Chan woke up, just like every other morning, glancing at the picture that sat on his bedside table. He smiled hopefully, yawning as he pushed himself from the bed. He was tired, but this was nothing in comparison to the other days. He walked to the bathroom, starting his shower that would wake him from his drowsy spell. As the steam filled the bathroom, he began his morning routine. The music filled the halls of his home, and his body was excited to step under the warm water finally.
While the music filled the halls, the sound of his singing along began to fill the bathroom. He was enjoying his time, making sure to rest under the water. As he got out, he checked on his hair, fixing it in the right style. He walked towards his closet next, putting on his suit and fixing his tie around his neck. He looked around the room, taking his cologne and strategically placing it around his neck.
As he left the room, he made sure to check his appearance in the mirror. Chan walked towards the kitchen, opening the door to the fridge to reach for his morning juice. He pulled out the bottle and carefully put the juice in his briefcase. It was going to be a busy day, and he needed to be prepared. Chan grabbed his briefcase, passing by the final mirror, where he made sure his hair and face were presentable.
He packed his things in the car, climbed in, and started his drive. He needed to get to the office, but there was plenty of time for that. He began his drive to the coffee shop, not being able to focus without his Americano. The radio filled the car with its sweet melodies as he listened and sang along while driving. The morning was very refreshing, and he noticed the leaves had already begun changing colors.
As he pulled in front of the coffee shop, he parked to go inside and get his order. The line was always long, but the moment the clerk saw him, he knew his coffee would be ready by the time he arrived at the counter. He stood patiently, checking the emails that filled his phone while he waited. He tried to ignore the conversations of most strangers; some were regulars who often worked from within the shop. Everyone seemed to be preoccupied with something while Chan continued to check his messages diligently.
The line was moving slowly this morning, but he was not worried in the slightest. It was his favorite time, allowing things to slow down for him. This was the least rushed time of day for him, and the only thing that could make it better was the opportunity to drink his coffee comfortably. As he got closer to the counter, he tried finishing up his responses, replying to the most urgent messages. His fingers quickly tapped against the screen as the woman in front of him moved to the side.
"Good morning!" The barista greeted him, smiling to show her teeth, while he shuffled for his wallet.
"Good morning." He responded quickly, taking out his card to her. "Busy morning?" He asked, trying to strike up a conversation. She smiled, showing with her fingers that it was only a bit. He smiled as she handed back his card, placing it in his wallet quickly before she handed him his Americano.
"See you tomorrow." She waved as he moved off to the side, allowing the line to continue.
Chan looked at his drink, moving to the concession stand so that he could grab a straw. As he prepared his drink, there was a soft voice that was clear over the crowd. Chan tried ignoring it, and he was sure his mind might have been playing a trick on him. He quickly looked up to scan the crowd, and he took a sip of the drink. He didn't notice anyone who might have stood out to him, and there wasn't anyone who looked familiar. He took a deep breath, another relaxing sip of his coffee, and waved to the barista on his way out.
He continued on his route to work, luckily not having any frustrations with the traffic. It was starting to feel like his lucky day, and maybe there was more the universe wanted him to see today. He drove into the parking lot, pulling into the spot marked with his name. Chan turned the car off, glancing at the keychain on the mirror. It was silly keeping it for all these years, but it still meant a lot.
-
Chan had been waiting for the moment to give her the gift he had searched for. She had been searching forever, and he finally got what she wanted. He excitedly stared at the box, waiting for the boys to come over. Chan had made a big, elaborate celebration and needed their help putting everything together. He had been planning for the past week and was going to make sure it was exciting. As he heard the boys running in, screaming his name, he took the gift and ran from the room.
The boys helped him decorate the restaurant, stringing up balloons and a banner. Chan had been saving his money to buy one hour of the restaurant. There was absolutely nothing he wasn't willing to do. He waited patiently near the banner, standing next to the prepared table while the boys went to bring her. He was anxious, feeling his heart beating fast. He took a breath and looked to make sure his jacket looked nice. He reached into his seat, picking up the wrapped gift. He could see the boys coming with her, and he began to practice what he was going to say again.
When she walked in, he tried clearing his throat. He didn't want his voice to crack in front of her, so he coughed into his arm before putting on his best smile. He managed to speak his rehearsed lines, the boys joking in the corner before he made them leave. She smiled at his gesture, both of them exchanging gifts. He was actually caught off guard by her gift, even after telling her that she didn't need to. As they opened their gifts, she lit up at the couple's sweaters she had been chasing after.
He always thought it was funny how shy she was about their relationship, but would be interested in these types of things. She would joke about how they could wear them all the time. She laughed, joking about putting them on before making him open his gift. He started unwrapping it as she apologized that it was too simple. He reached into the box, pulling out a small wolf and tiger keychains that were hooked together. She explained how he was the wolf, and she was the tiger.