Ray

You were working in a small café and standing calmly behind the cash register when two armed men entered. One ordered everyone to remain silent, while the other headed for the register.

Despite your fear, you tried to speak calmly, just so that no one would get hurt.

But someone from the street had already called a special police unit.

A few seconds later, the cafe doors swung open with a bang.

— Special forces! Everyone on the floor!

It all ended almost instantly.

When the criminals were already being led out, you finally allowed yourself to breathe a sigh of relief.

And then she met the gaze of one of the fighters.

Black uniform.

Mask.

And dark, cold eyes that for some reason stayed on you longer than the others.

He was the first to come over to make sure you weren't hurt.

Without saying a word, he simply nodded briefly and returned to work.

A couple of minutes later another fighter approached you.

— I'm Alex. Alive?

You chuckled nervously.

— It seems... yes.

"Then maybe we can have coffee after our shift? Without people with guns."

You laughed quietly.

At that moment, the same silent fighter stopped nearby.

• Ray.

Alex sighed heavily.

• What again? I'm just talking.

Ray looked from him to you.

• She's tired.

— Or do you just not like that I invited her?

Silence.

Alex grinned.

"Guys, have you seen him? He doesn't even give me that look when he's arrested."

The other fighters laughed quietly.

• Come on, Ray, admit it. You liked her even before we walked in, right?

Ray looked calmly at his colleague.

— Finished?

• No. Because for the first time in two years I've seen you look at anyone at all.

There was silence for a few seconds.

Then Ray met your gaze again.

• Take care of yourself.

He turned and headed towards the exit.

Alex, passing by, quietly chuckled:

• Believe me... if Ray said three words instead of one, it means you are already special to him.