The short drive to Café Corner passed in silence. Aria sat with her face dull and tight, still replaying the way Zorvath had embarrassed her in front of grandmother. Zorvath, on the other hand, looked almost entertained. He didn't say much, but the curve of his smile betrayed how much he enjoyed every flicker of her expression.
When they finally pulled up, Aria stepped out and froze.
The café she remembered—once bustling, full of chatter, warmth, and charm—was now lifeless. Its doors were shuttered, the windows clouded with dust. And with Café Corner closed, it was as if the entire street had lost its soul. Shops around stood empty, the air eerily still, like no one lived there anymore.
In front of the café, a man crouched over a delivery scooter with the café's old logo on it, adjusting the straps.
Zorvath didn't hesitate. Without sparing the man more than a glance, he pulled a key from his pocket, pushed open the café door, and strode inside.
Aria lingered, curiosity tugging her toward the man.
The moment he noticed her, his eyes widened in recognition.
"Are you… Miss Aria?" he asked excitedly.
Aria blinked, then smiled softly. "Yes."
The man lit up, grinning ear to ear."He pointed at himself with exaggerated pride. "I'm Abu, a waiter here. A little closer to Grandma than the rest, if I may say so."
His words spilled quickly, like he'd been holding them in too long. "I've seen you before—outside Grandma's house. She told me you were going to take over this café! I'm so glad. Miss Sandra never liked this place, she wanted it shut down, but if it's you… you won't let it die, right?"
Still smiling politely, Aria stole a glance toward the open café door. Zorvath was already inside, his figure swallowed by the dim interior.
Aria hesitated only a second longer, then followed after him, Abu's eager words still buzzing in her ears.
Seeing Aria and Zorvath walk into the café, Abu eagerly followed, still running his mouth without pause.
"How come you two decided to visit our café? Of course, it's a little dusty now, but I swear this café is the best in the whole country, you know? And blah blah blah…" He went on and on, barely stopping to breathe.
Zorvath, who had already wandered through the place, finally stepped out and cut him off bluntly.
"Get lost. We're here—me and my girlfriend want some private space."
Aria's eyes widened in shock. Girlfriend? Who the hell is he talking about?
But Abu looked impressed, almost thrilled. "Ho ho ho! My apologies, I forgot—you're students, right? I understand, I understand. You need space, yes, yes. Oh, wait—I just remembered! My mom told me to bring potatoes home. I'll leave now, okay? Bye bye bye bye!"
And with that, he rushed off, still mumbling to himself.
Aria couldn't help it—she let out a small, silent smile. "He's funny… and cute," she whispered under her breath.
But Zorvath heard. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "He is what and what?"
Aria froze, her smile vanishing as she met his intense stare. She quickly looked away, refusing to repeat herself. Instead, she wandered off, her gaze sweeping over the café—the kitchen, the hall, the main entrance. Every thing was settled different and unique.
Aria wandered into the kitchen, her fingers tracing the edges of the counters worn with time. As her eyes drifted upward, she noticed something on the top shelf—a small, red book tucked neatly away.
Curiosity sparked instantly. She reached up, stretching as high as she could, but her fingertips barely brushed the edge. She glanced around, searching for a stool or chair, but nothing was in sight.
Determined, she tried again, rising on her toes, her hands straining toward it.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. A presence behind her.
Startled, Aria spun around—only to find Zorvath standing close, his dark gaze fixed on her. For a moment, her breath hitched.
Without a word, he stepped forward, reached up effortlessly, and pulled the red book down. Holding it out, he met her eyes before placing it in her hands.
Aria blinked, the corner of his lips twitching. "Little kitten with a bag full of curiosity," he murmured,
teasing,
She turned her attention to the book, carefully opening it.
Her heart leapt. The pages were filled with recipes—every one of Grandma's iconic dishes. Line after line, her familiar handwriting flowed across the paper, instructions and little notes scattered through.
At the end, a folded slip of paper caught Aria's eye. She pulled it free and unfolded it gently.
I don't know who will see this in the future, but I am sure it will be someone the angels sent to me.
Aria's throat tightened. Tears threatened, but instead, a bright smile broke across her face.
Hugging the book close to her chest, she whispered, "Thank you, Grandma."
Then, with renewed joy, she carried the book back into the kitchen, holding it as if it were treasure.
Aria held the recipe book close, her chest still warm with the joy of finding her grandmother's hidden treasure. She didn't even notice that Zorvath hadn't moved, that his gaze lingered on her as though she were something just as precious.
When she finally looked up, she found him watching. Too close. Too intent.
Her heart skipped. "What?" she asked, her voice coming out softer than she intended.
Zorvath didn't reply. Instead, in one swift motion, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
The world stilled.
Aria froze in shock for the first heartbeat—but only the first. To her own surprise, she didn't push him away. The warmth of his lips, the sudden rush of closeness, the way her chest fluttered—it swept over her all at once. She let her eyes fall shut, savoring it, allowing herself—just this once—to enjoy him.
When he finally pulled back, silence hung between them. Zorvath's eyes locked on hers, darker, deeper than ever.
Aria's cheeks flamed. She found herself staring back into those eyes, unable to look away. For the first time, she dared to ask, her voice trembling but steady enough to carry:
"Who am I to you, Zorvath? Kissing me randomly—was it just your mood?"
For a moment, his lips curved. Then he laughed—a low, rich sound that echoed through the kitchen like the sweetness of a cupcake shared.
"Aria…" he said, still smiling, "do you know how long I've waited for you to ask me that question?"