The year 2022 had quietly slipped away, like a sigh carried by the wind leaving behind a soft trail of longing and loneliness.
Now, 2023 had begun, not with loud celebrations or noise, but with a quiet morning wrapped in mist and a whisper of change.
Anaya stirred from her bed and stretched under her warm blanket, the chill of winter making her curl up for just a few more seconds. But work awaited, and so did the new year. She slowly got up, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and looked into the mirror. Her tired eyes met her reflection and behind her sleepy expression was the wallpaper of her phone glowing faintly.
"Yu Chen photo."
And whispered, "Happy new year love. And leave a kiss on the screen."
Smiling softly in a photo she'd saved months ago. Her lock screen. Her comfort.
In the 310 days since she first stumbled upon him, her feelings had grown deeper, quieter, and yes, but more rooted in her heart. They weren't just daydreams anymore. Loving him had become a part of her daily life. It had shaped her mornings, filled her quiet evenings, and tucked itself into the spaces between her thoughts.
Her love had changed her gently, invisibly. Like how a stream shapes the stone beneath it over time.
Without saying much, she had changed.
She tied up her hair and made her way down to the restaurant. The kitchen was already busy. sounds of clattering dishes, sizzling pans, voices calling out orders, footsteps rushing past.
Anaya whispered herself,"New Year's Day. A day of hope, of new beginnings."
"And this year, something special was happening at the restaurant."
She continues, "Today, we have only take delivery orders. Even, delivery orders are also only at morning."
"The restaurant got a whole proposal event?" Anaya whispered to herself, adjusting her apron as she stood near the counter. "A man booked the entire place just to propose? I've only seen this kind of thing in dramas..."
She chuckled softly and glanced at the carefully arranged red balloons floating by the window, their strings tied to little glass jars filled with fairy lights. Flowers lined the railings, roses, lilies, and baby's breath creating a dreamy scene. And arranged the soft golden light of candles to flickered against the polished tables. Everything was bathed in romance.
"I don't know why boss agreed to this," she murmured, picking up a tray. "It's New Year's. We could've had so many walk-ins today... But maybe the man convinced him. He must really love her."
Still, Anaya couldn't hide her curiosity.
"This will all be over by 8 p.m. anyway," she added with a small smile, "and then we can all go home early. I'm kind of excited."
The staff was moving together like a team in a well-rehearsed play. Music was being tested. A dessert cart was wheeled in. Near the entrance, someone arranged rose petals into a heart.
Anaya stood for a moment, quietly watching.
"The man even planned fireworks," she whispered in awe. "How lucky she must be…"
The sun began to set behind the city skyline. Warm light spilled into the streets, turning buildings golden. People moved like colorful threads through the tapestry of the city, laughter, footsteps, car horns blending in the distance.
Anaya looked outside, her hands resting on the window frame.
The sky was slowly turning to evening.
And they were all waiting.
Waiting for the couple to arrive.
Waiting to witness a love that dared to bloom in public, under candlelight.
Waiting to be part of something beautiful,.. even if it is in.. just as background.
The restaurant shimmered under candlelight, petals scattered on the floor, soft music flowing through the air like a lullaby. Everyone waited in quiet anticipation, breaths held, eyes on the entrance.
Then, at exactly 7 p.m., a sleek black car pulled up outside.
Two figures stepped out.
Anaya leaned forward slightly, peeking through the glass window, her breath catching at the sight. "Wow..." she whispered to herself. "That car... it looks really expensive. He must be rich."
The man wore a tailored black suit that hugged his frame perfectly, tall and confident, with an air of elegance. The woman beside him looked ethereal, dressed in a long gown, soft curls falling over her shoulders, makeup done just enough to glow under the city lights. Together, they looked like a couple from a movie.
Anaya stared, mesmerized. "Why would someone like him choose this restaurant?" she murmured. "Maybe… this place means something to them. Maybe they met here." A small sigh left her lips. "I wonder if I'll ever get a moment like this..."
The streets outside sparkled with New Year's lights, the evening breeze carrying the faint sounds of laughter and distant music. The world felt festive, dreamy. even a little unreal.
As the couple walked hand in hand toward the entrance, Anaya felt like she was suddenly transported into a romantic drama. Everything moved in slow motion. The man opened the door and led his partner inside with a quiet confidence.
Then, unexpectedly, he lifted his hand and pointed right at Anaya.
"I got a gift for you," he said to the woman, his voice clear and calm.
The woman's eyes lit up, shimmering with surprise. She turned toward Anaya and walked closer with quick steps.
Before Anaya could even process what was happening, the woman gently took her hand and smiled with a tearful gaze. "It's you... It's really you, isn't it?"
Anaya blinked, frozen. "What... is going on...?" And murmured herself.
Her thoughts began spinning.
"Wait... what's happening here?" she wondered, heart thudding. "Is this some hidden family drama? Are they going to say I'm their long-lost daughter?"
She glanced at the beautiful woman in front of her. And murmured, "But she looks so young. She can't be my mother... Maybe am I her sister?"
Anaya's brain flooded with wild possibilities from every drama she'd ever watched. And thinking and murmured herself, "This feels exactly like that scene where rich parents find their lost daughter in a common place after years of searching..."
Then, she blinked hard and shook her head.
"Stop it, Anaya," she muttered under her breath. "You've seriously been watching too many dramas."
She gently pulled her hand back, her expression puzzled but polite. "I'm sorry… do we know each other?"
The woman looked just as confused now, turning to the man, who also seemed to hesitate.
Anaya's heart calmed a little, but the mystery hung in the air like the sweet scent of flowers still drifting around the room.