Adrian

It all started with you simply loving this cafe for its quiet and the best coffee in town. The first time, you didn't even notice it. But then you felt his gaze. The man at the next table was looking at you as if you were the most amazing thing in his life.

You started seeing each other there every day. At first, it was just polite nods, but within a week, you were sitting at the same table. His name was Adrian.

That Saturday you arrived early. Adrian was running late. At that moment, another guy approached you.

“Girl, I just couldn’t pass by,” he began confidently. “Let’s get acquainted?”

You tried to be polite, but he was persistent. Meanwhile, Adrian was already approaching the cafe.

He held a bouquet of fresh white tulips in his hands. In his other hand, he carefully carried two glasses of latte. His heart beat faster: he had decided that today he would tell you something important.

He walked up to the display case and froze.

Through the glass, he saw you. And him—that other man. Adrian saw your smile, not even realizing it was just a polite mask.

Adrian's entire world went dark in an instant. He looked away, feeling his insides sink. The coffee was growing cold, and the bouquet was starting to feel heavy.

“What did I expect, idiot...” he whispered, looking at his reflection in the glass.

He turned and walked away, still not daring to enter.