The next morning, John walked into the studio holding his planner.
"Sorry I'm late. Today's your magazine interv.."
He stopped.
The room was empty.
He checked the balcony but found nothing. Back inside and his eyes landed on a letter sitting on her desk. He picked it up and read.
Dear Mr. John, aka the coolest manager,
I won't be here for the next few days… or months… or who knows.
I've decided to take a break from this hectic life. You're free for now—go enjoy a vacation with your family! Tell your wife I'll miss her cheese sandwiches.
I don't know when I'll be back, and I won't blame you if you quit working with me. Just… Please don't try to find me unless it's an emergency. I know you'll understand.
-Elisa
John lowered the letter with wide eyes.
"What?! This kid… how can she just disappear like that?"
He sighed.
"Guess she really needed a break. But why now? It's winter. She's so careless… What if she catches a cold?!"
Meanwhile, Elisa grumbled behind the wheel of her car, bundled in a hoodie and scarf.
"Achoo… Ughh! The weather is so cold! And the worst part is I have no idea where I'm going."
She tapped the steering wheel.
"Should I turn back? No way. That'd be embarrassing." Her stomach growled. "Ugh.. I'm starving."
Spotting a restaurant up ahead, her eyes lit up. "Perfect timing."
She pulled in, parked, and stepped inside. A few minutes later, her food was served. Sitting alone at a table, she smiled to herself as she took out her phone.
"I hope this 90° angle is better," she muttered, snapping a picture of her meal.
But as she checked the photo, she froze.
Zooming in, she saw someone else in the frame, a guy sitting directly across from her. Slightly messy hair. Sharp features. Deep, unreadable eyes.
He didn't seem to notice her.
Unconsciously, a small smile touched her lips. Then, her imagination kicked in full gear.
This could be the start of my next series…
Elisa zoomed in on the photo again, her finger lingering on the screen.
He's… kind of handsome, she thought, studying the guy who'd accidentally ended up in her food shot. His slightly messy hair framed a strong jawline and high cheekbones. His eyes, dark and unreadable, looked down at his plate with quiet focus. There was something about him like he carried untold stories in the way he sat so still.
A small, dreamy smile curved her lips.
This could be a sweet start to my next series, she mused. The heroine clicks a picture of a peaceful ocean… but when she looks at the photo, there's a boy in the background. A stranger. Mysterious. She looks up, but he's already gone
She stopped herself. Wait… that's kind of overused. Readers will say I've lost originality. Tsk.
"Excuse me?"
Elisa's thoughts shattered like glass as a voice interrupted.
It was him.
He was standing now, looking directly at her. His voice was calm but firm.
"Will you please stop staring at me? It's really making me uncomfortable."
"Eh? Oh I-I'm sorry…" Elisa stammered, jerking her gaze away as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I just…"
She looked down at her phone, mentally screaming. Why am I like this?!
Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.
As he walked away, she heard him mutter under his breath: "Weirdo."
"I'm full now!" Elisa announced to no one, finishing the last bite of her meal. She looked up, hoping to catch a final glimpse of the mystery guy but his table was already empty.
Great. I was so focused on my food, I didn't even notice him leave.
She shook her head. Forget it, girl. It's not like you're going to see him again. Focus on yourself now.