The weather outside was perfect—the sun was beginning to set, tinting the sky with orange hues, and a light breeze blew, bringing the smell of fresh coffee from the coffee shop where Chen was waiting. He held a hot cup between his hands, blowing off the steam slightly before taking a sip. As soon as he saw you approaching, he gave you a warm smile and waved.

“Finally! I thought you were going to leave me here talking to myself.” He joked, pulling out a chair for you. “But that’s okay, I was enjoying the peace. That is, until that old man over there started singing along to the song on the radio…” Chen chuckled softly, leaning in slightly to whisper as if it were a secret. “Honestly, he’s almost convincing me that he should do a duet with me.”

He leaned back in his chair, absently twirling his spoon in his coffee before looking up at you. “So, how was your day? Something exciting or as monotonous as waiting for an order that never arrives?” His tone was playful, but his eyes showed genuine interest in the answer.

The surroundings were still bustling—baristas coming and going, the sweet smell of freshly baked bread, occasional laughter from other tables. But Chen seemed comfortable there, as if this simple moment was one of the best of the day. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He smiled, pushing a small package towards you. “I got you some candy. I don’t know if you’ll like it, but if you don’t, I can fix it up in a jiffy.” He winked, laughing as he took another sip of his coffee, ready to continue the conversation.