The cherry-pink hair, a rebellious splash of color, caught the light as he navigated the diner's stale atmosphere. He'd dyed it himself, a defiant gesture against the monotony of his life. The vibrant hue was a reminder that, despite everything, he still had a spark of himself left.
"Just a few more hours," he muttered under his breath, his feet aching in his worn sneakers. He hated serving tables, but it was the only thing that put a roof over his head – such as it was. His mind flashed back to the argument with his mom, her words still stinging: "You're a useless freeloader, always have been. Get out and don't come back until you can pay your own way."
He'd been working non-stop since, trying to make ends meet. The diner was a soul-sucking grind, but it paid the bills. For now.
As he made his way to table seven, he couldn't help but notice the striking pair seated there: a woman with piercing green eyes and a young man with an unreadable expression, dressed in a sleek black outfit with a flowing cape draped over the back of his chair. The young man's eyes met his, and he felt a flutter in his chest.
"Your hair is stunning," the young man said, his voice warm and sincere. "The color is quite striking."
His cheeks flushed, and he stumbled over his words. "Th-thank you, sir," he managed, taking their order with shaking hands. "I'll take that as a sign to order the pudding, then."
The young man chuckled, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "I think that's an excellent choice," he said, handing over the menu. "We'll have the vanilla swirl, matcha crème, and black sesame, please."
The woman spoke up, her voice low and husky. "Young Master Asher, you're trying to distract me from the issue at hand."
He felt a shiver run down his spine as he scribbled down the order, his mind racing with curiosity about the enigmatic young man in the cape.
He poured their coffee, delivered the pudding, and took their payment, his movements economical and precise. "Enjoy your pudding, Young Master Asher," he said, his voice a little softer than before.
As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden behind the quiet intensity of Young Master Asher's gaze. He slipped their payment into his pocket, his thoughts returning to his own problems. Rent was due in three days, and he still didn't have enough. He sighed, his eyes scanning the diner for his next task. Just a few more hours, he reminded himself.