Next came coffee and dessert time.
Lorien and Wanda were having a great time chatting.
How great?
Wanda talked so much that she got carried away. Her mood was high, and the joy made her cheeks flush. She only realized it after touching her face.
Was it really that hot? She wondered if she'd been too forward. After all, in front of Lorien, most of the topics had been started by her.
Like when she asked him what kind of life he liked.
Lorien answered, "A happy, stable, and leisurely life."
That was the truth. He genuinely enjoyed a routine of eating, sleeping, playing, and then repeating the cycle every day.
What's not to love about that?
When Wanda heard this, she beamed.
"We're the same!"
"I really like the life you just described!"
"That's exactly the future I've always dreamed of!"
Her cheeks reddened even more after saying it. She didn't know whether she was blushing because she was talking about their future in front of him or just from excitement.
Either way, it didn't matter. She was already red.
But in the café, Wanda's voice had been loud enough for people nearby to turn and look.
Lorien gave them an apologetic smile, and they went back to their own conversations.
Wanda glanced around, then lowered her voice.
"Sorry, I got too excited."
"It's fine." Lorien took a sip of coffee. "It's good to speak your mind. Too many introverted people—and even those struggling with depression—can't open up. Talking is a way to unlock the heart. Happiness is the best medicine for everything."
Wanda nodded in full agreement. She felt an increasing sense of connection and warmth toward him—in short, she liked him more and more.
After a while, she took a sip of coffee, tasted it, then looked around. Making sure no one was paying attention, she leaned closer and whispered,
"I think your milk tea tastes better than this coffee."
That made Lorien smile.
Coffee is coffee, milk tea is milk tea. The only real similarity is that both have caffeine; beyond that, they're entirely different. It all comes down to preference.
But after thinking for a moment, he suggested,
"Want to try mixing milk tea into the coffee?"
"What?" Wanda's eyes widened. "Can you do that?"
"I've never tried it," Lorien chuckled, "but you can."
"But I finished mine."
"I haven't finished mine."
He placed his milk tea on the table. Wanda didn't question where it came from—she just glanced around again to make sure no one was watching.
Then she took his milk tea and poured it into her half-full coffee cup, quickly putting it back. Picking up a spoon, she stirred the mixture.
Lorien retrieved his milk tea, and the two of them watched her cup together.
Soon, Wanda set the spoon down, lifted the cup, and took a sip.
"Hmm..."
After tasting it, Wanda let out a low hum. Then she pursed her lips and said,
"It's bitter, but there's a hint of sweetness."
"And when it reaches your throat, the bitterness comes back—you just have to lick it away."
Lorien blinked in surprise.
Isn't this just like a coconut latte back home?
"Try it and you'll see."
Seeing the puzzled look on his face, Wanda placed the cup in his hand, gesturing for him to taste it. She didn't even mind that they'd be drinking from the same cup.
"This cup..."
"It's fine, just try it."
Wanda clasped his hand around the cup, urging him to drink.
Well, if she didn't care, why should he?
Lorien took a sip.
"Mmm..."
He made the same humming sound, then nodded.
"Tastes like coffee with sugar water—bitter and sweet, but mostly bitter."
"Right?"
Wanda's eyes lit up as she smiled. She took the cup back and downed the rest in one go.
Lorien smiled at the sight.
To be honest, this kind of behavior meant Wanda had completely let her guard down around him. If it were any other girl, he could've taken her to a bar by now, had a few drinks, and ended the night together at home.
But with Wanda, there was no rushing things. After today's progress, the rest would come naturally.
...
They stayed there from 5:30 in the afternoon until after 8:00, drinking coffee, eating desserts, and chatting. Since Wanda had already arrived earlier that afternoon, they had spent at least six hours together—and talked the whole time.
When Lorien noticed how dark it had gotten outside, he figured the night was pretty much over. Time to head home and play some games. He signaled the waiter, paid the bill, left a small tip, and stood up.
"Let's go, Miss Witch. A fiery ride should take a fiery beauty home."
Wanda stood and glanced at her flat shoes before looking up with another sigh.
"Lorien, that's the third time today you've made me regret wearing this outfit."
"It's fine," Lorien said with a shrug. "I can see your inner beauty."
Wanda let out an "oh~" in mock defeat, feeling as though an arrow had struck her right in the heart. And that arrow had Lorien's name on it.