Avianna's Point of View
The familiar hum of the espresso machine filled the air as I tied my apron tighter around my waist. Mornings in the café were always the busiest because students rushing before class, professors needing their caffeine fix, and office workers barely awake. The scent of freshly ground coffee beans clung to my skin, my hair, everything.
"Good morning, Avi," my co-worker, Mia, greeted as she slid past me to grab cups.
"Morning," I answered, already punching in another order on the register.
It was routine. Take orders, pour drinks, smile politely. Nothing new.
Until I looked up.
He walked in like he belonged there, like he didn't need to try. The same guy from the gym. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his black shirt simple but fitting, a laptop bag slung over his shoulder. He stood in line, patient, scanning the menu board even though he probably already knew what he wanted.
I froze for a second too long.
"Avi, the caramel macchiato?" Mia nudged me.
"Oh right, sorry." I shook myself back into focus, forcing my hands to move faster.
When it was his turn, I kept my voice steady. "Good morning. What can I get for you?"
He looked at me, and for a brief second, it felt like his gaze lingered. "Black coffee. Large." His tone was calm, deep, no hesitation.
"Coming right up," I replied quickly, pretending I wasn't affected.
He paid, thanked me, then moved to a corner seat by the window. From there, he pulled out his laptop, set down his coffee, and settled in as if the café was his office for the day.
I tried to ignore him. Tried. But every time I glanced up from wiping counters or handing out drinks, my eyes betrayed me. He was always there focused, typing, sipping his coffee slowly. He didn't seem to notice me at all.
And yet, somehow, I couldn't stop noticing him.
"He's so handsome," Mia whispered, her eyes darting toward him too.
"Careful staring like that. You'll melt him with your gaze," she teased me.
"Hey! Don't be so loud, he might hear you. And besides, I only keep looking because I saw him last night at the gym too." I tried to sound casual.
"Oh wow, it's destiny," Mia teased, bursting into laughter.
---
By the time my shift ended, the café had quieted down. The rush was gone, only a few lingering customers left, including him.
He was still there, sitting in the same spot, laptop open, brows furrowed slightly in concentration. He hadn't moved much since he arrived.
I untied my apron and stuffed it into my bag, debating whether or not I should say something before I left. But no. Why would I? He was just another customer.
"See you tomorrow, Avi!" Mia called as I waved goodbye and pushed the door open.
Outside, the sunlight was bright, almost too bright. I hugged my bag closer as I walked to the side of the road, waiting for a jeepney. The breeze carried the smell of brewed coffee out the café's glass doors, mixing strangely with the exhaust of passing vehicles.
I found myself glancing back through the window.
Inside, Calix was no longer typing. His eyes were scanning the café, almost searching. For what or who, I didn't know. For a second, I wondered if he was looking for me.
My chest tightened. That was ridiculous.
I shook my head, focusing on the road. A jeepney slowed down, and I stepped forward to flag it.
But just before I climbed in, I looked back one more time.
His eyes met mine through the glass.
It wasn't long, just a flicker of connection. His lips curved, just barely, into the faintest smile. Subtle, almost unnoticeable. But enough to make my heart stumble in my chest.
Then he turned back to his laptop, as if nothing happened.
I sat inside the jeepney, the noise of the engine drowning out my thoughts. But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself it was nothing, that smile replayed over and over in my mind.
---
When I arrived on campus, I headed straight to the library to review for the upcoming exam. I sat at an empty seat in the back near the window.
As I flipped through my notes, my mind drifted again to that guy. What a crazy coincidence. I had just seen him at the gym, then at the coffee shop. Was he new around here?
"You look deep in thought."
I turned to see Caius standing there, holding a book. He sat across from me.
"How's the reviewing going?" he asked.
"I'm already stressed," I sighed. "The exam's still a month away, but the pressure is too much. Everyone's already preparing, and the professors keep scaring us with their reminders."
"Don't pressure yourself too much. Breathe. You've handled worse before," he said, smiling.
I let out a breath and smiled back.
"Have you eaten lunch yet?" he asked.
"Not yet. I just came from work. I still have my afternoon class, so I dropped by the library first," I answered.
"Then let's go eat," he offered, standing up.
My stomach agreed before I did. I stood too, realizing I'd forgotten to eat before reviewing. No wonder my thoughts were all over the place.
We went to a wingstop nearby. Caius ordered unlimited chicken and rice for the both of us.
"You must be starving," I teased.
"That's for you. You're getting too skinny," he shot back.
"Duh! I've been going to the gym," I replied with a playful roll of my eyes.
"Yeah, but you still have to eat properly. Don't starve yourself," he reminded.
"Yes, sir!" I answered with a grin.
I ended up eating more than I expected, stuffed to the brim. Which only meant one thing, I'd have to hit the gym again tonight. Would I see that guy again? Ugh, why was I even thinking about him?
"You're overthinking again," Caius remarked as we walked back to campus.
"I'm just thinking about working out later. You made me cheat with all that food," I said with a laugh.
"Don't push yourself too hard. You might get sick," he warned.
"Yes, Dad," I teased, which made him laugh.
When we returned to campus, I headed straight to class. I was a bit early, so I pulled out my phone to check my notifications.
In our group chat, I saw a message from Julian.
Julian: Wow, someone went on a lunch date without inviting us.
Jared: Exactly. If it's a date, why would they invite you? What are you, the third wheel?
Sophie: HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Caius: You all said you were busy.
Julian: Hmph. You're ugly, Jared.
Julian: Busy? Or you just wanted the Disney princess all to yourself?
I couldn't help but laugh at their nonsense.
Me: Caius just kidnapped me, okay? Huhu.
Julian: Ugh, I wish someone would kidnap me too.
Sophie: Careful what you wish for. What if it's a criminal who kidnaps you? HAHAHA.
Julian: As long as he's a hot criminal, I don't mind.
I laughed again at Julian's reply but didn't get the chance to respond because our professor had just arrived.
---
After class, I felt like a wilted vegetable from exhaustion, so I went straight home. The moment I stepped inside my apartment, I washed my face and changed into my pajamas. I was so tired I decided to skip dinner because I was still full from the lunch Caius and I had, and I didn't feel like going to the gym either. I didn't want to end up with a fever from pushing myself too much. I'd just wake up early tomorrow for a jog instead.
The sound of my alarm woke me. It was almost five in the morning, so I got up, changed clothes, and prepared for my jog. I love jogging, running and walking to clear my mind. It keeps me from overthinking.
I pulled on my jacket, slipped in my AirPods, and stepped out of my apartment.
The sun hadn't risen yet, and the cold breeze bit against my skin. I started running toward the park, just a few streets away from my apartment complex. I spotted a few other joggers along the way, which reassured me that I wasn't alone at this hour.
I was focused on my pace when suddenly, someone matched my stride beside me. I turned my head.
"You dropped this," he said.
I stopped running, and so did he.
It was him. Again.
Why did our paths keep crossing like this?