Every morning, I set foot in the Café Noir to order my favorite espresso and of course, to also see and watch over her.
I watched how she smiles to the customers, I watched her mop the floor, I saw her serving the customers with care, and I watched her wiping the window. She is a very hard working person. Whenever I visit the café during the afternoon, I see her reading a book or sometimes writes something.
While observing her as I order my coffee at the counter, I and her father then had a little chit chat, "She is home schooled. She's a graduating student major in hotel and restaurant management." Her father said.
"What about you? Why you often grab a coffee at morning?" He asked curiously.
"I have work at night, so my only free time is either morning or the afternoon."
Her father then raised an eyebrow, "Hm... Yakuza stuffs?"
I chocked that I almost spit my drink, "What are you talking about?"
"Because you wear black often. If you are not with the Yakuza, then show me your hands as proof."
So, I showed him my hands. I had no idea why he wanted to see my hands, so I asked, "Why the hands?"
"A Yakuza member who couldn't keep his mouth shut, often gets their finger cut. It seems you on the other hand, know how to be quiet."
My eyebrows furrowed, "And how did you know all this?"
"I used to work for them. You know they always bribe businessmen."
"Well I'm not a yakuza nor I work for them..."
He continued to look at me dubiously, "Then why you always wear black? Are you a rock star?"
I then began to overthink by the time he asked me that. Panicking deep inside, I asked myself, 'What should I tell the old man? A rock star? A security at night? Or maybe a bartender in a club? Ugh... What should I say?'
I finalized my answer and replied, "It's top secret... Let's just say I work for the government."
He gulped, "I guess you are far more dangerous than a Yakuza... But I believe you are a cop?"
"Y-Yeah... Something like that. That's why my assigned task is only during the night."
Her father sighed, "I guess you are not a bad guy after all. If anything, it's safer to have you around. Is that right?"
"I, I guess you could say that since you think of me as a cop."
"Then I guess I have nothing to worry about you stalking my daughter. Right?" He suddenly smirked.
I gulped and felt a sweat coming down from my head, "You knew all along? I guess I should stop..."
He sighed deeply and rolled his eyes down, "Talk to her. Don't be a creep who stalks her." He advices.
"Then... Do I have your permission?"
He smiled, "You came here first to me before her. I don't say I have full permission, but I'll let you. Just don't give her any troubles."
"I'll take note of that."
We both smiled with each other after that.
Now the only problem is how will I get her attention? How will I open up a conversation with her? These questions are running through my head, because I've never experienced this before.
But, after brainstorming with my thoughts, I finally had an idea.
I always see her work hard, never have I seen her rest. Maybe she does rest at night, but is it impossible to take a break sometimes?
That's right, let's start by cheering her up.
I asked her father for a pen that I can borrow. Then, I wrote, Sometimes, it's ok to take a break and enjoy every moment of your life in a piece of paper.
After writing, I ordered a cold brew coffee from her father. Then, I stick the paper to the cup and delivered it to her table.
She was surprised and was about to ask me, when suddenly, I left the café, leaving her speechless.
Of course it was embarrassing for me to do something like that. Especially when the person you gave it to see you only as a stranger.
I couldn't think of anything else, or should I have at least introduce myself before leaving her just like that?
Oh well... For now, cheering is all I can do.
I didn't know what I did back then. I somehow acted on my own as if nothing holds me back. I could've left the café and forget everything about her, yet I remained. There will be circumstances if I continued this, but my heart doesn't listen. It is as if my feelings are controlling me...
If I continue this, it is possible that I will put her in danger and eventually lose her. However, if I decided to end this and forget everything about her, I'll lose her either way.
Life is cruel, but I will challenge fate and see where it goes...