Robert arrived holding a bouquet of white lilies, likely meant for Ann.
And he appeared… unhappy.
Ann glanced down at himself, only to find Kai still hanging onto him.
"Get off!"
Ann pushed Kai away without hesitation, like brushing off a clingy child. The bouquet of white lilies in Robert's hand instantly erased everything else from Ann's mind.
He hurriedly approached Robert.
"You came early…" Ann murmured, eyes avoiding Robert's, his face unmistakably flushed.
"Yes, I wanted to see you sooner," Robert replied, his voice low and calm, offering the bouquet gently. "This is for you. I passed by a flower shop and thought these suited you perfectly."
Ann shyly took the bouquet, clutching it tightly as if someone might take it away. He murmured again, "Thank you. Let me take you to your usual seat…"
"It would be my pleasure."
Behind him, the café seemed frozen in shock. Kai and Nina stood open-mouthed, unable to believe their eyes.
Nina turned wide-eyed towards Milena, whispering urgently, "Sis...did… did you hide something from me while I was away?"
Milena sipped her coffee calmly, replying nonchalantly, "That Alpha. Red shirt with the bouquet. Ann's new boyfriend."
"WHAT?!" Kai and Nina exclaimed simultaneously, their expressions entirely different—Kai stunned like he'd been betrayed, Nina excited as if she'd just received premiere tickets to a romantic drama.
Milena shrugged, laughing softly, "Just kidding. Not his boyfriend yet, just pursuing him."
"Oh no, I missed the beginning of this romantic movie?? Just kill me!!" Nina moaned dramatically, clutching her head.
Kai stood paralyzed, cautiously peeking towards Ann again to confirm. At that exact moment, Robert looked back.
No smile. No greeting. Just a sharp, intense gaze, cold as a blade.
It was the stare of a beast protecting its territory.
Kai flinched.
What... was that?
"Are you okay?" Milena asked, noticing his trembling.
"N… nothing…" Kai stammered, shrinking against the pastry cabinet.
Glancing again, Kai saw Robert merely leaning in slightly, conversing gently with Ann, his eyes softening whenever they met Ann's.
Everything Kai saw earlier seemed like an illusion.
Kai's body tensed.
He does not like Robert.
An Alpha like that was too strange, too unpredictable,... and too dangerous.
He does not like him, at all.
—
That afternoon, the café was quieter than usual. Only a few customers sat silently, working. Robert occupied his usual window-side corner, laptop open, occasionally typing lightly, but frequently glancing towards the counter.
Ann cleaned cups, Kai prepared espresso behind the machine specifically for Robert, and Nina quietly approached Ann, eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Hey Ann…" she whispered.
Ann, busy cleaning cups, responded absentmindedly, "Yes?"
"Go~ Serve your boyfriend~"
"What?!" Ann spun around, face bright red. Panicking, he stammered, "He's not my boyfriend… don't say nonsense like that…"
"Not yet, but soon~ You're also like him, don't ya?" Nina giggled. "Take some first step, my brother. He is so handsome and suits your type, doesn't he? Do something~ or someone else might snatch him before you notice. "
"No... don't force me. I don't do it," Ann fumbled nervously.
Before he could move, Nina quickly grabbed the tray Kai had prepared, pushing it into Ann's hands.
"Hey, don't—" Kai shouted too late.
"VIP customer, personal service. Chat while you're at it," Nina encouraged, pushing Ann toward Robert's table. "Kai and I will handle the counter, relax~"
"What?!"
Nina, looking at Ann go to Robert from far away, proudly. Suddenly, she remember Kai want to say something. She asks: "Hey, Kai. What's that you wanted to say earlier?"
Kai looks at his only-1-year-older sis, speechless.
"...Too late!"
Ann, blushing and shaking slightly, was propelled toward Robert. He shot an accusing glance back at Nina, who waved encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, Ann approached Robert.
"Um... Here's your coffee. I hope it's to your liking…"
Robert looked up, smiling softly. "Seems like… a spoon's missing."
"I'll get—"
"No need," Robert interrupted gently. "I was joking."
Ann stood frozen, heart racing, face bright as a ripe tomato.
"Did you like the flowers?" Robert asked quietly, his voice slightly shaky. "I wasn't sure what you'd prefer, so I chose randomly. Did you… like them?"
Ann nodded slightly, still staring at the floor. "Yes, very much. I love white lilies…"
Afraid Robert might think he's lying, Ann quickly added, "I genuinely love their scent, and white is one of my favorite colors too."
Robert exhaled in relief, his voice barely audible. "I'm glad. I'd also think they suit you perfectly. Vanilla and lilies—warm and comforting, just like you."
"Huh?"
Confused at first, Ann suddenly recalled that his pheromones were vanilla-scented. He blushed deeper, hiding his embarrassment.
Right, he'd forgotten his suppressants yesterday. And Robert remembered his scent.
When less embarrassed, Ann raised his head, but in front of his eye now is a smartphone. It í Robert held out his phone.
"Can I have your number now?" Robert asked softly.
"My number?" Ann looked at the phone blankly.
"Yes. I don't want to keep guessing your shifts. I'd like to see you… more often."
Stunned briefly, Ann retrieved his phone, entering his number into Robert's phone, dialing it back, and watching as Robert saved his number under "Favorites."
Ann, cheeks flushed, did the same.
He gazed at the new contact in his sparse list, feeling warmth in his chest.
Unexpectedly, Robert's hand gently reached out, brushing Ann's hair and resting briefly on his cheek.
Both jolted at the same time.
"I'm sorry," Robert quickly withdrew, flustered. "I didn't mean to."
"It's okay," Ann mumbled, gripping the tray tighter, face red again, eyes glued to the floor.
Awkward silence filled the air.
Thankfully, the café door opened again, a lively group entering, breaking the tension.
"I… need to get back to work," Ann murmured, nearly fleeing to the counter like a timid rabbit.
Robert watched Ann gently, chin resting on his hand, ignoring his laptop, eyes following Ann's busy figure.
Ann served customers, cleared tables, and touched his cheek occasionally, where Robert had briefly caressed.
Inside, something new is blooming. Maybe it is love.