Iris's POV
Morning arrived quietly.
Not with alarm clocks.
Not with hurried footsteps.
Only with a pale strand of sunlight slipping through the curtains, slowly stretching across the living room floor until it finally reached the edge of the sofa.
It rested there.
Patiently.
As if waiting for someone to wake.
The house remained unusually still.
Only the ticking clock on the wall reminded the room that time had been moving all along.
...
My eyelids felt strangely heavy.
Every attempt to open them ended with them falling shut again.
My head still throbbed faintly.
Not enough to hurt.
Just enough to remind me of last night.
The golden threads...
The alley...
That man...
And...
Kaizer.
My eyes finally opened.
For a brief second...
I couldn't understand why the sofa felt so comfortable today.
Then I realised.
Something warm rested beneath my cheek.
My heartbeat paused.
Very slowly...
I lifted my head.
Kaizer.
He hadn't moved.
He was still sitting exactly where he had been last night.
His head rested against the back of the sofa, tilted slightly towards me.
His eyes remained closed.
He had fallen asleep...
Sitting.
Because of me.
---
A tiny smile found its way onto my lips before I could stop it.
"...You really slept like this all night?"
My voice came out softer than I intended.
Of course.
He didn't answer.
I simply looked at him.
Morning sunlight had settled over half of his face.
For the first time in what felt like forever...
He looked peaceful.
No frown.
No thoughts buried behind those eyes.
Just...
Quiet.
"...You look much better when you stop worrying."
I murmured.
The words disappeared into the empty room.
My gaze unconsciously drifted towards his hair.
A few strands had fallen untidily over his forehead.
I hesitated.
Then...
Very carefully...
I brushed them aside with the tips of my fingers.
"..."
"You really are cute–"
"–hopeless."
A small laugh escaped me.
Then...
My smile slowly faded.
Because...
The dream returned.
Not gradually.
Completely.
Golden threads.
The same tightening.
The same helplessness.
Kaizer trapped inside them.
I felt my fingers curled up into a fist.
Then...
Last night's alley.
That young man.
Those very same threads.
It hadn't been a nightmare.
It had happened.
My eyes instinctively returned to Kaizer.
Still asleep.
Still here.
Safe.
For now.
---
Suddenly...
His head tilted sideways.
My eyes widened.
Before I could think...
My hand was already beneath his head.
I caught it just before it slipped from the sofa.
"...Careful."
He didn't wake.
His breathing remained slow and even.
I looked around the room.
Then back at him.
"...You'll wake up with a terrible neck ache."
"Move a little..."
Obviously...
He didn't.
"...Fine."
I carefully stood up.
Supporting his head the entire time.
Every movement became painfully slow.
I was really afraid that even the smallest mistake would wake him.
One hand beneath his neck.
The other carefully supporting his shoulder.
After what felt like forever...
I finally managed to lay him down across the sofa.
He shifted once.
Then settled again.
Still asleep.
"...Much better."
I smiled faintly.
I remained standing beside him for another moment.
Looking.
Just looking.
---
I remained standing beside the sofa for a long moment.
The morning sunlight had climbed higher now.
It rested lazily across his face.
"...Sleep a little more."
I whispered.
"You barely slept last night."
As if he had heard me...
He frowned faintly in his sleep before settling again.
A tiny smile escaped me.
Then—
My phone vibrated.
The sudden sound felt unusually loud in the quiet house.
I glanced at the screen.
Manager.
My expression immediately straightened.
I stepped a little farther away before answering.
"...Hello, Manager."
The familiar strict voice reached me almost instantly.
"Iris."
"Yes, Manager."
"I'm sorry for informing you this late."
"There has been a small change."
She rarely apologized.
That alone made me listen more carefully.
"I have to leave for a few hours unexpectedly."
"I need someone to handle both the morning and afternoon shifts."
A brief pause followed.
"Can you manage?"
My eyes instinctively drifted back toward the sofa.
Toward him.
Still asleep.
"...Today?"
"I'm afraid so."
"If you can't, I'll ask someone else."
"No."
The answer escaped before I even thought.
"I'll come."
"Good."
"I'll leave the keys with Rina."
"Reach as soon as you can."
The call ended exactly the way it always did.
Short.
Direct.
Professional.
I slowly lowered my phone.
The room became quiet once again.
I looked at Kaizer.
"...Looks like I'll have to leave first today."
The sentence felt strangely heavy.
I walked back toward the sofa.
For a moment...
I almost thought of waking him.
Then I stopped.
He looked exhausted.
The dark circles beneath his eyes hadn't disappeared even in sleep.
"...You've earned this sleep."
I quietly turned around.
Then paused again.
After thinking for a few seconds...
I looked toward him one last time.
"...Don't scare me again."
The words came out so softly...
Even I barely heard them.
I quietly picked up my bag.
Opened the front door as carefully as I could.
And slipped out...
Without making enough noise to wake the only person sleeping peacefully inside the house.
---
The little bell above the café door chimed softly as I stepped inside.
The familiar warmth greeted me before anyone else did.
Freshly brewed coffee.
Vanilla syrup.
Warm bread straight from the oven.
For a brief second, I simply stood there, letting the familiar scent settle around me.
It always felt like coming home.
Someone peeked out from the kitchen.
"Morning, Iris."
I smiled back automatically.
"Morning."
Before I could even put my bag away, Rina walked over and handed me my apron.
"Manager had to leave early."
"I know."
I tied the apron around my waist.
"She called me."
Rina sighed dramatically before resting her hands on her hips.
"So..."
"...today we're all under your command."
I couldn't help laughing.
"I don't think anyone has to worry."
She pointed a finger at me with an amused smile.
"You're saying that because you've never seen yourself during the morning rush."
Before I could respond—
The bell chimed again.
Customers.
Just like that...
The peaceful morning disappeared.
---
"I'd like a caramel latte."
"One americano."
"And can I also get the blueberry cheesecake?"
Voices overlapped one after another.
Receipts rolled out endlessly.
The espresso machine hissed without stopping.
Milk steamed.
Coffee poured.
Orders moved from one hand to another in a rhythm my body had memorised long ago.
Normally...
This rhythm calmed me.
It gave my thoughts somewhere to rest.
Today...
It didn't.
Every few minutes...
My eyes drifted towards the phone lying beside the register.
Nothing.
I looked away before anyone noticed.
Another customer stepped forward.
---
"Good morning."
"What can I get for you today?"
The woman smiled warmly the moment she saw me.
"The usual."
I recognised her immediately.
"One hazelnut cappuccino."
"And a butter croissant."
Her smile widened.
"You remembered."
"You come here almost every morning."
I smiled politely as I entered her order.
"I know."
While I was printing the bill, I noticed her studying my face.
"...Can I say something?"
I looked up.
"Of course."
"You've changed."
I blinked.
"...Changed?"
She nodded gently.
"When you first started working here..."
"You looked so fragile."
"So thin."
"I used to wonder whether you were eating properly."
A small laugh escaped her.
"But lately..."
"...your face looks much healthier."
"There's colour in your cheeks now."
"You actually look like you're taking care of yourself."
For a second...
I forgot how to breathe.
Healthier...
Before I could stop myself...
My thoughts wandered somewhere else.
---
"Senior Iris."
"Sit."
"You're not cooking today."
"I already did."
---
"Finish everything."
"You barely ate yesterday."
---
"No."
"You'll eat first."
---
Every meal.
Every single day.
If he cooked...
Somehow, there was always enough for both of us.
If I cooked...
I always found myself wondering if he'd like it.
Without either of us saying anything...
Eating together had quietly become a habit.
My fingers tightened around the receipt book before I even realised it.
"...Iris?"
The customer's voice pulled me back.
I blinked quickly.
"I'm sorry."
I handed her the bill with an apologetic smile.
"Your order will be ready in a moment."
She smiled kindly before walking away.
I remained standing there.
Motionless.
Just for a few seconds.
"...Have I really changed that much?"
The words slipped out before I realised I had spoken them.
Almost instinctively...
I reached for my phone.
The screen lit up.
Nothing.
The tiny smile that had formed on my face faded just as quietly.
---
He should be awake by now...
I unlocked my phone again.
No notifications.
No missed calls.
Nothing.
My thumb hovered over our chat.
After staring at the empty screen for several seconds, I finally typed.
> Are you awake?
I hesitated for only a moment before pressing send.
Seen.
Almost immediately.
A small breath escaped me.
"So..."
"...you're awake."
The tightness in my chest loosened just a little.
I waited.
One minute.
Two.
Five.
Customers kept coming and going while I stole glances at my phone whenever I could.
Ten minutes.
I refreshed the chat.
Still nothing.
Fifteen minutes.
No reply.
My fingers slowly curled around the phone.
"...What are you doing?"
I whispered to myself.
Should I call?
Maybe he had seen the message while half-asleep.
Maybe he'd forgotten to reply.
Maybe—
No.
Before I could overthink it any longer, I pressed the call button.
The call didn't even ring.
Instead, a robotic voice answered.
"The phone you are trying to reach is switched off."
I frowned.
"...Switched off?"
I pulled the phone away and stared at the screen.
That didn't make any sense.
I'd seen the Seen notification myself.
So...
How could his phone already be switched off?
I tried calling again.
The same response.
A strange weight settled quietly inside my chest.
It wasn't panic.
Not yet.
Just...
A feeling I couldn't explain.
I locked my phone and placed it beside the register once more.
"...Maybe his battery died."
I tried convincing myself.
I really did.
But even as I smiled at the next customer and asked for their order...
A part of me was still back at the apartment.
Wondering why...
For the first time in hours...
He hadn't answered me.
---
The café gradually settled into its afternoon rhythm.
The morning rush faded.
Conversations softened.
The coffee machine hissed only occasionally.
The quiet that usually comforted me only seemed louder today.
---
I glanced at my phone again.
Nothing.
I unlocked it anyway.
No messages.
No missed calls.
Nothing.
I sighed and placed it beside the register.
---
"Iris."
I looked up.
"The bill?"
"Oh... yes."
I quickly printed it and handed it over.
The customer glanced at the receipt before chuckling.
"You've charged me for two coffees."
My heart dropped.
"I'm so sorry."
I corrected it immediately and returned the extra money with both hands.
After he left, I stared at the register.
When was the last time I'd made a mistake like that?
I couldn't remember.
---
Another order.
Another tray.
I stopped beside table seven.
"Your cappuccino."
The woman looked at the cup before smiling apologetically.
"I ordered tea."
I blinked.
"...Oh."
"I'm really sorry."
"It's alright."
"I'll wait."
---
By the time I returned to the counter, Rina was already watching me.
"...Everything alright?"
"Yes."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You've apologised more today than you have in months."
"You billed someone twice."
"Served the wrong table."
"And almost put sugar in black coffee."
I lowered my gaze.
"I'm just... distracted."
She smiled gently.
"Go sit down for five minutes."
"I still have work."
"I said go."
This time, I didn't argue.
---
I stepped onto the small staff balcony behind the café.
A cool breeze brushed against my face.
I leaned against the railing and finally let myself breathe.
Almost without thinking, I unlocked my phone again.
Still nothing.
"...Why am I worrying this much?"
I whispered.
"He probably just..."
The words refused to come.
Every explanation ended with the same question.
Then why hasn't he called?
I opened our chat again.
My thumb hovered over the keyboard.
Should I send another message?
No.
He'd already seen the first one.
I locked my phone.
Then unlocked it again almost immediately.
"...This is ridiculous."
---
The staff door slid open.
Manager had returned.
Even dressed casually, she carried the same calm authority.
Her eyes landed on me.
"...Break over?"
"Yes, Manager."
She studied me for a moment.
"You don't look well."
"I'm fine."
"Hm."
That single sound made me look away.
"You're lying."
I blinked.
"I've watched you work for almost two years."
"I know when your mind is somewhere else."
Silence.
"You've made four mistakes today."
"You usually don't make one in a week."
"I'm sorry."
She sighed, her voice softening just a little.
"...Did something happen at home?"
For one brief moment...
I almost told her everything.
About last night.
About the golden threads.
About Kaizer.
About the unanswered messages.
Instead, I simply shook my head.
"...Nothing serious."
She looked at me for another moment before speaking.
"I'll take over."
"You should go home."
"What?"
"You've covered both shifts."
"You've done enough."
"I can still work—"
"No."
The word was calm.
Final.
"I don't like distracted employees handling customers."
Then, after a pause, she added more gently,
"...And if something is waiting for you at home..."
"...don't make it wait any longer."
My grip tightened around my phone.
"...Thank you."
I quietly removed my apron, hung it in its place, picked up my bag...
And for the first time that day—
I didn't walk.
I hurried home.
Towards the one place where I hoped he would be waiting.
---
The journey home felt unusually long.
Maybe because every passing minute made my thoughts louder.
Or maybe because every turn I took...
I kept expecting the front door to already be open.
The familiar house finally came into view.
I slowed down without realising.
For some reason...
I was afraid.
Afraid that the house would still be empty.
Afraid that the silence waiting inside would answer every question I had been avoiding since morning.
I swallowed.
Then pushed the door open.
"...Kaizer?"
My voice came out softer than I intended.
No answer.
I stepped inside.
The evening light had already settled across the room.
Everything looked exactly the way I had left it.
The sofa.
The table.
My chest tightened.
Then...
Movement.
I turned.
He was sitting on the floor near the charging socket.
His phone was connected to the charger.
One knee rested against his chest while his eyes remained fixed on the screen, waiting for it to gain enough battery.
As if sensing someone...
He looked up.
For a moment...
Neither of us moved.
Then he stood.
Quickly.
Almost too quickly.
"Iris."
Relief washed over his face so suddenly that he didn't even try to hide it.
He walked straight towards me.
"Where were you?"
The question escaped him immediately.
"I woke up and you weren't there."
"I looked everywhere."
"I wanted to call you but my phone had died."
He pointed helplessly towards the charger.
"I charged it."
"I saw your message."
"I was literally replying when it switched off again."
He let out an irritated sigh.
"And then the electricity went out."
"I couldn't even charge it."
"I thought—"
He stopped.
Maybe because he finally noticed...
I wasn't answering.
I just stood there.
Looking at him.
He was here.
Completely fine.
Not trapped inside those golden threads.
Not lying unconscious somewhere.
Just...
Standing right in front of me.
"...Cafe."
I finally whispered.
"I had to cover both shifts."
He frowned slightly.
"You could've left another note."
"I woke up and—"
He stopped again.
"...Senior?"
Something inside me suddenly gave up trying to stay strong.
The worry.
The fear.
The images from my dream.
The entire day of pretending everything was alright.
It all rushed forward at once.
Before I could think...
My feet had already moved.
I closed the distance between us in two hurried steps.
Then...
I wrapped my arms around him.
Everything became quiet.
I buried my face against him.
His shirt still carried the faint scent of detergent mixed with something that was simply...
Kaizer.
For a second...
He didn't move.
Not even a little.
His body had gone completely still.
As though he had forgotten how to breathe.
I realised what I had done.
But...
I couldn't let go.
Not yet.
Not after today.
Not after thinking—
What if I never saw him again?
I felt his heartbeat.
Fast.
Almost as fast as mine.
His hands remained suspended awkwardly beside him.
I wondered if I had crossed a line.
If I should step back.
Apologise.
Pretend this never happened.
Then...
Very carefully...
I felt his fingers move.
They curled once.
As if gathering courage.
Then slowly opened again.
One hand came to rest lightly against my back.
It wasn't tight.
It wasn't possessive.
Almost hesitant.
Like he was asking...
Is this alright?
A second later...
His other arm slowly settled around me too.
Gentle.
Careful.
Warm.
He still wasn't hugging me tightly.
Almost as though he was afraid that if he held me any closer...
I'd disappear.
I closed my eyes.
For the first time since morning...
The uneasiness inside my chest finally disappeared.
He was here.
That was enough.
Neither of us spoke.
The evening breeze slipped in through the half-open window.
Somewhere nearby...
His phone finally lit up with enough charge to turn on completely.
Neither of us looked.
Nothing on that tiny screen felt important anymore.
Not while he was standing here.
Not while I could hear his heartbeat reminding me...
That he was safe.
And for now...
That was all I needed.
—