"My love, do not be afraid. Whatever fate may bring, we shall remain together, bound for eternity. Even in the lives that follow, our souls will find each other again. And when that moment comes, I will hold you close and never let you go."
Sera and Ghio often met at the café, a place that had become their little refuge after long hours of work. It was more than just a spot that sold coffee and pastries—it was a small corner of the city that held laughter, unspoken secrets, and fleeting moments that stayed longer in memory than they should.
Ghio's funny stories always managed to make Sera laugh. Her laughter, bright and unrestrained, often caught the attention of other customers, as if happiness itself was contagious. At least, when Ghio was around, Sera could forget for a while about the confusion in her heart—her unspoken feelings for Liam, the man who didn't even know that his name haunted her every night and their complicated relationship that has no name.
That day, the sun shone warmly, but the early spring breeze still carried a bite of cold. Sera was busy arranging the fresh bread on the display rack. Her fingers moved gracefully, lining up sweet rolls, croissants, and baguettes into neat rows that looked almost too perfect to eat. The warm scent of freshly baked dough filled the air, blending with the aroma of coffee brewed behind the counter. The bakery had that kind of cozy atmosphere that made anyone want to linger.
Ding!
The soft chime of the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of a new customer. Instinctively, Sera lifted her head, putting on her warm smile—the kind she always wore for customers. But her steps faltered when she saw the familiar figure walking in, someone she know.
"Ghio…?" she asked, surprise slipping into her voice.
"Hey… wow, what a coincidence. So, you work here?" Ghio's expression was a mix of pleasant surprise and genuine curiosity.
Sera nodded politely. "Yeah right, wellcome. Do you need anything? I can get it for you," she offered, her tone as professional as ever, though she secretly felt lighter because it was Ghio.
"No, no… I just came to see my friend Ethan. He owns this place."
"Oh, Ethan stepped out with Cindy since then."
"Cindy?" Ghio tilted his head.
"Yes. His girlfriend. She's the supervisor here."
"Ah, got it." Ghio nodded knowingly. Then, with a grin, he added, "Typical lovebirds."
Sera chuckled softly, trying to stifle her laughter. "You wouldn't understand. You're single."
"Hey, look who's talking. You're single too, missy," Ghio shot back quickly.
They both burst out laughing, filling the space with a lightheartedness that felt almost timeless. Around Ghio, Sera could breathe easier, as though the burdens she carried dissolved into thin air.
"Do you want me to pass on a message?" Ghio shooke his head no
"It's allraight. I'll come again later. Well then, I'll get going. See you around," Ghio said, waving.
"Yeah, see you," Sera replied, returning the gesture. Her eyes followed him as he left, but then, by sheer accident, her gaze shifted across the street—
And locked with Liam's.
He was standing behind the florist's window, watching her intently. His eyes lingered in a way that made her heart stutter. Sera quickly looked away, pretending to busy herself with the bread rack again, but inside, everything was in turmoil.
Across the street, Liam didn't move. He stood frozen, staring through the glass at the girl who had invaded his thoughts night after night. His mind reeled with questions as he recalled the man she had just been laughing with.
"Who was he? What's their relationship? Is that why she's been avoiding me? Are they… together?"
The thought struck him so sharply he clenched his fists.
His eyes widened when he saw Sera step out of the bakery and walk toward his shop. In a hurry, he returned to his worktable, pretending to rearrange the flowers, though his heart was pounding wildly in his chest.
The door opened, and the little bell above it chimed. There she was—the very presence that always unsettled his calm. For a moment, Liam felt like the air had been stolen from the room.
"Hi… I need a few stems of lilies," Sera said quickly. Her voice was calm, but she avoided his gaze as though looking into his eyes might expose too much.
"Y-yes, of course. Do you… want them wrapped? I mean, into a bouquet?" Liam stammered. His voice betrayed his nerves, though wrapping flowers was something he could usually do blindfolded.
"Yes," Sera replied curtly.
"I'll pick them up later this afternoon… hmm, bye." She spoke fast, and before Liam could respond, she turned and left the shop.
The door clicked shut, leaving Liam slumping into his chair, his apron clenched tightly in his fist. "What are you doing, Sera? Who are the flowers for? Or… are they for me?" His mind was a mess.
Outside, Sera walked quickly, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. She herself didn't understand why she had bought the flowers. She had no one to give them to. There was no reason, no occasion. Yet deep down, she knew the truth—buying them was only an excuse to see Liam, to hear his voice, to catch even a fleeting moment with him.
But her pride was a wall too high to climb. She had no claim to him, no right to feel this yearning. Still, the longing was there, pulsing with every step she took away from his shop.
"I must be out of my mind," she whispered, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. One she didn't even notice.
Later that afternoon, she would return for the bouquet of lilies. Maybe her heart would race again, maybe her eyes would meet his across the counter. And maybe, without either of them realizing, the universe was testing them—through chance encounters, through unspoken questions, through a fragile longing neither dared to admit.