After we stared at each other for a moment, he finally spoke.
"Hey, Chloe. How have you been?"
I kept looking at his face.
Honestly… I didn't even know how to respond.
"…I'm fine. Same as usual, senior. Please take a seat and wait a moment. I'll prepare your order."
I turned away quickly and started preparing the coffee while arranging the desserts at the same time.
I thought I would only see him again in the evening… I didn't expect him to appear like this out of nowhere.
I really wasn't ready.
Lucas was my senior.
Or… maybe I should say, my crush.
He was always kind to me, always caring in his own quiet way.
On graduation day, I even promised him that I would take the entrance exam for Swinburne University in Melbourne together with him.
I still remember how hard I studied just to follow the same path as him.
But then everything changed.
My friend got into a terrible traffic accident. She passed away together with her husband… and my uncle was also involved in that same accident.
That day, luckily, Yang Yang was sick, so they left her with me.
They were all traveling together to work on the café project—my uncle was actually the architect who designed this place.
But fate didn't give us a chance.
After that accident, I made my decision.
I didn't continue my studies.
I stayed behind to take care of Yang Yang and this café.
Even though I knew I was giving up my future… I didn't regret it.
If I had to choose again… I would still choose this path.
"Senior, your order is ready."
I handed him the drink.
He didn't say much.
He simply took it and said,
"Alright. Here's the money—no need for change. Goodbye. I'll come again when I have time."
Then he left.
Just like that.
But strangely…
My heart didn't react the way it used to.
Was I really starting to forget him?
I cleaned the counter, thinking I could finally rest.
But—
Ding.
The doorbell rang again.
Of course.
No rest for me.
"Welcome to Luna Café. What would you like to order?"
"Sorry… I just want to ask. Who left a bicycle in front of your shop?"
I paused.
That bicycle again.
I quickly replied,
"Sorry sir, I don't know. This morning was too busy, so I didn't notice."
"I see. Then I'll have an iced Americano. Zero sugar."
"Yes, please wait a moment."
I prepared his coffee while silently thinking to myself:
Chloe… what kind of day is this…
Soon, I placed the drink on the counter.
"Your coffee is ready, sir."
"Thank you."
He smiled slightly, then leaned in just a little and said quietly,
"How does a café owner not even know who left a bicycle outside?"
I heard every word.
I looked at him immediately.
"Sir, do you think I have time to remember every customer who walks in?"
He smirked.
"I didn't say anything like that. If you're interested, you can keep it as a memory."
Then he turned and walked out.
Before leaving, he gave me a small teasing eyebrow raise.
That annoying guy…
Don't let me see you again.
Or I might actually kill you properly next time so mad...