After the unexpected reunion at the restaurant, Adrian began visiting more often.
At first, he told himself it was just because the food was good.
But deep down, he knew the truth.
It was Stephanie.
There was something about her that stayed on his mind long after he left the shop.
Her strength.
Her honesty.
The way she had rebuilt her life instead of depending on anyone.
It was different from the world he was used to.
One evening, the restaurant had grown quiet after the last customers left.
Maya had gone into the kitchen to finish cleaning.
Stephanie was wiping the counter when Adrian spoke.
"Steph."
She looked up.
"Yes?"
Adrian hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"Would you go out with me sometime?"
Stephanie blinked in surprise.
"What?"
"Dinner," he said calmly.
"Just the two of us."
Stephanie let out a small nervous laugh and shook her head.
"Adrian…"
"What?" he asked.
She looked at him carefully before speaking.
"What does a low-life girl like me have to offer someone like you?"
Adrian frowned immediately.
"Don't say that."
"But it's true," she continued quietly.
"Look at you."
She gestured toward him.
"You're handsome… well educated… and clearly from a wealthy family."
Then she looked down at her hands.
"We're from two completely different worlds."
Adrian stepped closer to the counter.
"I don't care about that."
"But the world does," Stephanie replied softly.
She lifted her eyes again.
"Do you really think your parents would like someone like me?"
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
Stephanie looked unconvinced.
"My parents care about the kind of person someone is," he continued.
"And you're the strongest person I've met in a long time."
Stephanie stayed silent.
The sincerity in his voice made her heart beat faster.
But the fear inside her was still there.
She had built this life with her own hands.
She didn't want to ruin it.
After a long moment, she finally spoke.
"Adrian…"
"Yes?"
"Give me some time."
"To think?" he asked.
She nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Adrian smiled gently.
"Take all the time you need."
Stephanie watched him for a moment.
For the first time since they met…
She allowed herself to wonder if maybe their worlds weren't as impossible to connect as she once believed.