Did Auntie tell you?” he asked, turning to face her fully, his brow furrowing as he tried to understand how she had made the connection.

“Here’s your order, dear.” Her mysterious gaze shifted to the back as Zane heard footsteps approaching, followed by Mrs. Nunez’s voice.

“Oh, thank you, Auntie!” she exclaimed, a smile breaking across her face as Mrs. Nuñez handed her the cup of coffee. “That new apron suits you,” she added.

Additional questions suddenly popped into Zane’s mind. He realized he hadn’t noticed if his aunt was wearing an apron earlier or not. And another thought struck him—was she also one of the tenants in the apartments there?

After taking her order, the woman settled into the chair Zane had intended to occupy earlier.

“I see you noticed it,” Aunt Clara said, a smile playing on her lips as she glanced at her customer. “Hold on, dear. I’ll get your order, too.” Zane watched as she moved gracefully behind the counter.

Once Mrs. Nuñez left for the counter, the woman turned her attention back to Zane, her cappuccino sitting untouched in front of her. Instead, she retrieved a small notebook and pen, jotting down notes with quick, precise strokes.

“Do you like reading?” she questioned once more.

"Is that because I took a book—" Zane began, glancing at the table where the book he had intended to borrow sat. She flipped it open, writing down notes from its pages, seemingly unfazed.

"You prefer manga. If you want, I found a manga book for you," she responded. "I enjoy writing stories and whatever else. Do you think it’s okay for us to have different interests?"

Mrs. Nuñez’s footsteps approached again. “Why don’t you sit in the other chair?” she suggested, glancing at Zane with a gentle smile.

“He can just sit next to me,” the woman interjected.

“Would you mind, dear?” Mrs. Nuñez asked, a hint of concern in her tone.

“I’m just writing,” the woman assured, her focus unwavering as she scribbled notes.

As Mrs. Nuñez placed Zane’s treats on the table, he seized the opportunity to seek answers. Leaning closer, he whispered to her, “Did you tell anyone here about my arrival? Does anyone know?”

“No one. It’s impossible that your sibling did, as she went home on vacation. She only told me recently you were coming,” Mrs. Nuñez replied, her expression reassuring.

“Uh, ma’am, can I ask you something?” Zane turned to the woman seated beside him. Her pen paused, and she closed the book, directing her full attention toward him. “C-Can I?” he stammered, a mix of nerves and curiosity bubbling within him.

“Sure,” she replied. “What is it?”

“Who told you I’m the owner’s nephew? And how did you know that I like manga?” Zane inquired cautiously, careful not to offend her with his probing questions.

Her lips curved upwards, a soft warmth spreading across her face. “Looks like I’ll finally have someone to share my flat with.” Standing up, she nudged the book that had caught their attention towards him. “Mrs. Nuñez, can I please take my coffee out?”