The scent of fresh coffee wafted through the house, filling the air with comforting warmth. In the kitchen, their mother was preparing breakfast as she began to call out to her daughters.
Mother (loudly): "Come on, girls! It's morning, coffee's ready!"
Eileen entered quickly, pulling on her bag.
Eileen: "I'm off to the institute, no time!"
Mother (turning to her): "Hold on a second, come here… let me see."
Eileen (slightly whining): "It's just chocolate-colored lipstick… it's barely even visible."
Rina (passing by, putting on an earring): "Mom, I'm off to university… And by the way, Sera, you need to find a boyfriend quickly."
Sera (from behind her coffee cup): "Huh?"
Rina (laughing and pointing to Eileen): "Because this little sister of yours is going to make it hard for everyone!"
Sera (with a sarcastic smile): "First I need to find a job, then we can talk about love, imagination, and all that nonsense."
Everyone laughed, then the girls left one by one.
Sera stepped out, carrying a small backpack, and stopped at the elevator door… But she didn't press the button. She paused for a moment, as if a scene from last night had crept into her mind…
The young man's face… his hair… his voice… his eyes.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then suddenly turned and changed direction. Her steps led her to the door of the adjacent apartment. She stood before it… her heart beating slowly, but heavily.
She raised her hand hesitantly… Then stopped.
Sera (thinking): "Should I knock…?"
She stood in front of the neighboring apartment door, hesitating, breathing deeply, whispering to herself:
Sera (in a confused whisper): "But… what will I say? What are you even doing, Sera? Have you lost your mind?"
She bit her lip, then turned with two hesitant steps towards the elevator. She pressed the button, trying to convince herself to back down… to escape.
Suddenly— The door opened.
Aiden stepped out.
His flowing hair covered part of his forehead, and he was wearing a simple, white short-sleeved shirt… but he looked like an advertisement for a fashion brand. His bluish-black eyes met hers for only a second… but she felt like she'd fallen into a cold whirlpool.
He approached her calmly, until he stood right beside her.
And then… The scent wafted.
His perfume…
Aiden's scent was unlike anyone else's. An initial hint of dark rose, closer to blue than red… A rose like the night—mysterious, dewy, wrapped in serenity. This was followed by a soft vanilla scent, not childish, but warm like a whisper on the skin. And deep down, there was a faint trace of clean tobacco, not heavy, but like a shadow after light… A scent like nostalgia, like captivity, like a man who doesn't raise his voice but fills the space.
When he came closer to her, it wasn't just his proximity that confused her, but the perfume that diffused into the air around him… it entered her nose and settled in her heart.
"Ding."
The elevator chimed.
The door opened, and Aiden entered without looking back. But Sera remained in place… frozen, confused, not knowing whether to follow him or run away forever.
Before the doors could close, Aiden extended his hand, stopping them. Then he turned to her… A cold… calm… almost rebellious gaze.
Aiden (in his deep, steady voice): "Aren't you getting in?"
She stammered, then replied in a faint, confused voice:
Sera: "Y-yes, I am. Thank you."
She entered, trying not to meet his eyes, but his scent… it still filled the elevator. A scent she wouldn't forget… even if she wanted to.
Sera stood at the beginning of the side bench in the elevator, trying to breathe deeply. But her chest rose and fell as if her heart was pounding ceaselessly against her ribs.
Sera (internal monologue): "Sera… get your heartbeat under control. Come on… it's just hot… just heat, nothing more…"
She raised her hand to her flushed cheeks, trying to calm the heat that had ignited in her face. It was as if her skin had become more sensitive to his scent, his proximity, every detail of his presence.
On the other side, Aiden was watching her… not directly, but through her reflection in the metallic wall of the elevator. His gaze was steady, calm, holding something not easily deciphered.
Then, in his deep, steady voice, as if breaking the stillness of the air around them:
Aiden: "Miss… are you alright?"
She looked at him quickly, as if her mind hadn't yet processed the words. She stared at his face, then stammered in confusion:
Sera: "Were… were you talking to me?"
Aiden (with a slight, barely visible smile): "Is there anyone else here?"
Sera looked around instinctively, as if to confirm the presence of someone else, then chuckled softly and said:
Sera: "It seems I'm the only one here, yes…"
Aiden (in a calm tone again): "So… are you alright?"
Her cheeks became even redder, looking like ripe tomatoes, and she became flustered, smiling in an attempt to hide her nervousness:
Sera: "Oh… yes, yes, I'm fine… very fine."
He looked at her… with that gaze Sera couldn't interpret, neither cold nor warm… but deeper than that, as if it gently pulled her into a place she didn't know. She sank into it, without understanding, without resisting.
The elevator chimed, and the door opened.
Aiden moved with his usual calm. He put his right hand in the pocket of his black athletic pants, and in his other hand, he held the key to his shining Lamborghini—a Lamborghini Huracán Evo.
He continued on his way without looking back, and Sera followed him, watching him, tracing his steps with her eyes as if in a dream she didn't want to wake from.
He opened the car door, sat down, and turned the steering wheel with his right hand. The veins in his hand were prominent, strong… pulsing with an unfamiliar sensation, as if everything about him belonged to another world… a world of secrets and mystery.
The car roared to life with its enchanting sound… and disappeared around the corner.
Sera remained standing in place, as if the air itself had stopped for a moment.
Sera (in a whispered wonder): "Who is this young man…?"
She quickly looked at her phone, noticing the time.
Sera (breathing rapidly): "I need to start searching… I won't be long, just for a while and then I'll be back. What's happening to me? What's wrong with me, I wonder?"
The café was filled with the aroma of carefully roasted coffee, mixed with hints of jasmine from small flowers delicately placed on tables and in the corners of the space. Green decorative plants adorned the nooks, in a harmonious arrangement that gave the café a sense of serenity and sophistication. The tables were meticulously polished, and soft music played a barely audible tune, gently filling the void.
Outside, a gleaming black Lamborghini Huracán Evo stopped at the curb. The door opened quietly, and Aiden stepped out with steady strides. He wore a short-sleeved white athletic shirt, its sleeves slightly rolled up to reveal his well-proportioned forearms and his fair skin that looked radiant under the sunlight. He walked confidently into the café, greeted by refreshing cool air conditioning.
New Employee (enthusiastically): "Welcome Si—"
Aiden (with a warm smile and a tone that blended humor with confidence): "You're the new employee, aren't you?"
Employee (nervously): "Yes, sir…"
Aiden (taking off his watch and setting it aside): "No need for formalities, I'm just like you here. What matters is mutual respect and working with passion. Believe me, with this spirit, we'll make this the best place in the city."
The employee smiled, then returned to his work, feeling a strange warmth in his chest.
Aiden entered the preparation room, took hold of the neatly hung black apron, put it on with a fluid gesture, and tied it behind his back with skilled movement. The apron seemed to be part of his persona. He then walked out to the counter, carrying an aura of distinction and simplicity all at once.
Aiden's eyes were truly striking—a rare color, a stunning blend of deep night black and clear sky blue. Anyone who looked into them for a moment felt they plunged into endless depths.
Colleague (placing cups): "Aiden, I still can't believe you like working here, even though you own the largest chain of cafes in the city."
Aiden (expertly tamping coffee): "I didn't start my chain from scratch. This place… this is the first café I started in. First customer, first coffee, first dream. I love coming back to it always."
Colleague: "You inspire me, my friend."
Aiden (placing a hand on his shoulder and smiling): "After your shift, tell me about your dreams. If you're serious, we'll find a way together."
Sera walked through the city with calm steps, her black leather backpack swaying lightly on her back. Despite its small size, the bag looked elegant and matched her white top with slightly wide straps, which gently revealed her shoulders. She stood at a street corner, raising her wide brown eyes to the sky. Strands of her black hair swayed with the passing breeze, and there was a glint of contemplation in her eyes.
She murmured in a low voice, staring at the gathering clouds: "It's not easy to find a job here… it's almost impossible." Then she smiled slightly sarcastically and continued in a dreamy tone: "It looks like it's going to rain… Is it summer rain? Or is spring waving its last goodbye to us?"
The first raindrops began to fall, reflecting colors on the ground from the passersby's umbrellas that suddenly opened like multicolored flowers. Some took shelter under shop fronts, while Sera leaned against a wall in front of a café, checking papers from her bag.
Behind the glass, Aiden watched her silently. His astonishing eyes, a blend of night black and sky blue, lingered on her small details. His bluish-black hair looked dark like deep sea waves under the grey light.
He quietly told his colleague in the café: "Cover for me for a bit, I'll be right back."
He swiftly removed his work apron, then went outside. Sera was shaking raindrops off her shirt while gently tidying her hair. He approached her with steady steps, smiling as he put his hand in his other pocket: "Hello again… neighbor."
Sera froze for a moment, her eyes filled with surprise, then her cheeks flushed.
Aiden smiled and said, raising an eyebrow playfully: "You're still red from the morning… Do you have a fever?" Then he gestured with his left hand: "Wait for me here, I won't be long."
He moved lightly towards his car. His fingers were long and slender, moving smoothly as he elegantly maneuvered the steering wheel. His movement was fluid, graceful, as if he were playing an ancient musical instrument. The car turned with a soft curve, leaving behind a fine spray of rain.
He stopped in front of her, got out and opened the door for her with a noble gesture, then motioned with his open hand to the front seat: "Please get in… if you don't mind, I'll drive you to Arcadia Vaulte."
Sera's heart pounded wildly, and she looked at him with a shy gaze, then whispered as she got into the car: "I… thank you."
The car smoothly glided, as if slipping through the city's wet breaths. The sound of tires sliding over the damp asphalt was soft, like cautious whispers on a winter night. Water droplets splattered from beneath the tires, scattering like faint sparks of dim light, completing the rain's symphony that hadn't stopped.
In the passenger seat, Sera sat rigid as a porcelain doll. Her brown eyes watched the road, but her focus wasn't on the street, but on the regular thumping in her chest. Her heartbeats were like war drums, pounding erratically deep within her, as if on the verge of confessing a fantastical truth.
Her flushed cheeks didn't betray her this time. The heat rose from her neck to her ears, so she gently lifted her black hair upwards, searching for a breath of air to extinguish the flame on her skin. Her fingers trembled for a moment, before she tucked strands behind her ear.
Aiden's scent filled the car. It was unlike anyone else's. An initial hint of dark rose, closer to blue than red… A rose like the night—mysterious, dewy, wrapped in serenity. This was followed by a soft vanilla scent, not childish, but warm like a whisper on the skin. And deep down, there was a faint trace of clean tobacco, not heavy, but like a shadow after light… A scent like nostalgia, like captivity, like a man who doesn't raise his voice but fills the space. It was as if the scent itself knew its way to her pulse.
Aiden's hands rested lightly on the steering wheel, his long fingers moving with precision, and with each turn, the muscles in his forearm tensed as if whispering hidden strength. His reflection appeared on the side window, silent, still, but his features glowed under the external city light. His bluish-black hair shimmered like wet night silk, and his long eyelashes cast shadows on his cheeks.
She looked at him, believing he wasn't paying attention. Every detail about him was like a silent musical piece… perfectly composed. She murmured to herself, her voice only in her chest:
"Calm down a little, my heart… just a little… if he intends to drown me, I was drowned in him from the first glance."
Suddenly, he turned his head towards her, and she flustered, looking straight ahead quickly. Her face had reddened to the point that heat almost emanated from her ears, and it looked as if smoke would come out of them.
Aiden gave a slight, sideways smile, his voice deep, calm, without any rush:
"Should we go to the doctor first? Then I'll take you home… if you don't mind, of course."
She stammered, crossing her fingers in her lap:
"No… no, just… I…"
She quickly reached for the window button, opened it slightly, and a cool breeze invaded her, as if bringing her back to reality.
The rain continued to roar outside, pouring on the car windows as if the sky was playing soft music over the heads of passersby. Outside, red, blue, and gold neon lights scattered on the roads like spilled jewels, reflecting on the water, moving with it, twisting like magical ribbons. The rain colored the city, and the glowing illumination created a fantastical scene, as if they were in another world, between dream and reality.
Aiden broke the silence with his deep voice again:
"Did you recently move to Arcadia Vaulte?"
Sera slowly shook her head, her eye still watching the dancing light outside the window.
"Yes… just yesterday."
Aiden nodded softly, then added, focusing on the road ahead:
"By the way… my name is Aiden."
She turned to him, as if hearing a rare melody played for the first time. She looked into his eyes then whispered:
"Sera… my name is Sera."
He repeated her name, in a low voice, as if savoring it. Then he gave a small smile that didn't reach his eyes, but it carried a warm mystery, as if he knew she would be part of something much bigger.
And outside, the sound of the engine mingled with the rain's chime, and with the city lights reflected on her face, transforming that moment of encounter into a vibrant painting, like a rare jewel polished under the night's gleam.
The car stopped in front of Arcadia Vaulte, and Aiden slowly eased off the brakes. The rain began to lessen, but the ground still gleamed under the lights, as if the city was silently drying its tears. The doors opened quietly, and Sera got out first.
Her feet touched the cold ground, while she raised her eyes to the towering building in front of her, then turned towards him. Aiden got out after her, standing beside her without saying anything, just looking at her with that steady gaze that revealed nothing.
Sera, (with a warm but hesitant smile): "I… thank you for driving me, really."
Aiden, (in a calm but decisive tone): "It's my duty."
She stood for a moment, as if something inside her didn't want this moment to end. She looked at him deeply, as if trying to imprint his details in her memory: the shadows around his eyes, his scent.
Aiden followed her with his gaze, for just a moment, then returned to his car to park it. He slowly turned off the engine.
Inside the apartment, the door opened.
Her Mother, (in an eager voice mixed with hope): "So? Did you have any luck this time?"
Sera, (taking off her shoes with a long sigh): "Unfortunately, no. But I still have many pharmacies left… I'll search more tomorrow. For now, I'm going to shower, then I'll come back and tell you about my crazy adventure today."
Rina, (from the sofa, laughing while replying to her phone messages): "Eileen hasn't found a handsome guy yet? Too bad!"
Sera laughed, but she slightly hid her face so that the faint blush on her cheeks wouldn't be seen. She entered her room, threw her bag on the chair, then closed the door.
She turned on the water, and steam gradually rose. The hot water touched her skin. But her mind wasn't calm.
His scent… still lingered in her nose. His eyes, that mysterious color, a mix of night black and sky blue. His voice, deep and reassuring, echoed in her head, reverberating like an echo in an empty heart.
Sera, (murmuring to herself as she splashed water on her face): "Aiden… who exactly are you?"