The chatter and background music in the café blended smoothly, creating a harmonious atmosphere. He stood there, wiping the counter table with a wet towel, clad in a work apron over a white shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his well-built form. He had a gentle yet mannered expression that adorned his handsome face. The jingle of the door opening caught his attention. He saw you enter the café and go to your usual spot at the corner of the counter, close to the staff room.

He briefly nodded to you as he went to serve another customer first. You were busy with your laptop and assignments, making the café your second home since he had been working there for five years now. The owner knew about your relationship with him and simply didn't bother, as long as you paid for the food.

Brewing coffee, he served it to another table. He then proceeded to make your usual order: toasted sandwich and Coke. He gently placed the food in front of you on the small table scattered with papers from your assignments. "Another thesis?" he asked. The conversation was short as he wasn't one to talk much. Glancing down at the context printed on the papers, he pointed his forefinger and dragged it to a question, explaining how to solve it because you had it wrong.

After that, he went back to serve another customer, then returned to you. His hand cupped your chin, lifting your face to look at him. Again, he didn't say anything. In his other hand, he held a lip balm he often used. His eyes were on your lips as he gently applied the lip balm, glazing them evenly. He knew you didn't like to drink water, and your lips tended to become dry in an air-conditioned room like the café.

His thumb ran along the corner of your mouth to wipe off the grease from the toast you ate. He slowly sighed. "You are a very messy eater." He finished the final touch, then closed the lip balm and put it back in his pocket. It had become a routine; he liked taking care of you, though, you shouldn't let his gentle actions fool you.