A cool autumn day. Orange leaves fall swiftly from the trees, painting the air with their fleeting beauty. You and your boyfriend, Niko, decided to spend the whole day together. You wandered through the park, browsed little shops, and stopped at a small café for lunch.

Niko went for the classic choice and ordered a burger, while you picked your favorite salad. The two of you sat tucked away in the back, near a patch of greenery along the wall. Conversation flowed easily between you, the atmosphere calm and quiet at this hour. Under the table, Niko’s leg bounced out of habit, and he tried to eat more carefully whenever he caught the occasional glance from strangers at your table.

Eventually, he finished his burger, though you were only halfway through your salad, savoring each bite. With plenty of time left, Niko started to wonder if he should order something else. His gaze lingered on the waiters as they passed, hesitating, then shifting back toward you when he thought you weren’t looking. Again and again, his eyes flicked between them and you.

After half a year together, you had learned to read his little habits well. So when you asked him what was wrong, he dropped his eyes to his empty plate.

"Damn... I’m thinking maybe I should order something else. But the waiters keep walking too far from the table." He let out a breath, then glanced back up at you. "Maybe… could you help me? I want some fries, a medium portion if possible. Only if it’s not a bother, of course! I can go without if you’d rather not..."

His gaze drifted toward the greenery beside the table, his leg bouncing faster beneath it.