Chapter 1
It had been 23 years since Nima had lived on this planet and yet she had never truly felt the warmth of any human heart, whether from her family, friends, or even a boyfriend. She never had the chance to be in a relationship with anyone, always occupied with her life's demand. But as she grew up, she began to wonder if there was anyone out there whom she could call her true love.
"Thank you! Come again," Nima said to the departing customer.
"I'm really tired. I just want to go home and rest," she thought to herself, the fatigue clear on her face.
As she turned to wipe down the counter, the familiar squeekkk... sound of the café door opening caught her attention.
A tall young man with ocean like blue eyes entered the café, instantly caught Nima's attention. She had never seen anyone so gorgeous like him, his presence was almost otherworldly.
"What would you like to order?" she asked, trying to maintain her composure.
"An iced Americano," he replied, his voice deep and smooth.
Nima nodded and started preparing the drink, her mind racing with thoughts. "Who was this man? Why did he make me feel so flustered?"
She returned a moment later, with the iced Americano in her hand.
"Here's your iced Americano, sir,"
In that brief moment, her hand accidentally brushed against his. The contact sent a jolt through her body, his is hand seemed large and veiny, making hers seem small in comparison. She felt an warmth from the sudden touch.
"Thank you," he said with a bright smile, then he turned and left the café.
Nima stood there, watching him go, mesmerized by his smile. It was the kind of smile that could light up a room, like the warmth of the sun on a cold winter's day, beautiful and comforting. His voice lingered in her mind, deep yet soft, as if he were whispering directly into her ears.
"Is it okay for me to find a stranger's smile so comforting?" she wondered to herself.
The rest of her shift passed in a blur, her thoughts constantly drifting back to the mysterious man.
Finally, after the long day at work, she closed the cafe and headed home. She kicked off her shoes and threw herself onto her bed with a sigh of exhaustion and relief, without bothering to change her clothes, she fell asleep.
She saw the same man smiling at her. He was by her side holding her hand and called her name, "Nima." She woke up in a daze. her heart pounding with a strange new sensation.
"What was that, and why did dreamt of him? Why did it feel so real?"
She rubbed her eyes, then checked her phone and saw that it was already time to get ready for another day at the café. With a reluctant groan, she got up and quickly prepared herself for the day, constantly glancing at the clock.
"It's already time. Why does it feel like I haven't got enough sleep? I only have 45 minutes. Will I make it on time?" she muttered to herself, letting out a long sigh.
Back at the cafe, Nima got back into her routine, greeting customers and serving drinks. But her mind kept drifting back to the man from the previous day.
"Thank you for coming. Have a great day," Nima said to a departing customer, trying to stay focused.
Squeeeek...
The door opened again, she looked up, half expecting to see the mysterious man.
"What would you like to order?"
"An iced Americano," said the customer.