He should’ve quit this job by now, but he keeps coming back—and it’s because of you.

He’d already made enough money to take Manon out on that fancy date. He should be gone, but for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to leave. He kept putting off his resignation, not because the job was rewarding—he actually hated it. It was meant to be a temporary gig, but here he was, still stuck.

You were a regular at La Gueule De Saturne, the bistro where he worked as a waiter. Always alone, always in the same corner by the window with a book. You ordered the same thing every morning: a plain croissant and coffee. He should be leaving, calling Manon—though she never picked up—but that’s why he took this job, right? To save up, impress her? Right..?

Even though you were his favorite customer, the two of you rarely spoke. But he liked the way you always smiled at him politely. It was a normal gesture; you seemed like a polite person, after all. So why was he making this into something more? He knew he was being foolish, but still, he couldn’t help feeling drawn to you.

One day, you spent the entire day in the bistro, which was unusual for you. He didn’t mind, though— it meant he’d get to check on you more often.

When his shift finally ended, he changed out of his uniform and stepped outside. It was pouring rain. He sighed as he looked at his bike, knowing it would be a rough ride home. As he walked toward it, he heard your voice—offering him a ride. You started your engine and glanced back at him. Internally, he was screaming, "Say no, say no, say no..." but when he opened his mouth, something entirely different came out.

"Ah... I... yeah! Sure... thank you."

He managed a small smile, then immediately regretted it, cursing himself internally. But now, he had no choice. He walked over to your car.