Episode 1

A bead of sweat trickled down my left cheek, tracing my jaw and finally stopped at my chin, falling on the ground not long enough.

The sun was scorching hot high up in the sky. Fewer people could be seen venturing the hot weather. Today's temperature might be the highest in the entire year. Shops were packed with customers wanting to take refuge away from withering heat.

Stuck on my body, my shirt was wet due to perspiration. I had been out for a long time, wandering the city streets with a box in my arms, indifferent of the summery heat. My dismissal from work had dealt a great blow to my mentality.

A rumor of probable layoffs in the company circulated in every department. It started as a little fire but a strong wind blew, spread it like a wildfire in just a week. Then it became the main concern of the employees, making it their appetizers during breaks and greatly affecting their performance in work.

Despite hearing the layoff talk, I was unperturbed, confident that with my disposition in the company I would be spared. I worked like I usually do whilst others were anxious and often distracted. But life indeed surprises you when you least expect it. I was told to come to my superior's office and a feeling of uneasiness emerged within me.

"Miss Sunn, I am sorry to say this, but you are dismissed by the company." My superior said, looking straight at me with unconcealed concern and sadness on her visage. I stared at her in silence, hoping that she would add 'just kidding' after. Instead, she patted me in the shoulder. "I know someone who is need of people. I can recommend you to him if you want to." She gave me a reassuring smile which faded shorty upon noticing my apathy.

The unexpected news rendered me speechless. Although I wanted to thank her for the offer but I was afraid that if I opened my mouth, the emotions I was withholding would escape and my tears would flow out nonstop. So I left her office, sending her a smile that did not seem like a smile.

After clearing the table I had used for nearly three years, I picked up my bag and a box full of my stuffs, bid farewell to my colleagues who supported and cheered for me throughout the years of working with them, and left the building.

Halting my steps, I adjusted my hold of the box. I looked around me, the company building was already out of sight. I realize that I had walked for so long whilst replaying over and over what happened earlier.

Detecting dampness on my forehead, I put down the box, took out a handkerchief from the bag on my side, and wiped my face dry of sweat. I searched the vicinity for a spot to rest and my gaze landed on a familiar cafe, General Public Cafe.

General Public Cafe held a good spot in my memory. Three years ago, when I first came to this city, this was the first cafe I stepped into. Because I was unfamiliar with the area, I often went to this cafe on my first few months. However, later on, I was able to adjust with city life and made new friends whom I explored other shops with, forgetting the General Public Cafe.

I decided to visit the cafe again, almost forgot the box I left on the ground due to excitement. I pushed the clear glass door open; a burst of cold air caressed me, alleviating me of the hotness outside.

Although the interior had substantially changed, but it still gave me a feeling of familiarity. Compared before, the room became brightly lit with the warm-colored lights. The walls were repainted and redesigned to compliment the vintage theme. The tables and chairs were replaced by classier and more comfortable ones.

The cafe garnered more customers. Previously, when I came only one third of the seats would be occupied; but at present, the cafe was fully packed.

I searched for a vacant seat and in a corner, I found an unoccupied table with one chair, my favorite seat in the past. I somehow felt happy to learn that my spot was still there. But to my dismay, atop the table was a sign: RESERVED.

Dejectedly, I turned to leave. But before my hand reached the door handle, a waiter came to me. "Miss, do you want a seat?" he grinned; the corner of his eyes narrowed into slits.

The guy in front of me wore a collarless white shirt and a pair of dark grey pants. A black waist apron was tied on his waist. He appeared to be pleasant so I was generous with my response. "Yes, but it seems there is no vacant seat at the moment. I will come back another time."

"You are lucky, Miss. A reservation has been cancelled. So we have one available seat for you." He stared at me with expectancy and beamed when I asked him to lead the way to the table.

"Miss, this is the menu." He handed me the list. "Just call for one of the waiters to take your order." He then left to attend to other customers.

I scanned the menu. There were various of foods and drinks and it seemed the menu had undergone complete restructuring. Fortunately, my favorites were still on the list, thus I ordered them, saving a lot of time in deciding which to order.

While waiting for my food, I examined the whole place. People were eating in satisfaction and some were chatting amiably while waiting for their food. The waiters and waitress were quick and attentive to the customers, handling matters with ease, which only showed that they were given proper training.

Although on the outside, General Public Cafe was still the same years ago, but when I entered, I noticed that it had tremendously changed. The walls, lightings, furnitures, and even the servers' uniform - before they had no uniforms - almost everything were altered for the better. The owner should had spent a lot of resources to improve his business.

Seeing a waiter carrying a tray of food, I instantly put away the box on the table to clear space for my food. When man was few steps away, I realized that he was not the same waiter for he was not wearing the uniform. Instead of a collarless shirt, he wore a white collared long-sleeved shirt and black pants, not grey pants, but he still wore the same apron like the others - probably a newbie.

"Here is your food, Miss." He set the dishes on the table, focused and careful. Afterwards, he inquired if I still had more requests then left when I answered none. Unknown to him, when he was busy serving the food, I secretly examined his side profile.

He was good looking. Unlike those pretty boys I saw in television, no trace of effeminacy could be found in his facial features. With his monolid eyes and a little puffy lower eyelids, he looked as if we just woke up. And his nose bridge was high but had a little bump, which was not noticeable unless one took a closer look. Moving down, I saw that his lips were heart shaped - very likable - and he looked sexy with his chiseled jawline along with the well defined Adam's apple. He was undoubtedly handsome, but it was a waste that such face was not put to its full use.

Smelling the hunger inducing aroma, I gobbled the food on the table, putting my problems and thoughts at the back of my mind.

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