Daliah's POV

The familiar chime of the cafe's entrance bell marked my arrival at work. It was a moment of normalcy away from the turmoil of my life.

I glanced around, noting the usual morning bustle. My shift was about to start, and I was ready to lose myself in the predictable rhythm of serving coffee and pastries.

As I walked to the back to store my bag and grab my apron, a familiar figure caught my eye.

Enzo.

He was seated at one of the corner tables, his presence unexpected and slightly unnerving. He hadn't noticed me yet.

After last night, I was uncertain and wary of him again, and naturally so.

That list.

It could mean anything. Dimitri isn't an uncommon name, after all. But after being involved in the world of mafias and crime bosses, you couldn't help but be cautious of the smallest coincidences.

Otherwise, you might very well die to pay for it.

My initial plan was to stay quiet and subtly avoid him as I thought about what to do.

Well, that's gonna go great.

I spotted Dylan behind the counter, expertly crafting a latte.

I hurried over to him, lowering my voice as I leaned in. "Dylan, why is Enzo here? I thought he was staying at your place."

Dylan looked up, "Yeah, about that. Assuming that he's temporarily handicapped, Enzo would have a tough time getting around on his own. My place isn't exactly fracture-friendly, so I thought it'd be easier if he stayed here for a bit. Plus, this way I can show off my godlike barista skills!"

I sighed, glancing back at Enzo, who seemed to be observing the cafe's activity with mild interest. "I just hope he's comfortable here."

Before Dylan could respond, Lisa sauntered over, her gaze locked on Enzo. "Who's the hottie in the corner?" she asked, her tone dripping with curiosity and something more.

"Just a friend." I replied curtly, forcing a smile.

A sly smile played at her lips before she strutted over to Enzo, her demeanor shifting to overt flirtation. I watched, a mix of annoyance and amusement bubbling up inside me.

"Hey there, handsome." Lisa cooed, leaning over Enzo's table. "Need anything? A coffee, perhaps? Or some company?"

Enzo barely glanced at her. "No, I'm fine. Thanks."

Lisa pouted, clearly not used to being brushed off so easily.

Surprisingly, she actually took the hint and lingered just a moment longer before huffing and walking away, muttering something under her breath.

I shook my head, grabbing a tray and starting my shift.

The morning passed in a blur of orders and conversations, the cafe's atmosphere buzzing with energy.

Every now and then, I caught Enzo's gaze, his eyes following me with a mixture of curiosity and something I couldn't exactly put my finger on.

I couldn't help but notice that his shadowy figure seemed out of place here, a stark contrast to the cozy, everyday ambiance of the cafe. Yet also somewhat awe inspiring, like something you automatically want to look at.

Aiden, the manager, approached me as I was refilling the pastry display. His presence always made me uneasy, though I couldn't quite pinpoint why. Today, his behavior seemed even more off.

"Daliah, how are you today?" Aiden asked, his voice overly concerned. "You seem a bit tired."

"I'm fine, sir. Just busy," I replied, not meeting his eyes.

"If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask," he said, his hand lingering on my shoulder a moment too long. I forced a smile and nodded, stepping away from his touch.

Enzo watched the interaction, his eyes narrowing slightly. I could feel his gaze on me as I moved around the cafe, a silent observer to the strange dynamics at play.

As the lunch rush began to taper off, it was finally time for my break. My eyes drifted over to where Enzo was seated and I decided to take a moment to bring him a cup of espresso.

He looked up as I approached, his expression softening almost imperceptibly.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, sliding into the chair opposite him as he nodded.

"Thought you might like something to drink," I said, setting the cup down in front of him.

"Thanks," he replied, taking a leisurely sip of the steaming liquid.

A brief smile graced his lips. "You remembered."

"Huh?" I questioned.

"My espresso," he clarified. "It doesn't have sugar in it. You remembered how I like it."

"Oh.." I realized before feeling a strange awkwardness under his gaze. "N-No worries. I didn't think much about it."

After a brief silence, he spoke first.

"I was wondering when my belongings could be shifted to Daniel's house."

"Actually, his name is Dylan."

After receiving no reaction from him, I continued, "How about you and him head to my place after his shift is done and take your belongings back to his place? I can't come because I have two more shifts after this."

"Of course. And the keys?"

I dug into my pocket and took the shed keys out. They jingled as I placed them on the table.

"It's time for my next shift, so I'll see you." I smiled.

"Thank you, Daliah." Enzo nodded and I headed back into the kitchen to inform Dylan.

▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎

Dante's POV

I limped into my former room again and noticed a black suitcase on the bed, which I bought when me and Daliah went shopping.

I passed by the neatly packed clothes and opened my almirah, gently taking out a piece of paper from within.

As soon as it came into view, I exhaled slowly.

It was crumpled from the sides. A clear sign of being held.

This is why I always keep my physical documents smooth, so if anyone touches, I know.

Somebody had been too curious.

And who else could that be but...

"Heyyy...you need some help packing the other stuff?" A voice called out behind me.

Great. Just let him do all the work.

"Yes, please." I replied and crutched towards my desk, before sinking down on the leather chair.

My eyes scanned the names on the paper once more, halting at the last one.

Dimitri.

Come to think of it, it sounds familiar.

A single name left her mouth as the answer to my unspoken question.

"Dimitri." she whispers.

Well, that is extremely questionable, now isn't it?

For both me and her.

So that's why she was acting jumpy today. Avoiding me, averting her gaze whenever she caught mine on her. I mean, she didn't look me in the eye once.

I mean, it's not necessary that the Dimitri on this list is her Dimitri.

It's not an uncommon name, after all.

But it could definitely lead to some...misunderstandings.

I observed Dylan packing- no, stuffing my things into the suitcase, my mind preoccupied with thoughts.

Somebody had been too curious.

And who else could that be but...

My sweet caretaker.

First the sudden shift and now this.

You've become awfully suspicious, now, haven't you?

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