Serena arrived not too long after that. As the door opened, cold wind rushed in, bringing a small amount of snow with it. Otaku saw a young girl come in. She stopped near the counter and started scanning the room while fixing her hair that was probably messed up by the cold wind outside while removing her muffler.
Her gaze stopped when her eyes met Otaku's.
He stood up from his chair too fast causing chair legs to scrape against the floor.
"Hi" he said, welcoming her. after a beat "Serena?"
She smiled as if she was relieved. She went towards him and said, "Otaku?" . He nodded calmly. They sat.
Otaku reached for his cup instinctively. He had a split-second thought: Would it be rude if I drank alone? Before coming to a decision, Serena asked "Otaku, what are you drinking?"
He replied, "Americano".
Her eyes brightened. She called the barista over and ordered the same. She looked really happy after that.
Otaku noticed her excitement. He wanted to ask her what made her excited but couldn't do it. Soon Abhi came with the coffee. She leaned in a bit and then took a careful sip.
Her face twisted before she could stop it.
Otaku looked at her face and went to get sugar and a jar of cream. By the time she noticed, Otaku was already at the table.
"Sorry" she said, Otaku nodded as he meant no worries.
She laughed softly. "Thanks for that" She mixed all the stuff slowly, then tried again. She smiled after that which made Otaku smile as well. Serena said, "You have a really good smile" Otaku blushed "Thanks" He replied almost biting his tongue.
The snowfall started to get heavier making the atmosphere even cooler. Serena talked about her work, moving her hands. Otaku quietly listened while slightly nodding, adding his input when she paused for a while and felt it was fine to answer.
She then mentioned "My height is quite small, and with my younger face, I look like a child "She laughed, then glanced at Otaku's face.
Otaku paused for a bit. Turned his cup and said "No".
Serena saw his eyes.
After a second "I think you have a beautiful face, carrying a beautiful soul" before taking a sip of his coffee.
Serena's face lit up instantly. She then blinked, and then took her eyes away from otaku, still smiling. Serena kept talking, her hands moving as usual. One of them moved towards Otaku but suddenly stopped. She curled her fingers around her cup, lifting without any hesitation looking at Otaku.
Otaku did notice it but said nothing.
Her ear turned red.
She started to turn her head around the café to avoid his eyes. After calming herself, she asked "You work here, right?".
Otaku nodded "Yes".
"It's warm..." Serena while taking a sip of the cup "Not because of the fire but the vibe. I cannot explain it.".
Otaku looked outside and said "i know.... That's why I work here"
Serena smiled slightly.
They were having a nice conversation which was interrupted by a vibration. It was Serena's phone. After reading her expression changed.
"I have to go" Serena said, picking up her stuff and starting to go.
Otaku tried to stop but couldn't.
Before leaving, Serena turned back and said, "Thanks Otaku. I had a wonderful time today."