Chapter 4:
Tea, Muffins, and Little Secrets

The morning sun had climbed high into the bright, cloudless blue sky, casting warm golden rays that spilled over the entire university campus and turned the wide green lawns into shimmering sheets of emerald. Every tree and building seemed to glow under the light, and the gentle breeze that moved across the grounds carried with it the sweet, fresh scent of blooming flowers, cut grass, and the faint, pleasant aroma of food coming from the small shops and cafés that lined the nearby streets. It was the kind of morning that felt full of promise, bright and hopeful, as if the whole world was waking up to something wonderful.

The first class Kath shared with Harry was General Science, a subject she had always found interesting but sometimes challenging - filled with new ideas and complex concepts that required careful attention. As the minutes passed and the clock on the campus tower ticked closer to the scheduled start time, however, Professor Marquez still had not arrived. Students began to murmur quietly among themselves, some checking their watches repeatedly, others gathering in small groups to chat about their plans for the day, and a few laughing softly as they joked about the possibility of a surprise break. There was no sign of the professor anywhere, and no one seemed to know exactly when he would come or if he would come at all.

Since there was nothing to be gained by waiting around the lecture hall, Kath decided there was no point in staying seated and wasting time. She packed her notebooks and pens carefully into her sturdy leather bag, making sure everything was organized and ready for when they would need it again, and said goodbye to a few classmates who were also thinking of leaving early. Stepping out into the cool, fresh morning air, she took a deep breath and felt her mind clear - the worries and thoughts that had been lingering in her head slowly drifting away. The campus was alive with activity: students walking quickly between buildings, some talking loudly and excitedly, others walking quietly and lost in their own thoughts, and the sound of footsteps and laughter mixed together to create a lively, happy atmosphere.

She remembered that just a short walk away, only a few minutes from the main buildings, there was a cozy little café that many of the students liked to visit when they had free time, or when classes were cancelled or delayed. It was a place that had become a favorite among them, known for its warm atmosphere, comfortable seating, and the best hot tea and sweet pastries in the whole area. The café was tucked away between two tall buildings - easy to find but quiet enough to feel like a hidden treasure - with large windows that looked out onto the tree-lined street and a small garden at the back where people could sit when the weather was nice. Kath had been there many times before, and she knew that it was the perfect place to relax, to drink something warm, and to let her mind rest for a while.

She made her way along the stone path, her steps slow and relaxed, letting the gentle breeze brush softly against her face and carry away any remaining tension she might have been feeling. As she walked, her thoughts drifted from the events of the morning back to the lecture hall, and she found herself remembering the way Harry had walked in so confidently, the way he had looked when he sat down right beside her, and the strange, fluttering feeling that had appeared in her chest when she realized how close he was. She thought about the way he had looked at her when they were caught whispering, and how his eyes had seemed to hold so much curiosity and warmth, even though he had not said very much. But as she walked further, she pushed those thoughts gently aside, deciding that she should enjoy this quiet break and not let them distract her. She wanted to focus on the present moment - to sit somewhere comfortable and drink something warm, and just let the morning pass peacefully without worrying about anything else.

When she finally reached the café, she stepped inside and was immediately greeted by the familiar, comforting scent of freshly brewed tea, baked bread, sweet cinnamon, and buttery pastries that filled every corner of the room and made her mouth water. The interior was decorated in soft, warm colors - creamy white walls, light wooden floors, and comfortable furniture that looked soft and inviting. There were small tables and chairs arranged neatly throughout the space, and soft lighting that made everything feel calm and relaxed. The place was not too crowded, and she was able to find a small table near the large front window, where she could sit and watch the world go by while she waited for her order. Sunlight streamed through the glass panes, creating soft, dancing patterns on the wooden floor and making the whole space feel even more welcoming and bright. She settled into the soft cushioned chair, resting her bag on the floor beside her, and waited for the server to come over and take her order.

She was just beginning to relax, letting her mind wander freely and enjoying the quiet, when she felt a slight movement in front of her - as if someone was pulling out a chair. She looked up quickly, expecting to see another student or a server bringing her drink - but for a moment, she actually found herself hoping that it would be Olivia, who had planned to meet her there.

Kath had been thinking about Olivia as she walked, and she pictured her best friend clearly in her mind: Olivia was someone who stood out wherever she went, with warm, luminous brown eyes that always held a gentle, lively sparkle, and dark hair that fell in soft, natural waves over her shoulders, giving her a warm and lovely appearance. Kath had expected to see Olivia sitting across from her, ready to talk and laugh about their classes and their days, so when she looked up, she half-expected to see that familiar face and those soft brown eyes smiling back at her.

But instead, she was met with a completely different kind of beauty - one that was striking and unforgettable. There he was: Harry Lorenzo, sitting comfortably across from her, looking as handsome and composed as he had been in class earlier that morning. His dark green eyes held that same quiet confidence and dignity she had noticed when he walked into the lecture hall, but today, there was a faint playful glint in them that she had not seen before, as if he was carrying a secret smile that only he knew about. His features were sharp and well-defined: high, graceful cheekbones that stood out clearly when he turned his head, a strong, neat jawline that gave him a serious and dignified appearance, and lips that were usually set in a calm, gentle line. His dark hair fell neatly over his forehead in soft waves, and he wore clothes that were simple but elegant: a cream-colored jacket with dark navy details, layered over a plain white t-shirt that fit him perfectly, and dark fitted trousers that gave him a polished, sophisticated look. He had that same air of importance and grace that seemed to follow him everywhere, like he was someone who was used to being watched and admired, but who still carried himself with a quiet humility that made him even more interesting.

"Hey Kath, right?" he asked, his voice clear and warm, carrying that same refined tone that made every word sound special and distinct. She nodded slowly, feeling a mixture of surprise, nervousness, and even a little flutter in her chest that she could not explain. She had thought he probably only knew who Olivia was, or maybe just knew them as friends who attended the same classes and came from families that were close, but she never imagined that he would remember her name so clearly. It made her feel both happy and a little overwhelmed, and she found herself looking at him with wide eyes, not quite sure what to say or how to act. She could barely believe that he had chosen to sit here, right across from her, and that he actually knew who she was.

"The muffins that you gave me," he began, leaning back slightly in his chair and resting one arm along the backrest, his posture relaxed but still full of natural grace and strength, "the ones that you told me were from Olivia Lim. Well... they were a bit too much on the sugar side, and honestly, they didn't taste quite as balanced or as good as I expected them to be."

The moment those words left his mouth, Kath could feel her blood beginning to warm inside her, and her cheeks flushed with a mixture of hurt and disbelief. How could he say something like that? She knew exactly how those muffins had come to be - they had been prepared with so much care, effort, and attention to detail. She had spent a long time in the kitchen, measuring every single ingredient carefully, weighing the flour and sugar with precise amounts, checking the texture of the batter again and again, and adjusting the flavors until she was sure they were perfect. And before she had even put them into the oven, she had asked Olivia to taste the batter to check if it was just right, and she had also asked her mother to try them too - because Olivia had been so eager and insistent that she make them especially for Harry. Olivia had told her how much she wanted him to try them, how much she hoped he would like them, and how important it was that everything be done perfectly. Because Kath wanted to make Olivia happy and see her smile, she had worked very hard to make sure every part of the process was done correctly, and she knew that the result had been delicious.

"What the heck are you saying?" she asked, her voice rising with every word, her eyes wide and filled with frustration. "I know exactly how much care went into those muffins! I measured every ingredient perfectly, I balanced all the flavors just right! I tested them, I checked them, I did everything I could to make them exactly how they should be! And here you are, sitting there and telling me that they weren't good? How can you say that when you don't even know the story behind them?"

Harry watched her face change as she spoke. The serious, calm expression he had worn a moment before began to soften, and then a small, playful smirk slowly appeared on his lips, as if he found her reaction amusing and interesting. He looked at her with those deep green eyes, and there was something in his gaze that made her feel both confused and even more flustered - like he was enjoying seeing her care so deeply about something. It was as if he wanted to see how she would defend what she had done, and he found it fascinating.

"You know what, Kath?" he said, his voice calm but with a hint of amusement that made her feel even more unsure of herself. "I hate liars."

His words made her feel even more confused, and she stared at him with a furrowed brow, not understanding at all what he meant by that. What did he mean? She was not lying to him. She had told him exactly what Olivia had told her to say, and she had done exactly as she was asked. She had not made up any story or said anything that was not true. She had only passed on the message she had been given, and she had done it honestly and without changing anything. Why would he say that she was lying? It made no sense to her, and she felt a little twist of hurt beneath her confusion.

"Excuse me, Mr. Lorenzo," she argued back, trying to keep her voice steady even though her heart was beating quickly. "I am not a liar. I told you exactly what Olivia said to tell you. I didn't say anything that wasn't true, and I didn't make up any story to hide anything. I did exactly what I was told, and I did it honestly."

"Oh really?" he asked, still wearing that same playful smile, and he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table as he looked directly into her eyes - making her feel like he could see every thought and feeling inside her head, like there was nothing she could hide from him. "Is that so, baby face?" He used that nickname softly, but it made her cheeks turn even pinker, and she felt even more flustered than before, shifting slightly in her seat as she tried to find her balance and stop feeling so nervous.

"So let me get this straight," he continued, his voice gentle but with a clear meaning behind every word that made her heart skip a beat and start beating faster than before. "You made those muffins all by yourself, didn't you? And then you told me they were from Olivia, your friend?"

At those words, everything suddenly became clear to Kath. She realized then that Harry had no idea about their family situation, no idea about the history that connected their families and their lives together. He did not know that her mother had worked as Olivia's nanny ever since they were five years old - taking care of her, teaching her, and being there for her through every part of her childhood. Because of that connection, their families had grown very close over the years, and when the Stone family decided to move to this city and start a new life here, they had invited Kath and her mother to come with them. It was a big decision, leaving behind everything they had known before, but because they were like family, everyone had come together, and they had built a new home here. Harry had no idea that Olivia had asked Kath to make those muffins, or that she had done it because she wanted to make Olivia happy. All he knew was what Kath had told him, and he had assumed that she was hiding something. It was just a simple misunderstanding, but at that moment, it felt like such a big and confusing thing, and Kath felt like she had to explain herself even though she did not know how.

Harry stood up slowly from his chair, adjusting his jacket and looking at her with an expression that was now more serious but still kind - like he understood what she was feeling even if he did not say it out loud. He turned to walk toward the door, and Kath thought that was the end of their conversation - that he would just leave and she would be left sitting there feeling upset, confused, and embarrassed. But just as he reached the entrance of the café, he stopped and turned his head back to look at her. A warm, genuine smile spread across his face, and his eyes held a lightness and kindness that made her heart feel soft and warm inside - like all the confusion and tension she had felt just moments before was slowly melting away.

"By the way," he said, his voice carrying softly across the quiet café, so that only she could hear it clearly, "I was just kidding. Your muffins tasted really wonderful - much better than I expected, actually. You should make some more, and this time... please tell me they are from you, not from anyone else. I would really like that, Kath. I would like to know who made something that tastes so good."

Before she could even find the right words to reply, before she could even say anything at all, he winked at her quickly - a little, playful gesture that felt both surprising and charming, and that made her stomach feel like it was full of tiny, fluttering butterflies - and then he walked out of the café and disappeared around the corner, leaving her sitting there completely stunned. She sat there for several minutes, staring at the empty chair across from her, trying to process everything that had just happened. She could not believe how quickly things had shifted - from defensiveness and confusion to this strange, pleasant feeling that she could not quite explain - and she found herself smiling even though she had been upset just moments before. It was like he had turned everything around, and she could not help but think about him - the way he had looked at her, the warmth in his voice, and the fact that he had actually noticed her enough to figure out the truth.



Later That Night

When evening came, and the sun began to set behind the tall buildings, painting the sky in beautiful shades of deep orange, soft pink, and rich lavender, Kath found that she simply could not fall asleep. She lay in her comfortable bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind moving from one thought to another without stopping, as if it had decided to keep working even when her body wanted to rest. The room was quiet and dark, lit only by the soft glow of the moon coming through the window, but she felt wide awake - full of memories and feelings that kept playing over and over again in her head like a gentle, endless movie.

She thought back to when they were much younger, before their families had moved to this city. She remembered the time they had lived in California, in a warm, sunny house where the sky was always bright blue and the air felt light and free, filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of birds singing. Life had been so simple and happy back then - filled with games, laughter, and the comfort of being surrounded by people they loved. She remembered playing in the big garden behind their house, running through the grass with Olivia, chasing butterflies, and spending long afternoons talking and laughing like they were sisters. Life had felt so easy and perfect back then, and she missed those days more than she could say. She missed the warmth of the sun on her skin, the sound of the ocean not far from their doorstep, and the way every afternoon felt like a small adventure waiting to happen.

She thought about how their lives had changed when the Lim family decided to relocate. Because her mother had been Olivia's nanny for so many years, and because they had grown up together like family, they had invited Kath and her mother to come with them. It was a big decision - leaving behind the place where she had grown up, and the people she loved most there: her grandparents, who had raised her and who she had lived with for as long as she could remember. They had been like parents to her - teaching her everything she knew, taking care of her when she was sick, and being there for her through every happy and sad moment. She missed them deeply, and she thought about them often. It had been such a long time since the last time she had seen them, and she found herself wishing more than anything that someday, she would be able to go back to California again - to visit them, to walk through the streets that still felt like home, and to sit with them and tell them about everything that had happened in her life since they had been apart. She wanted to tell them about university, about her classes, about Olivia, and about the boy with the green eyes who had made her feel seen today.

Her thoughts were drifting softly through these memories - making her feel a little homesick but also warm and grateful inside - when she was suddenly interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing softly on the table beside her bed. The sound was quiet but clear, cutting through the silence of the room and bringing her back to the present moment. She reached over slowly and picked up the phone, turning on the screen to see who had messaged her so late at night.

There was only one message, and it was from an unknown number - but Kath already knew exactly who had sent it just by reading the first few words that appeared on the small screen. She opened the message and read every line carefully, her eyes moving slowly over the words as she absorbed their meaning:

Hey Liar! I was looking forward to another set of your muffins tomorrow. By the way, don't lie again. Goodnight.

- H

Kath groaned softly, covering her face with her hands as she lay back against the soft pillows of her bed. She let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head slowly as she thought about the message that had just appeared. It was funny how Harry could go from being serious and a little intense to being playful and teasing in just a few short words. She wondered why she had ever agreed to make those muffins in the first place, and why she had let Olivia persuade her to do it without telling the truth. She wanted so badly to tell Harry the whole truth - that those muffins were not from Olivia at all, but from her. She had made them with her own two hands, putting every bit of care, effort, and love into them, just because Olivia had asked her to, and because she wanted to make sure Harry would enjoy them.

As she lay there in the quiet dark, Kath found herself smiling even though she was still thinking about how silly the whole situation was. She thought about how Harry had looked at her when he had sat down across from her - how his eyes had held so much warmth and curiosity, and how his voice had sounded so gentle when he spoke to her. Even when he had teased her and called her a liar, there had been no real unkindness in his words - only that playful, friendly tone that made her heart beat a little faster every time she replayed the conversation in her mind. She realized that she did not mind his teasing as much as she thought she would, and instead, she found herself looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow.

She thought about what he had asked of her: to make more muffins, and to tell him the truth this time. It made her feel happy and seen - like he actually wanted to know her, not just the girl Olivia wanted him to see. The idea that he would be looking forward to something she had made gave her a strange, wonderful feeling that she could not quite put into words. It wasn't just that someone liked her baking - it was that he cared enough to ask for the truth, to want credit to go where it was due. She knew that she would not be able to say no to him, even if she tried. She already found herself planning in her mind what she would make next - thinking about which recipe to use, how she could improve it, and what kind of treats might make him smile that rare, genuine smile she had caught just a glimpse of today.

Kath turned over in her bed, pulling the soft blanket up to her shoulders as she continued to replay the day in her mind. She thought about the morning sunlight spilling over the campus, the quiet café with its warm scent of tea and cinnamon, the moment she looked up and saw Harry instead of Olivia. She thought about the conversation that had started with defensiveness and ended with a wink and a request that felt more meaningful than he probably realized. And most of all, she thought about what it meant that he had noticed - that he had paid enough attention to figure out that something wasn't quite right, that he cared enough to gently call her out on it, and that he had been kind enough to tell her the truth about how much he'd actually enjoyed her baking.

As the night wore on, her thoughts slowly began to settle. The gentle rhythm of her breathing steadied, and the tiredness that had been waiting finally caught up with her. The city outside grew quieter, and the moonlight seemed softer against her curtains. She set her phone back down on the nightstand, turned it off, and nestled deeper into her pillows. Even as her eyes grew heavy, a small, contented smile lingered on her lips. Tomorrow would be a new day - a chance to bake something wonderful, to speak the truth, and to see him again. And as she drifted off to sleep, her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time - quietly, cautiously hopeful about what tomorrow might bring.