I arrived at the café early, as I always did when I was assigned to train someone new. My manager, Elliot, had told me to train Evelyn today, so I had no choice but to be there a little earlier than usual. I started by cleaning some parts of the café—wiping down tables, tidying up the counter—and then settled down with my phone, passing the time while I waited for someone else to show up.

It wasn't long before I saw Mei emerging from the back door. They had that familiar, easygoing smile on their face. They walked over to me, resting their hands on my shoulder in that casual, affectionate way they always did, and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning, Mei!" I said, turning to face them. Their smile widened, and they returned the greeting. "Good morning!" They said, their voice as cheerful as ever.

I told them that I'd be training Evelyn today, and they nodded, seemingly half-listening as they glanced back at their phone. I didn't mind though. There was something comforting about the way we could just be in each other's presence without needing to say much. It wasn't awkward at all. We were used to these quiet moments, where words weren't necessary.

After a while, the door jingled, and I saw Evelyn skipping into the café, clearly in a good mood. The bell above the door rang as she walked in, and both Mei and I stood up to greet her. Her bright energy was a welcome contrast to the early morning calm, and I could already tell she was excited to get started.

As the customers began to filter in, I split my attention between training Evelyn and serving the customers. It was a bit tricky at first, balancing both, but I walked her through the basics—how to take orders, how to greet customers with a warm smile, how to recommend our specials, and how to use the cash register. I taught her how to ask the right questions to ensure customers felt welcomed and taken care of. Evelyn was a quick learner, and before I knew it, I was able to step back a little and let her handle things on her own while I focused on the rest of the café.

Mei helped keep an eye on things as I continued training Evelyn. There was always something so comforting about having Mei nearby. They had this ability to keep the atmosphere relaxed, even when the café was packed with people.

I noticed Gabriella walking in soon after, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw her. She flashed me a smile in return, and without her even needing to say a word, I quickly told her the price of what she was about to order. She chuckled at my efficiency and handed me the money.

"Evelyn, go serve that customer," I said, pointing to Gabriella, who was already sitting at a table. Evelyn nodded and grabbed a tray, ready to get started.

The café was busier than usual, and I hardly had a chance to breathe between serving drinks, clearing tables, and checking on Evelyn's progress. It felt good though, in a way. The bustle of the café made me feel like I was really part of something. The customers seemed to like Evelyn, and I was relieved. I knew she would do well, but there was always a little doubt at the start.

A few hours later, Evelyn finished her shift and left, followed by Mei, and then the rest of the staff. Finally, the café was quiet again. The rush was over. I was alone now, and after a brief pause to enjoy the solitude, I decided to put on some music and start closing up.

It always took me about 40 minutes to get everything cleaned up properly, but strangely enough, I didn't mind it. I found the process calming—wiping down the counters, stacking the chairs, mopping the floors. It was a routine I had become fond of. I locked the back door and then the front door, making sure everything was secured.

I was just about to open my car door when I heard someone calling my name. I turned around and saw Gabriella running towards me. I couldn't help but smile, my heart skipping a beat when I saw her.

"Hey, baby," she said, out of breath, as she reached me and kissed me on the lips. Baby? I thought to myself. She had never called me that before, and the sound of it made my heart flutter.

I heard her laugh lightly as she pulled away. "Sorry, that just slipped out. I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay. I like it," I said, smiling so widely I felt like my cheeks might hurt.

She looked stunning, as always, but today she seemed even more radiant. She was wearing a black tank top and shorts that ended just above her knees, a black duffle bag slung over her shoulder. Her muscles were visible, a subtle but striking display of her strength. That's so hot, I thought, feeling a sudden rush of attraction. Despite the sweat glistening on her skin, she didn't smell at all.

Then, as I looked at her more closely, I realised she was wearing hardly anything. The weather had turned cold, and her cheeks were flushed from the chill.

"OH MY GOD! It's freezing right now! Why aren't you wearing a jacket?" I said, panic rising in my voice as I reached out to rub my hands over her arms in an attempt to warm her up.

"I was in a rush. I thought you'd already left," she replied, still catching her breath.

"I'm taking you to my place," I said, my voice firm but caring. "Get in the car."

Without a word, she kissed me on the cheek again and climbed into the car. I got in and started driving, the weight of the situation settling in. I couldn't believe she had come out in such little clothing, all because she thought I had already left.

When we got to my place, I took her bag off her shoulder as she slipped off her shoes.

"Go take a shower, and I'll shower after you," I said, opening the bathroom door for her.
She crossed her arms, shaking her head. "No, you go first. I don't want the hot water to run out. Then you'll have to shower in cold water."

"Don't worry, it won't. I promise," I lied, though part of me wasn't too sure. But I was determined to look after her, especially after everything she'd done to make sure I was okay.

She nodded, then went into the bathroom. As I was about to close the door, I caught a glimpse of her taking off her shirt.
I quickly shut the door, my heart pounding in my chest. Is she trying to give me a heart attack?!! I thought, placing a hand on my chest as I leaned against the wall. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to calm down. I couldn't believe how much she affected me.

I sighed and walked to my room, flopping onto my bed. The next thing I knew, I was fast asleep.

I woke to the gentle tapping of my shoulder. Gabriella was standing there, towel in hand, her hair dripping wet, and she looked absolutely magnificent.

"Get up, Mia. It's your turn," she said, squeezing my cheeks with affection. Her hair was damp, and her bangs framed her face in a way that made her look even more beautiful.

"Let me dry your hair first," I said, getting up to grab the towel. She placed her hands on my cheeks, and I melted under her touch. How was it possible that she was mine? I thought as I gazed into her eyes.

After drying her hair, I went to the bathroom to shower. It didn't take long, as I'd washed my hair the day before. I simply rinsed off the sweat and grime from work, and before long, I was feeling clean and refreshed.

I returned to find Gabriella sitting on the couch, watching TV. I walked into my room, locked the door, and changed into my pyjamas. When I emerged, I found her in the kitchen, heating up the food she had brought for me earlier.

I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, resting my head against her back.

"Are you tired, sweetheart?" she asked, turning to face me. For a brief moment, I felt like we were an old married couple, completely at ease with each other.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt her lips on mine. I kissed her back, my hands sliding up to her shoulders as she pulled me closer. We broke the kiss, and I finally answered her question.

"Yeah, I'm a bit tired," I said, still staring at her lips.

"Well, you're not going to sleep on an empty stomach," she said, turning back to the microwave. "I'm heating up your food."

"Okay," I replied, before turning and walking to the couch. "I'll be waiting in the living room."

She came over a few minutes later, holding two plates. She handed me one and sat beside me, placing the other on her lap.

"What are we watching?" she asked, glancing up at the TV.
"Oh, it's a new movie that just came out. Young Hearts. I've been waiting for months to see it, and it's finally out!" I said excitedly.

We started eating after I hit play on the movie. The food was delicious—Gabriella always had good taste. After we finished, I washed the dishes and put them away. I brushed my teeth and headed back to my room.

"Don't worry, I'll sleep on the couch," Gabriella said, grabbing a blanket.

"Wait, what? No don't, sleep here, please?" I said, hands clasped together in pleading.

"Are you sure?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she set the blanket down.

"Yeah, I want you to sleep here," I said, walking up to her and wrapping my arms around her neck.

"Is that so?" she teased, smirking.

"Mhm," I said, pulling her closer and kissing her gently.

We kissed each other goodnight, and before long, we were both fast asleep, wrapped up in the comfort of each other's arms.

*******************
Mia's pjs:

Gabriella's pjs:

*****

END OF CHAPTER 8!

Q: favorite Band

A: Stray Kids (basic)