It Has Always Been You

Chapter 01

I was doing some final plating of the pastry I was making. It's thirty minutes before the opening time and I'm unlucky enough to be the opening today. I got out from the hospital a few days ago and even if I'm not allowed to work yet, I came for work anyway. No one can stop me from doing what I like.

I work as a pastry chef in P'Mario's cafe. I used to be a run-down actor, landing supporting roles and cameo in series and movies. Even if I was just a rookie actor, I remembered that I had a fanbase at least. But I, infortunately, stopped for reasons I cannot remember. But thankfully before I worked as an actor, I had a diploma in baking so I got to work as a pastry chef in P'Mario's cafe - which was my manager's fiancée. He was a senior from the university and because of him, I got into baking - so much I had to get my own diploma. When I saw him bake, I thought it was cool - he can feed P'Fern with sweet stuff everyday. I even thought of myself doing the same thing to my own lover. Turns out it became my saving grace, so now I have work and I can help my family's expenses.

My hands stopped moving when I heard the chimes rang; I looked at the entrance and saw a man coming inside, I stepped out to say, "We're not open yet -" but I stopped when I saw a jet-black haired man, wearing a curiously black sweater in a hot humid weather. Then I realized who it was; a smiled formed from my lips, "HEY! It's you!" I went out of the counter and waved at the man.

The man turned to my direction before sending me a cold, awkward smile - very different from the warm one he gave me when I was in the hospital. Hmmm. I called unto him and asked to come closer. "I heard you were the one who called the ambulance when I fell?" I said when he came forward. He nodded, "Then you're my saviour." I said smiling at him.

He painfully smiled and shook his head, "Anyone would do the same."

"NO!" I intently shook my head and grabbed his wrist to the displays. "There aren't a lot of good people in the world to do that, if I ain't lucky, they would just take a video of me and post it in the internet with a caption '1 like, 1 prayer'" I said which made him chuckle - sending small bolts of electricity to my heart. I sighed in relief. He smiled at last.  I lead him tto the displays once again. "Sir, as a token of gratitude, if you please." I leaned by the counter and said.

"Then I'd take your offer." he smiled weirdly, "I'll leave the choosing to you." he said and walked to the corner-most table, sitting there while watching the orchids that P'Fern hanged outside the cafe. I felt a great immense of joy and just grabbed a piece of everything from the display, including the one I was working on.

"What are you doing?" I turned to P'Mario who was curiously looking at me. He was wearing his apron before sterilizing his hands, "Are you done preparing for the opening?" he said walking curiously to my direction.

I nodded and continued before making my way to the guy with a tray-full of pastries. Ranging from cakes, croquettes, cookies, biscuits and others - also a cup of coffee.

"They are my best works." I joyously arranged the desserts on the table. "But I seriously recommend this strawberry shortcake. It's my specialty and I'm very confident that you'll like it."

He got the fork and slowly cut through the shortcake, smiling painfully - giving off a painful vibe. He slowly ate the shortcake, looking down. "I know." he muttered,

"I know so well."

I sighed while leaning down the refrigerator. I stared at the oven. I was baking pastries when I suddenly remembered the guy this morning. I don't know him, but his eyes tell me something else. He's painfully lonely and everything he does reeks melancholy and depression. Like someone who lost one important aspect of his life; someone who lost his all motivation and inspiration to live. His eye bags were tremendous - he seemed like someone who doesn't even sleep. What is his work anyway?