Neighbors with Benefits // BTS

Amy Road

"Miss, wake up!"

Huh?

"Miss, wake up! This is the last stop for tonight."

I gently opened my eyes, remembering where I was. I was on a subway; a subway to somewhere . . . I checked my surroundings as I slowly got up from my seat. I happened to be the only person on the subway, just remembering there were a handful of people not too long ago. It was pitch black outside, and the only light source came from the subway station.

"Where is this place?" I asked the female driver.

"This is Amy Road." She replied.

Oh, I overslept. . . and I ended up at least 50 miles away from home.

Wonderful.

Maybe taking a subway to clear my head was a bad idea.

After thanking the driver, I walked out of the bus just to see a large clock with its shorthand at the nine. I looked at the bus schedule and the bus to Baby Bell Street would be in the morning at 9:00 AM. It was late and I didn't know what to do. The best thing I could think of was to look for a hotel and a convenient store. I didn't eat anything since I ran out of the hospital. That was the biggest regret I have ever done. It felt super rude just to do that.

But, they didn't need me. I would only stand in there way.

The only thing I could do was to hug my body. The temperature in this area is surprisingly cold, and I only had this cream-colored dress on. My phone was missing as well, so that was the best part.

I walked slowly down the streets; Saturday night and people were out. Not a lot of people. I didn't want to get too far from the station to the point I'm lost. I was able to find a small bakery which was pretty amazing.

"SWEETS", I murmured the name of the building. While I'm here, I should probably ask for directions. The building was small with glass windows showing how confident it presented its sweets, and loaves of bread. I watched from the glass window and there was a man wearing chef attire clothing, sweeping the peach tiles. He had jet black hair that covered his forehead. He also had dark brown eyes and fair skin, which brought this calm and cool personality. He was Asian, and I couldn't guess what kind of Asian he was.

He then met my eyes and then smiled; I immediately hiccuped. He assured me to come in just by his body language. His hands were gesturing me to come in and I couldn't just walk away.

"Haha, you were just standing there. I won't bite. Promise." He laughed. "I'll be with you in a moment." He took his broom and went backstage, leaving me alone. Instead of standing like a statue I used the time to gaze at his work. Right above the cash register had a glass showcase of sweets. Cheesecakes, eclairs, fruit tarts, creme puffs, all of them were done beautifully well. More than what I could do in my ability.

"So," He came back out, wiping his hands. "What can I get you?"

I was extremely shy to even utter a single word. I scanned the desserts and pointed to the chocolate cake. It was a large cake, but it looked delicious.

"The chocolate cake it is!" I watched carefully as he pulled the cake out and packaged it in a brown box. "Here you go. Will that be all?"

"Yes."

"That'll be $30."

"Ok-" I grabbed what seemed to be- -air. "I. . . forgot my wallet. . ."

"Haha, no problem." He took the cake back. I was hoping just a little he would give me the cake for free. Of course, a cake like that wouldn't be so cheap.

"You can take a loaf of bread from the shelf if you like?" He then offered. "They're fresh."

"Oh. . . thank you so much."

O~~~~~~~O

Before I left the bakery, I remembered to ask him if there were any nearby hotels. He then gave me this strange look on his face. He said how I would be able to get a room?

I stood frozen as I hugged my loaf of bread tighter. He had a good point.

He gave me directions to a nearby hotel that was only a five-minute walk. "I'll lend you some money."

"Ah, no-" I shook my head, but he immediately refused.

"Nope. Whether you like it or not." He pulled out his wallet and placed the money in the bag with the bread.

I frowned. "I'll feel in debt then. . ."

"Then pay me back later," He looked at me with a sly grin, following by a wink.

I glanced away, feeling a burst of heat burning my cheeks. "For sure. . ." After giving my thanks, I sped walk out of the bakery before my face was completely soaked in red. Little did I know he was following me outside. I turned to him and waited for him to speak.

"Ah, it was a joke. You don't have to." He grinned, as he reached his hand for me. "I'm Alex."

I took in a deep breath before taking his hand for a shake. "Felicia."

"Felicia. . . That's pretty." Alex commented. I thank God it was dark outside, my face was on fire. He asked if I owned a restaurant called Fee's and I replied with a nod.

"Oh, I knew it! I have been there a couple of times. . ." He said. "I love your crepes, by the way! Tell me your secret!"

I half smiled. "It's not for you to know. . ."

"You actually inspired me to open my bakery, after trying your crepes." Alex pointed to his bakery. "I always loved cooking, and baking was my favorite things to do. So it's pretty new. . ."

I was mesmerized. He had his own bakery and I bet he didn't have to persuade his parents to get his own bakery. I wished I had a mother that was more open-minded.

I told him my side of the story; how I was a private chef, and my career depended on whether I made $100,000 or not. It was stressful, honestly. After encounter Mei and Arthur, my business dropped a whole lot. I was on the edge.

Alex crossed his arms and looked up into the night sky. "There's a secret to earning that much money." He faced me with a serious look on his face. "Don't think about the money. Ever. Passion comes first. Remeber that. Without passion, you can't make a dime."

Passion. . . I sometimes forget about passion when money comes to my mind. It brought me back to why I wanted to be a chef in the first place. It was because of my passion and love for cooking.

"Of course. . ." I tried not to get all teary from his words, but my voice gave hints. "Thank you. . . I'll keep that in mind."

"No problem. I'm your big fan after all. We should keep in contact." I watched him bring out his phone and it made me realized that I didn't have my phone on me.

"I don't have my phone on me. . ." Unfortunately.

"No problem. I have a business card. Call me whenever." He then handed me his card from his pockets. Alex was prepared in many ways. . . it made me think if I was prepared to head home.

I thanked him once more and we both said our goodbyes, parting our ways. Alex gave me hope and the passion I so forgot. He made me remember why I was here. Why I wanted to be a private chef.

Alex.

I smiled, staring at the business card he gave me. I'll definitely visit him again.