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 him—you were too engrossed in your book. But then you felt his gaze. The man at the next table looked at you as if you were the most amazing thing in his life. That first day, he simply couldn't take his eyes off you. You began seeing each other there every day. At first, it was just polite nods, then a short "Good afternoon," and a week later, you were already sitting at the same table when he plucked up the courage to offer you a second cup of coffee. His name was Adrian. He turned out to be an incredibly well-read and sophisticated man. That Saturday, you arrived early. Adrian was running late, and you simply looked out the window, sipping your tea. At that moment, another guy approached you—bright, loud, smelling of expensive perfume.

“Girl, I just couldn’t pass by,” he began confidently, leaning on your table.

• Let's get acquainted, I'll treat you to something more interesting than this tea.

You politely tried to decline, smiling out of politeness, but he persisted, leaning closer and closer, trying to look you in the eyes. In his hands was a bouquet of fresh white tulips. In his other hand, he carefully carried two glasses of latte. His heart beat faster: he decided that today he would tell you something important. He was sure that there was that spark between you, that chance for something more. He walked up to the display case and froze. Through the glass, he saw you. And him—that other man who stood so confidently next to you, almost touching your shoulder. Adrien saw your smile, not even realizing it was just a polite mask. Adrien's whole world faded in an instant. The white tulips suddenly seemed ridiculous to him, and his hopes—foolish fantasies. He looked away, feeling everything inside him crumble. The coffee in the glasses slowly cooled, and the bouquet in his hands became unbearably 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.