The morning unfolded with serene charm, offering respite from the burdens imposed by the Titans lurking beyond the protective walls. Nestled in an alley, a renowned café enticed patrons with an array of delectable treats – cakes, bread, cookies, and an assortment of beverages, including the famed tea. Stepping inside, one was immediately greeted by the intermingling scents of coffee beans and green tea, the café's atmosphere akin to a magical garden adorned with flower pots, hanging vines, and the subtle glow of scented candles.
The establishment thrived, particularly on weekends, operating from 7 in the morning until 9 in the evening every Monday to Saturday. While the entirety of the café welcomed the public, there existed a concealed room on the third floor, a private sanctum known only to the owner. The café's ambiance, the delicious offerings, and the warmth of its setting were open to all, but the owner's living quarters above, and particularly the enigmatic room on the third floor, remained beyond public access.
[Alyana's POV]
The morning embraced me with tranquility as I unlocked my window, savoring the melodies of birdsong. A cheerful exchange with Ms. Allison, a neighbor, set a positive tone. After a refreshing bath, I adorned a long-flowing floral dress, complemented by the necklace my mother had given me. As I descended the creaking wooden stairs, the aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, a testament to the bustling activity in the kitchen.
In the heart of my domain, the kitchen, I embarked on preparing ingredients acquired the previous day. Cakes, cookies, and bread were crafted with artful precision, accompanied by the gentle sweep of wooden floors and the warm glow of scented candles. Each item bore a piece of my heart, a reflection of the love and dedication I poured into my craft.
Opening the café at 7 am, a wooden board outside showcased the menu of best sellers. The sun, now fully risen, cast a golden hue on the quaint alley, attracting passersby with promises of delightful indulgences. The familiar faces of regulars mingled with the curious gazes of first-time visitors, creating an atmosphere of community and warmth.
Within minutes, a group of vendors greeted me, camaraderie marked by playful banter.
"Oh, good morning, Ms. Smith!"
"Good morning, good sir," I replied with a bright smile, the infectious joy spreading among us like wildfire.
"Goodness, please do not smile like that. With a beauty like yours, ones heart could easily explode!" a man at the back exclaimed, eliciting laughter among the group.
"That's exactly why I like passing by this café every morning, Arnold! Do not tell her to stop smiling now!" another man chimed in, his words laced with genuine affection.
"How kind of you, mister. Would you like to go inside and have a drink?" I asked, laughter lingering in my voice, the invitation extending beyond the confines of my establishment.
"We would love to, but we have some other things to do. We promise to visit after we sell our goods. Isn't that right, boys?" a man stated, the sense of camaraderie threading through our exchange.
"Why of course!" the other men shouted, their voices carrying the promise of future gatherings.
"Well then, I'll be expecting your presence later. Have a splendid day, gentlemen!" I said, waving my hands as they left, their departing figures blending into the tapestry of my bustling alley.
Unbeknownst to me, this ordinary day was destined to unfold differently.
**[Sounds of Running Horses]**
The serenity shattered as the thunderous galloping of horses echoed, heralding the arrival of scouts. Chaos ensued, voices echoing urgency.
"The scouts!!!" a little boy screamed, not so distant from my café.
"The scouts???" I murmured, my confusion evident as I went out to see what was going on.
"OUT OF THE WAY!!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!" a scout yelled as my ears gradually lost hearing, the urgency cutting through the morning tranquility.
I stood frozen in the middle of the alley, the ebb and flow of life around me grinding to a sudden halt.
**[Rush of Wind]**
A sudden gust signaled swift movement, and someone grabbed me from behind. I felt like I was flying. When we landed on the roof of my café, I slowly opened my eyes and saw a familiar face – a man with pale skin, raven-dark hair, sharp eyebrows, piercing grayish-silver eyes, and an expressionless demeanor. Memories of a man from ten years ago flooded back, the connection threading through the fabric of time.
"I heard the sound of 'tch,' a very familiar tone, but I can't remember when I heard it.
"What are you staring at, brat?" he mumbled as he settled me down on the roof, the familiarity of his tone unraveling layers of forgotten history.
"I-I'm uhhh sorry," I stammered as my eyes widened, realizing he was the man I'd met before, the bridge between past and present standing before me.
"Levi?" I asked, my neck stretching toward his face while my eyebrows crept closer, the name a whisper of recognition.
"No. You are mistaken, miss." he said as he stood up and drifted away, the enigma of his presence lingering in the air.
"W-wait! Hey! Come back! How am I supposed to get down here!? Hey!" I shouted as he vanished into the air, his departure leaving a trail of unanswered questions hanging in the morning air.
[End of Prologue]
YOU ARE READING
SpecialTea For You // L. Ackerman
FanficAlyana Smith is a 29-year-old woman who owns a cafè in the middle of an alley. Her mother died when she was just 7 yrs old. Her father, Erwin Smith took care of her until she can handle herself. At the age of 15, she learned how to stand alone and b...
