BongLeni Anthologies

Coffee, Unfiltered

The gentle hum of conversation filled the cozy coffee shop, a comforting backdrop that mingled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the rustic wooden tables, highlighting the intricate patterns in the grain. Each table held stories—of laughter, whispered secrets, and quiet moments. It was a rare break in the chaotic campaign season, and Leni found solace in this quaint little café, her favorite refuge from the clamor of politics. Here, she could breathe.

As she settled into her corner table, Leni took a moment to inhale the comforting scent of her caramel macchiato, the sweet notes wrapping around her like a warm embrace. The café was her sanctuary, a space where the outside world faded into the background. She pulled out her laptop, its cold metal feeling jarring against the warmth of the café. As she began scrolling through her emails, her mind flitted between campaign strategies and personal reflections. The weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her, yet the familiar café ambience provided a fleeting sense of escape.

The rhythmic tapping of keyboards and the soft clinking of cups created a symphony of everyday life. Leni took a sip of her drink, savoring the creamy sweetness, and sighed. There was something comforting about the routine of coffee shops—the predictable buzz of people, the endless flow of conversations, and the familiar faces of baristas. Each day brought a different flavor, both in coffee and in the myriad of personalities that filled the space. Today, however, her mind was elsewhere.

Suddenly, a familiar presence broke her concentration. Leni felt an electric pulse of recognition as she looked up just in time to see Bongbong stride into the shop. His confident demeanor—usually so commanding—was softened by the casual atmosphere, as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted from his shoulders. He glanced around, his eyes scanning the room before they landed on her, holding her gaze for a brief moment that felt charged with unspoken possibilities. Then, with a slight nod, he made his way to the counter, the barista's welcoming smile drawing him in.

"Of all the coffee shops," he said, his voice playful yet teasing as he approached her table, "I didn't expect to find you here." The corners of his mouth lifted in that signature smirk, one that had the power to disarm her even amidst their most heated exchanges.

"Guess we both needed a break from the madness," Leni replied, her heart fluttering unexpectedly. She attempted to keep her tone light, but there was an undeniable tension hanging in the air—an invisible thread connecting them that felt both exhilarating and daunting. As she closed her laptop, she knew that a conversation with him was about to begin—one she both anticipated and dreaded.

Bongbong pulled out the chair opposite her, the wood scraping slightly against the floor as he settled in. His expression was a blend of curiosity and amusement, as if he were trying to decipher a riddle he had stumbled upon. "Are you here for inspiration, or just to enjoy some caffeine?"

"Maybe a little of both," Leni replied, her small smile betraying her desire to keep things casual. She felt the weight of his gaze, a mix of sincerity and mischief that made her pulse quicken. "What about you? Just taking a break from your endless speeches?"

"Something like that," he said, taking a sip of his espresso, the steam curling up toward the ceiling. "I thought I'd get a taste of what the people are enjoying—beyond political promises, of course." He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, making the moment feel intimate.

Their conversation drifted between small talk and playful banter, each word dancing around the uncharted territory of their feelings. Yet beneath the surface, a tension lingered, a delicate thread connecting them as they sipped their drinks. Leni couldn't help but wonder if he felt it too, this unspoken acknowledgment of something deeper.