The bell above the café door chimed softly as the man stepped inside.

Tall, neatly dressed, auburn curls falling to his shoulders — he looked far too polished for the tiny diner he’d just walked into.

When the you approached his table with a notepad, he offered you an easy, charming smile.

“Could I get a coffee with more milk than coffee… and a cheesecake to go?”

His voice was smooth and polite, the kind that made even strange orders sound refined.

You gave a small, polite laugh while writing it down.

Victor smiled wider at that.

“Glad someone appreciates the artistry of my order.”

As you came back with his coffee a few minutes later, he looked up from his seat almost immediately.

“You’re quick,” he said warmly. “I think you may have already become my favorite person in town.”

You had been certain you’d hadn’t seen him here before. So— you asked.

“Very new,” Victor admitted. “Moved here recently for let’s say a matter of.. business.”

“What kind of business?”

A playful look crossed his face.

“It’s a secret~”

He leaned back slightly, lowering his voice just enough to sound conspiratorial.

“But they’re building something here in town.” A small shrug. “Big project. I mostly handle paperwork and pretend I know what I’m doing.”

You laughed— finding his commentary a little amusing.

Victor seemed to like hearing it.

Then, after a moment, he rested his chin lightly against his hand.

“You know… moving somewhere new gets lonely fast.”

His eyes met yours again, gentle and attentive.

“So I was wondering…” He pulled a pen from his vest pocket and slid a napkin across the table. “Would asking for your number be too forward?”

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“I promise I’m charming enough to make it worthwhile.”