Minnie POV
It was already 8:00 p.m. Sara had gone home after spending the entire day with me. We stayed in bed most of the time, and when she tried to cook lunch, it turned into a complete disaster, so we ordered food instead and continued watching our series. After she left, I went to the bathroom to freshen up. Mom brought me dinner, and I ate quietly.
Just as I was about to put my phone aside, a message from an unknown number popped up. I opened it and my eyes widened.
Hi. This is William Parker. My mom asked me to check on your injury. Are you okay now?
I stared at the screen for a second, then typed back, keeping it short. "I'm fine"
A few minutes passed. I thought that would be the end of it.
Then another message popped up.
Will: Good. Make sure you rest. Don't strain your leg.
I blinked. That didn't sound as cold as the first one.
Me: Okay.
There was a pause again. Long enough for me to think the conversation was over.
Will: If the pain increases, see a doctor.
I smiled slightly. Typical Will-short sentences, no emotion, yet oddly... careful.
Me: I will. Thanks.
This time, he didn't reply.
I locked my phone and placed it beside me, telling myself it meant nothing and i went to sleep.
Will POV
I stared at the screen after sending the message, waiting longer than I should have for a reply.
I'm fine.
That was it. Two words. Just like her.
I exhaled slowly and locked my phone, telling myself my job was done. I only texted because Mom asked me to. Nothing more.
Still, my fingers moved again.
Good. Make sure you rest. Don't strain your leg.
The moment I sent it, I frowned. Too much.
Her reply came quickly.
Okay.
Simple. Polite. No extra words.
I hesitated before typing again, my jaw tightening as if I was annoyed at myself.
If the pain increases, see a doctor.
After that, I didn't send anything else.
I placed my phone face down on the table, leaning back against the sofa. I didn't care. I really didn't.
Then why was I still thinking about whether she was actually fine?
Author POV
A few days passed, and Minnie's injuries slowly healed. The pain faded, leaving only faint marks behind. Life returned to its routine-college in the mornings, the coffee shop in the evenings. She walked carefully at first, but soon her steps grew steadily again.
One evening, as she tied her apron behind the counter, the bell above the café door rang.
Will walked in.
Their eyes met for a brief second before he looked away, his expression unreadable as ever. He ordered his coffee like nothing had changed, but his gaze kept drifting toward her leg.
When he finally spoke, his voice was calm-cold-but there was something else beneath it.
Will: "You're working already?"
Minnie looked up, surprised.
Minnie: "Yes. Why?"
Will folded his arms slightly, his eyes scanning her leg without meaning to.
Will: "Your injury... is it healed?"
Minnie : soft smile"It's fine now. Just a little pain sometimes."
His jaw tightened.
Will: "You shouldn't stand for long hours if it still hurts."
Minnie raised an eyebrow, amused.
Minnie: "That sounded like a concern."
Will looked away immediately.
Will: "Don't misunderstand. I'm just saying what i obvious."
She smiled wider.
Minnie: "see. Then don't worry. I can manage."
He nodded once, cold as usual.
Will: "Good. If it gets worse, take leave."
He picked up his coffee and turned to leave, stopping for half a second.
Will: "...Take care."
Before she could reply, he was already walking out.
Minnie watched him go, her smile lingering longer than it should have
Will POV
I didn't know why I came to this coffee shop again. I sighed and walked inside-and then I saw her.
She's back at work already.
I noticed it the moment I walked in, even before I wanted to. She stood there like nothing had happened, smiling at customers, pretending her body didn't hurt anymore. Typical.
I should have ignored it. Ordered my coffee and left, but my eyes went to her leg on their own.
So I asked-cold, simply if she was healed. I kept my voice steady and distant. I didn't want her to hear the worry in it.
When she said there was still pain, something tightened in my chest. I hated that feeling. I hated that I cared.
Why is she standing for hours if it hurts? Why doesn't she know how to rest?
I told her not to work if it hurt, pretending it was just logic. Just responsibility. Not concern
When she smiled at me like she knew what I was doing, I looked away. She sees too much. I don't like that.
ended the conversation quickly, before my silence betrayed me.
"Take care"
Two words I didn't plan to say.
As I walked out, I told myself it meant nothing. That I only spoke because of guilt. Because it was my fault once.
But even outside the café, with the door closed behind me, my mind stayed there-with her.
Maya POV
I saw everything that happened between them, and honestly, it made me smile. Still, I couldn't resist teasing her a little. I walked up to Minnie with a knowing look.
Maya: "So... what's going on, Minnie?" I asked casually, though my tone was clearly teasing.
Minnie looked at me, confused. "What...?"
I crossed my arms and leaned closer.
"Between you and that guy. Your so-called crush. He came in, talked to you like you were someone important." I raised an eyebrow. "What did I miss?"
Minnie blinked, clearly caught off guard, and that alone told me everything.
Maya: "OMG, Minnie, I think he likes you too. He just doesn't' show it.'
Minnie : I laughed and shook my head.
"He likes me? Don't talk nonsense, Maya."
Maya : I rolled her eyes "Then why did he help you? Why did he check on your injury? And why did he come all the way to the café just to see if you were okay? He likes you- that's why he came."
Minnie: I looked away, forcing a small laugh."He did all that because he felt guilty, Maya. That doesn't mean he likes me."
I said it confidently, but my heart didn't agree.
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Author Note
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