Morning sunlight bathed the bustling streets as Claire brushed her hair back behind her ears, her eyes scanning the passersby outside the café. The lively rhythm of New York—rushing cars, hurried footsteps—seemed distant, almost disconnected from her world. Since Lucas had stepped into her life, everything had grown more intricate, veiled in an air of mystery.
The café remained as busy as ever, its mornings filled with a steady stream of customers. Claire moved gracefully between tables, carrying trays of steaming coffee. Yet beneath her composed demeanor, a peculiar anticipation stirred within her—a silent hope of catching sight of that familiar figure.
Time crept by until the evening shadows stretched long, and finally, Lucas appeared at the door.
His coat, as always, was pristine and sharp, his demeanor casual yet enigmatic. His arrival felt like a signal of the night's beginning, an interruption to the monotony of Claire's routine, injecting it with an inexplicable allure.
"Good evening," Claire greeted him, feigning composure.
Lucas gave a slight nod, his deep voice resonating: "Good evening, Claire."
Hearing her name in his voice sent an unexpected thrill through her. She brought him his usual coffee, carefully setting it down before sliding into the seat across from him. Tentatively, she asked, "You always order the same coffee. Don't you ever get tired of it?"
The corners of Lucas's lips lifted into a faint smile. "Habit becomes second nature. I tend to prefer simplicity."
Claire held his gaze, searching for clues in his deep, inscrutable eyes, only to find his emotions meticulously concealed. His enigmatic aura both puzzled and captivated her.
"Simplicity isn't necessarily bad," she replied with a light laugh. "But sometimes, trying something new might lead to unexpected surprises."
Lucas's eyes briefly scanned her before he responded, his tone calm yet laced with subtle humor: "Like what? Do you have a recommendation?"
Caught off guard, Claire hesitated before flashing a smile. "Perhaps our signature dessert paired with a creamy cappuccino. Compared to your usual black coffee, it might lift your spirits."
Lucas's smile deepened slightly, but he didn't reply. Instead, he took a sip of his coffee, leaving Claire feeling a twinge of disappointment yet even more intrigued.
The next evening, Lucas returned, but instead of ordering his usual, he quietly sat in the corner with a book. His figure, bathed in the café's soft light, seemed like a portrait of tranquility.
Summoning her courage, Claire approached him with a cup of cappuccino in hand.
"This one's on me. Give it a try," she said, placing the cup before him, her face adorned with a confident smile.
Lucas looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes. He studied the steaming cup before him, then gave a faint smile. "You're quite attentive, Claire."
His tone made her blush, but she maintained her composure. "It's just part of my job as a barista," she replied with feigned nonchalance.
Lucas lifted the cup and took a deliberate sip. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, then finally said, "Not bad. Better than I expected."
Claire's eyes lit up, and an inexplicable joy warmed her heart. His words felt more meaningful than any other compliment she'd ever received.
"Well, if it's good, you might consider exploring different flavors next time," she suggested with a smile.
Lucas didn't reply, but his gaze softened as it rested on her, as if he were pondering something unspoken.
A few days later, Claire was surprised to notice a change. Lucas began ordering different coffees and desserts. Though his choices remained simple, they no longer adhered strictly to his usual black coffee. This small transformation filled Claire with both astonishment and a quiet sense of accomplishment.
However, she couldn't ignore another peculiar habit: Lucas always chose seats shrouded in shadow, even when there were plenty of warmer, more inviting spots available.
One evening, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer, Claire asked, "Lucas, why do you always sit in the shadows? Do you really dislike sunlight?"
Lucas set his coffee cup down and fixed her with a deep, penetrating gaze. His voice, calm yet tinged with an elusive gravity, answered, "Claire, sunlight is indeed… a kind of taboo for me."
His cryptic response only deepened her curiosity. She wanted to press for more, but Lucas silenced her with a faint, enigmatic smile. "Perhaps one day, I'll tell you why. But not today."
Though disappointed, Claire sensed that Lucas was gradually allowing her closer to his hidden world. His words remained guarded, but the warmth in his eyes reassured her.
Late that night, Claire sat alone by her apartment window, gazing at the city lights flickering in the darkness.
Her emotions swirled with complexity—a mix of curiosity about Lucas and a growing feeling she couldn't quite name.
"Who is Lucas, really? Why is he so sensitive to sunlight? And why am I so drawn to him?"