I was silent, yet there was a storm raging inside me, making me feel breathless. Dropping my body onto the bed, I curled up and closed my eyes. Silent tears kept falling from my eyes, and I never knew the answer to why.

The morning came just in front of my eyes, which were open from the time he left.

Getting up, I walked inside the washroom and got freshened up. Wearing a soft purple tee, pairing it with white wide pants, I walked downstairs.

Mom was placing the breakfast. I passed her a soft smile and wished good morning, then to everyone, including Victor. Not like always, today I ate slowly...

Because today I didn't want to see him. Today I just didn't want to meet him. I needed space, away from him. After Dad and Victor left, I waited because he had told Mom and Dad that he would be the one to pick me up from now on. But when he didn't come, I guessed that he would have forgotten and was still waiting for me outside...

So, getting up, I walked towards the door. Putting my feet into the white sneakers, I walked out and looked towards the spot where Rhys would usually park his car. And yes, my guess was right—he was there...

I took two steps and then paused.

I don't wanna go...

Taking my steps towards the garden, I peeked at him from behind the big concrete wall...

And then the door opened, and I got scared. He would come here...

Quickly taking out the phone from my backpack, I called him...

But why, I didn't know...

"R...hy..s...." I called his name when the call got picked up.

"I.. I ... Am ..."

"I am..."

"What is it, Maya?" he said, and I gulped, hearing the cold tone.

"I am in c...olleg..e..." I said and slowly peeked at him...

Even from the distance, I could see the big frown, and when he suddenly looked in my direction, I hid, breathing heavily. I waited...

"You are in college..." I heard him say that too loudly, and I trembled...

"Y...es.. D..ad d..rop..ped me."

He didn't say anything, and I peeked again, just to see him slamming the door and getting inside before driving the car away...

Biting my lips, I closed my eyes...

What I just did... If he didn't find me there... Shit...

Walking out from the house, I walked towards the way to college but again stopped...

It's okay. Nothing will happen... I told myself before taking out the mask. Covering my face, I turned towards a different side...

With each step, I took small deep breaths... The morning sun felt peaceful. My steps made noise after hitting the concrete road. The neighborhood was silent and empty, which I loved because I was scared to run into someone...

When I reached the small park, I looked at it from the distance...

There were some people walking and running, even some kids, so shaking my head, I started walking again...

Soon, a small smile came on my lips after looking at the old uncle on the road who was helping his wife, who was tired from walking, to take just a few steps more...

Moving on, I looked around and then back. I was far away from my home now...

I knew the way till here, but the idea of exploring more ways didn't seem bad, right? So I kept walking, sometimes in different small streets...

The flowers were blooming and glowing in the sun. I could hear the giggles of children who were bicycling...

And then I saw a small café that looked beautiful, like one in a dream. I couldn't resist myself and walked there. The small bell rang, indicating that someone had entered. It was empty, but there was a guy at the counter who quickly came to greet me...

I gulped...

And said a small, awkward "Hello," replying to him. He looked awkward too. For once, I thought to turn and run, but then...

"Actually, I do open the café after nine, but as you are here, please make yourself comfortable..."

I nodded my head and walked towards the small, cute table near the glass window...

He asked me if I wanted something, and I asked him for water and a coffee...

He came with a water glass and then was gone to prepare coffee...

I placed the bag on the next chair and opened it. Taking out one book and a notebook, I placed them on the table...

Removing the mask slowly, I picked up the glass of water and gulped it down...

Taking out some pens, I covered the whole table with my books and started preparing for my upcoming exam...

The small birds chirping around were like motivational background music, telling me to study, so I did. Forgetting everything, I gave myself time to study...

A few minutes passed, and then he came...

Stopping just near my table, I looked up, and then he went frozen. I called him, but he didn't move, and then with a small, embarrassed cough, he moved. Placing the cup on the small remaining space, he smiled...

"I don't see you often here," he said, and I looked up at him again...

I didn't want to answer, but I also didn't want to come across as a rude person, so I answered...

"Just doesn't like traveling a lot..."

"Oh! Must be introverted..." he said excitedly with a gasp before smiling widely and sitting on the chair in front of me...

I blinked and then started focusing on my coffee...

"You know, I am introverted too, and blah blah..." He kept saying so much...

Introverted...

I just remained silent, wanting him to finish so he could leave. When he didn't, I placed the cup near him...

He frowned and chuckled. Shaking his head, he picked it up and walked away...

I again resumed my work...

I didn't know how much time had passed, but in those hours, I got to know every detail about him—his name was Addy, he loved baking, he had a grandma named Suze, his parents lived in another country and couldn't accept his love for baking, so he ran away...

In those moments, I just didn't say anything—just listened without looking at him. I was a little tired when suddenly a large glass of lemonade was placed in front of me...

I looked up and saw him smiling at me...

"You must be tired..." he said, and I let out a small "Thank you..."

And then he again sat near me...

I first closed the books and placed them inside the backpack again as I was done with my study. Then, sitting straight, I grabbed the straw, slid it towards me, and took a sip...

While he was staring and smiling...

"Don't people come here...?" I asked, looking around the empty café, and he stopped smiling...

"Well, they all come after twelve."

And I hummed, focusing my eyes again on the lemonade. It was tasty...

"Do you like...I—"

He was about to ask when we both heard the small ring of the bell and looked behind towards the door.

He quickly got up and ran to greet while I stood up with wide eyes...

"R...hys..."



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