Happy Anniversary, Stranger!

01 - Happy Anniversary

The espresso machine releases a steam. Liquid gold falls into the two funnels of the portafilter as the barista puts a jug of milk under the steam wand. Darren, a stocky 29-year old urbanite, is sitting at the bar. He unlocks his phone and opens the camera, preparing for the little show that is about to happen.

The barista lets out a chuckle as she thumps the jug of steamed milk on the counter. This is to release the bubbles on top for a smoother pour. She tilts the espresso cup at a certain angle and starts pouring the milk.

Darren presses record. A smile forms in his lips as the barista lays white waves of milk on top of the cup and cuts it in the middle. This is the latte art Darren loves to get whenever he is in this coffee shop.

"Awesome!" Darren says.

"Ugh, I'll make you another one! That heart isn't perfect." she said while shaking her head slowly.

"Nah, that's fine. No heart is perfect!" Darren stretches his hand as a gesture that he wants to have the coffee. Though reluctant, she hands it to him carefully.

Darren snaps a few photos before taking a little sip. He pushes his head a bit as he tastes a different flavor on his usual cup. "Beans from a different origin?"

"You noticed?" She cannot help but be surprised at Darren's note. "Yeah, actually, that's Brazil right there."

"I'm tasting..." Darren smacks his lips as he tries to find a close description. "Chocolates and almonds!"

"Lovely! Hold on, let me pull you a shot." She turns her back to Darren, almost jumping as she works her usual magic in front of the espresso machine. Darren watches her grind some coffee and pulls the lever on the sleek Leva espresso machine. He inhales the coffee fragrance all around the shop.

Darren's phone beeps.

His eyes are filled with excitement and worry. He types a quick response and turns around to look around the place.

The coffee shop has gray walls. Bare. Unassuming wooden tables and chairs. The only decor this place has are the corner plants with elephant-like leaves. This is the famous background on most tagged photos on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

With a cup in his hand, Darren notices a few customers - some are busy in front of their tablets and laptops while the others are taking photos of coffee and chatting with friends.

"Here you go. Take a whiff first then sip." Darren smiles at the barista as she hands him a small cup. He takes it close to his nose and waves his hand inward to smell the coffee. He slurps a good amount of espresso, moves it around his mouth and swallows.

"Ah! Chocolates and oranges! I love it!" Darren exclaims.

"Is the acidity too pronounced?" the barista asks.

"It's there but it's not overpowering. That's a well-balanced coffee!" Darren continues to praise.

The barista excuses herself to assist a customer who is asking about the whole beans they are selling. Darren finishes the espresso in the cup and washes his mouth with the soda water it came with.

A wrist watch catches Darren's eyes as he gulps.

"Hey." The owner of the watch smiles at him, baring his perfect white teeth. He moves to kiss Darren on the cheek.

"Happy anniversary, love." Darren is not used to hearing that deep version of his voice.

His kiss lands on the side of his lips as Darren tries to avoid it. His fingers automatically touch the part where the man kissed him as he looks around the shop - the barista is still busy explaining coffee to the customer, the customers are still in their own little worlds. No one seems to have seen their abrupt contact.