Since it was already lunchtime, the cafe had already started to fill up, and Felix got to work. He moved with practiced ease between tables, jotting down orders, holding light conversations, and delivering drinks. Curious looks were thrown Adrian's way, but nobody outright said anything. Not wanting to be a bother, stood up from the stool with a parting smile.
"I'll head out now," he said, drinking the last of his third cup of coffee. "I'll be back early tomorrow with my stuff."
Felix glanced up with a soft smile, waving. "See you then."
The bell above the door jingled as Adrian stepped out into the street. The town of Ashvale was as pretty as a postcard— quiet, charming, and very different from the chaos he knew. Even when he lived in Germany, he stayed in the city. It had never felt like this. Peaceful and slow.
He paused outside the cafe, turning slightly to glance through the wide front window. Felix was moving from table to table, a tray balanced in one hand and a book in the other. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a soft golden glow on him.
Adrian shook his head and turned around. He had lingered longer than he meant to.
He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked away.
Each step he took felt like stepping back into reality. Since he stepped into the store— no since he caught Felix— he had fallen into a dream. He hadn't planned to stay longer than a few hours. Just to check on Felix, verify he had no problem, and go on his way.
But now.. A new job, and he was going to be living here with him.
He glanced down at the sneakers as he walked. Though at first glance they seemed cheap. On closer look, anyone with a good eye would be able to tell they were high-end from their workmanship. It would easily expose his lies.
A low purr of an engine approached from behind, honking. Adrian didn't stop walking.
The blue SUV from earlier slowed beside him and came to a smooth halt. Clark stepped out from the driver's seat and jogged up to him.
"Boss," he greeted with his usual cheerful tone, his eyes scanning Adrian. "How was it? Do we need to send more men over? He's dangerous, isn't he?"
Adrian exhaled and turned towards the car. "He isn't dangerous."
Clark squinted. "Are you sure?"
"If anything," Adrian muttered, "he's a little too naive for his own good."
Adrian smiled as he remembered Felix flashing his taser.
Clark relaxed instantly. "Oh, that's good. I was worried he would do something to you. Are we going to the Breakfast and Bed now? Or would you like to get some rest and go tomorrow?"
"There's been a change of plans." Adrian opened the back door. "Drive me to the nearest mall."
Clark blinked. "The mall?"
Was he going to get gifts for the house? His mind raced through the possibilities.
"You don't need to prepare anything." Clark started. "Your presence alone is welcome."
"I won't be going with you this time. I got a job."
Adrian slid into the car, and the door shut with a muffled thud.
"Ah?!" Clark looked up, confused, and scrambled back to the driver's seat.
"Boss, you got a job? I didn't realize you needed one. Are you…bankrupt?"
Adrian silently gritted his teeth. "No. I'm not bankrupt." He looked back in the direction of the store as they pulled away from the curb, but he was already too far away. "I would just be living here for a while, and a job is a good excuse to stay."
"Where would you be working. Do they need extra hands?"
"No," he said sharply. Adrian didn't want anyone else working with Felix. "I'll be working at the cafe. It's not that busy."
"Understood." Clark nodded. "But why are you shopping at the mall? The stores in this area don't have that much to offer. If there's anything specific you need, I'll drive out to the city to get it."
"Clothes," Adrian said curtly.
There was a brief pause. Clark glanced at him in the rearview mirror.
Clothes? Clark thought to himself. The boss had so many clothes. And since when did he shop at the mall? Everything he needed was delivered to him at home. And weren't all his clothes custom-made? Even city malls don't offer that service.
"I don't think the malls in the city would have the kind of clothes you need." Clark finally said. "Should I call Pete to send some over?"
Adrian shook his head. "Right now, I'm a college dropout who just moved into the area. My usual clothes would be out of place in this small town."
He leaned forward slightly, meeting Clark's gaze through the mirror. "Also, don't call me boss whenever you come around. It'll be hard to explain if others hear."
Clark used his left hand to salute. "Yes, Boss."
The drive didn't take long. Ashvale's shopping district was near the town's centre. A wide two-storey building nestled between the town's skating rink and a souvenir store. Adrian stepped down once they parked, adjusting his hoodie over his head. He looked around, taking in the still-up decorations from the town's recently concluded "Welcome Spring!" festival.
He walked towards the building and read the blackboard on the wall, where the shop directories were. "Second-hand clothes– shop 5, Ground floor." He entered and walked straight to the shop.
A little brass bell chimed as he entered.
It smelled of flowers and old wood. Clothes were arranged in racks, while shoes were placed on shelves by the walls, bins of scarves and hats by the mirrors on the only bare wall. An elderly woman looked up from her knitting and stepped out from behind the counter.
"Oh my! Oh my! What a handsome young lad," she said, beaming. "What can I help you with?"
Adrian stepped further in, and Clark entered after him.
The woman clasped her hands, her gaze drifting between both of them. "Ah, there are two handsome young men," she said, walking over and dragging both of them to a rack. "These would suit you."
"Thank you… ma. We'll look through ourselves."
Adrian walked between the racks, selecting a few t-shirts, a denim jacket, two more hoodies, a flannel shirt, and two face caps. He purposefully selected pieces with tiny flaws— a frayed thread, a stain, a faded tag— but still in good condition.
"Boss—"
Adrian shot him a sharp look.
"Adrian, this is—"
"Perfect for the part."
"But you'll look poor."
Adrian smirked. "And that's the point."
He took his selections up to the woman who packed them up, beaming. "You're new in Ashvale, aren't you?"
"Yes. I got a job with Felix."
"Oh, the cafe," her face lit up. "That's a good place to work. Felix is a sweet la."
She turned to Clark, who was standing at the side. "How about you, dear? Did you also get a job, or do you need one? I also need help around my store."
Clark stepped back. "No. No. No. I don't plan to move here."
"Oh," she said, her voice dropping in disappointment. "If you change your mind, my door is always open."
When they got back to the car, Clark glanced at him. "Where next, boss?"
"To the hotel."