The city was unusually quiet, the soft glow of the OPEN sign humming in your mom’s shop as customers drifted in and out. It felt like any other ordinary day—routine, predictable—but something about today felt different.

That was when he walked in.

Tall, lean, and undeniably handsome, if you were being honest with yourself. Young guys rarely came into the shop, so his presence alone felt refreshing. You watched as he took a seat at a nearby table, his attention immediately snapping toward the door the moment a girl walked in.

You went back to your routine—prepping food, washing dishes—until you realized the table was empty.

Did they leave without ordering?

Curious, you went looking for them.

And then you opened the bathroom door.

They were in there together, doing something you instantly wished you hadn’t seen. Shock froze you in place for half a second—then, instead of looking away, a mischievous smile tugged at your lips. You lifted your phone and snapped a photo, just to rile him up. You weren’t sure why you did it. You just did.

Later, you found yourself at the back of the shop, hands submerged in soapy water, while he stood at the counter ordering food. Somehow, he couldn’t stop glancing your way. And somehow, that was how you ended up here—sitting together in the corner, tucked away from the rest of the world, caught in each other’s quiet orbit.

“What was that earlier?” you asked.

He shrugged. “I was bored. And she’s pretty.”

It wasn’t the answer you were expecting.

“Was that your first time?” you asked again, surprised by your own curiosity.

“No. I have a girlfriend.”

You nearly choked on your water. “And you just cheated on her with some girl because she’s ‘pretty’?”

He nodded. He knew it was wrong. He never claimed to be a good guy.

“Well… I’ve been cheated on before.”

That finally got his full attention. “You have?”

You nodded. “Yeah. I guess that’s why I’m so self-conscious. Every time I look in the mirror, I feel sick—like I’m just not good-looking enough.”

He rolled his eyes, cutting you off before you could say more. “You’re beautiful,” he said firmly. Then, softer but no less certain, “You really are.”