As the evening settled over Café Elysium, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and a hint of something floral, perhaps from the orchids on the counter, filled the air. Lois, her perfectly coiffed bob gleaming under the warm glow of the café lights, leaned back in her plush velvet booth. She ran a manicured hand over the smooth, cool surface of the table, a familiar ritual. The polished marble floors and gleaming chrome accents reflected the soft light, creating an inviting, almost theatrical, atmosphere. From her vantage point, she could see the entire café, a well-oiled machine of social interactions and clandestine meetings.
The back wall of the café was entirely glass, offering a panoramic view of Elysium. Lois always favored this spot, the perfect place to observe. The city's skyline shimmered in the twilight, the towering skyscrapers like jagged teeth against the darkening sky. The wide river snaked through the urban landscape, its surface mirroring the city lights. A glowing bridge, a testament to the city's advanced technology, arched gracefully across the water, its lights dancing in the reflection. It was a beautiful sight, but Lois's attention was drawn to the usual suspects.
She took a delicate sip of her cappuccino, the rich, bitter flavor a familiar comfort. "Look at this, Selina," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the gentle hum of the café. She gestured subtly with her chin towards Marco. "Poor Marco. He's here again. Every evening, like clockwork, trying to dig up dirt on Asad."
Selina, a younger woman with a bright smile, nodded, her eyes following Marco's movements. "I know, right? I wonder what he's hoping to find." She tapped a finger thoughtfully against her chin. "I heard Aurelia University graduates are working here, you know?"
Collie, a man with a booming laugh, chuckled, his eyes twinkling. He spread his hands wide, as if encompassing the entire café. "Yeah, but why? It's not like they need the money, unless..."
Lois finished his sentence, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. "Unless they're after something else." She tapped a crimson-nailed finger on the table. "He always picks that booth by the window, the one with the perfect view of the river and the bridge. It's the best spot in the house." Her gaze sharpened as she watched Marco, a familiar figure of quiet desperation, take his seat.
A sudden chime, the gentle ding of the door opening, cut through the chatter. All eyes turned.
"Speak of the devil," Collie said, grinning. He clapped his hands together once. "He's here. On time, as always."
"Machine? Please," Selina scoffed, her voice laced with amusement. She rolled her eyes, her lips twitching. "Did you not see the watch? He's a man of precision, not a robot."
Lois, embarrassed, covered her mouth with a hand, a small laugh escaping. "Oh, you caught me. Just joking. But seriously, I wonder what Marco's plan is today. He fails every time."
Collie gestured towards the secluded corner booth where Asad sat, a familiar figure in the café. He raised an eyebrow, a silent question.
Marco settled into his usual booth, his gaze immediately drawn to Asad, who had the perfect view of the river and the glowing bridge, a perfect backdrop for his nightly observations.
Marco, emboldened, rose from his booth, his notepad and pen clutched tightly in his hand. Lois and Selina exchanged knowing glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Collie chuckled, anticipating the inevitable. He shook his head, a mixture of amusement and pity on his face.
"He's actually going to do it," Selina murmured, her eyes fixed on Marco.
"Yep, he even took out the pad and the pen," Lois replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. She leaned back, crossing her arms. "I think he's going to write something, the poor guy."
Marco approached Asad's booth, his steps hesitant. He cleared his throat, his voice wavering slightly. "Asad... Asad..."
Asad, however, remained unfazed. He continued to gaze out at the river and the glowing bridge, seemingly oblivious to Marco's presence.
"See," Collie whispered, shaking his head, his voice low. He gestured with his hand, as if to say, "It's always the same." "He's going to sit there and enjoy the scenery. Don't worry, Marco. Today, I can do my everything to get a little bit info"
Lois leaned back in her seat, a thoughtful expression on her face. She took another sip of her cappuccino, her gaze still fixed on Marco. It was going to be another long night.
(Part 2 - Unexpected Guests)
The chime of the door, a tiny ding that barely registered over the low thrum of the café, had pulled Collie's attention away from Marco's latest, doomed attempt at... whatever it was he was trying to do. He turned, a grin already plastered across his face.
"Hey, Collie! What are you doing here?" a familiar voice called out, laced with surprise.
"Oh, it's you, Sean," Collie replied, his face lighting up. He clapped Sean on the shoulder, a genuine warmth in his voice. "Why are you here? I thought you were going on a drive."
Sean, a young man with a charming smile, shrugged, a hint of sheepishness in his eyes. "Someone said he wanted my car for a date."
A wave of laughter rippled through the café. The sound, a mix of amusement and surprise, momentarily disrupted the usual calm.
"Ha! Really? Who's that? I know him!"
"How can someone borrow your car for a date?"
"It's your little brother."
Collie threw his head back and laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. Sean, despite his initial surprise, couldn't help but grin.
A sudden silence fell over the café, broken only by the gentle hum of the espresso machine. The abrupt quiet was a stark contrast to the earlier laughter, and the tension from Marco's failed attempt hung heavy in the air.
Collie, sensing the shift in mood, attempted to change the subject. He cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I don't know when Marco's going to accept his fate." He chuckled, but the sound felt forced, hollow.
Asad, however, remained completely unfazed. He was still lost in the mesmerizing view, his gaze fixed on the cityscape beyond the glass. The lights of the city glittered, a million tiny diamonds scattered across the horizon.
It looks so good, this view. Like there's no one around me... He looks perfect from the outside. I don't know how... His thoughts, a jumble of admiration and confusion, were interrupted.
"Senior, may I bring your usual order?" a beautiful, calm voice asked.
Asad nodded, his attention immediately shifting. The subtle shift in his posture, the slight softening of his expression, spoke volumes.
Marco, finally abandoning his doomed attempt to approach Asad, turned his attention to the barista. She's beautiful. Good skin, and shining silver hair with black cat eyes. I know she's been working here for a long time, but I don't know about her relationship with Asad. A flicker of curiosity, perhaps even a hint of jealousy, crossed his face.
He didn't understand the "Senior"—he had never heard her calling Asad that before. It was a detail that pricked at his curiosity.
She turned to make the order, her movements graceful and efficient.
"May I ask something? Why are you calling him 'Senior'?" Marco asked, the question escaping before he could fully think it through. He knew he shouldn't pry, but the question burned on his tongue.
A warning, yet sweet, voice replied, "Sir, if you act like this, other faces uncomfortable so please calm down and sit on your place, otherwise, you're going to be kicked."
"Lily, I knew you'd say something like this," Aria said, her voice filled with amusement. She leaned against the counter, a playful glint in her eyes. Her silver hair, usually pulled back, had a few stray strands that framed her face, softening her features.
"Oh, Aria, you didn't say anything on purpose because you wanted me to say something. Ooof!" Lily replied, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. She busied herself with the espresso machine, her movements quick and efficient, but her voice betrayed a hint of exasperation.
"Lily, I just wanted to hear your voice. You're looking so cute when you start talking," Aria said, teasingly. She winked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Embarrassed, Lily responded, "Aria, just enough! I don't want you to make a joke on me in front of people." She shot a quick glance at Marco, who was still staring at them, then quickly averted her gaze.
"Oh, a little blonde girl here, who have blue eyes like the president... Who knows if Lily's going to be the president's daughter?" Aria said, her voice filled with playful sarcasm. She gestured dramatically with her hands, as if presenting Lily to the world.
More embarrassed, Lily exclaimed, "Ahhhh Aria, it's impossible! How can I be the president's daughter? You're making a fantasy, and please stop now. You just need to make Senior's coffee." She finally turned to the machine, her hands moving with practiced ease.
Collie leaned back in his seat, glancing at Sean. "What do you think about Marco? What's he going to do about that warning?" He raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious.
Sean shrugged. "I don't know much about him. I only see him sometimes."
"Are you going home now? Can you give me a ride?" Sean asked, hopeful.
"Why didn't you bring your bike?" Collie replied with a teasing grin.
"Nah, someone took my car, so I need a ride," Sean pressed, a hint of frustration in his voice.
With a little laugh, Collie said, "Looks like you're stuck with me then. Let's go by subway."
"Okay, but I don't like subways. I see a lot of comics where 30% of the time, every problem starts from the subway!" Sean complained, already anticipating the crowded, claustrophobic ride.
"Hah, enough! Let's go now," Collie replied, shaking his head as they headed out.
As they stepped outside, the cool evening air washing over them, a little girl, no older than six, skipped down the sidewalk, her pigtails bouncing. She was clearly captivated by the city lights, her eyes wide with wonder. Suddenly, she stopped, her gaze fixated on Asad through the café window.
"Oh, he's wearing the same brand clothes as me! He looks handsome! Let me take a picture with him," she exclaimed, her voice filled with childish excitement. She fumbled in her tiny, sequined bag, pulling out a brightly colored phone and quickly snapping a selfie, completely without permission.
A caring voice called out, "Lia, stop! Why are you running?"
A sweet and innocent voice responded, "I'm just exploring this city by myself. What happened, Sister Lusia?"
"It's time for us to go home. Let's head to Lonia City Airport; everyone is waiting for us," Lusia said gently, her voice carrying a hint of urgency.
With a sad voice, Lia replied, "Okay." She glanced back at the café window one last time, a wistful expression on her face.
She quickly set the picture she had just taken as her wallpaper, a beaming smile on her face.
____________________________________________________
Back inside the café, Marco, still looking flustered, stood from his seat and walked towards the counter. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of nervous energy. "I'm sorry for causing a problem just now. I'll try not to cause any more trouble," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lily sighed, her expression unreadable. She leaned against the counter, her arms crossed. "Ah, so you mean you want to cause problems again?"
"Okay, if you don't need anything else, just go. It's almost time to close," Lily said, her voice firm, but not unkind.
I think I got something today, but I need to go to the subway now, otherwise, I'll miss my train. Marco thought, a flicker of determination in his eyes.
Lily looked at the coffee, now ready. "The coffee is done. Go and give this to Senior."
She hesitated for a second, then said, "No, you go yourself."
Aria, who had been watching the exchange with a curious expression, reached for the cup. "Aria, stop. Let me give it to him."
Aria looked at Lily, her silver hair gleaming under the lights. "What happened just now? Why did you change your mind?"
Lily took the cup, a thoughtful expression on her face, and thought to herself: I can ask Senior if I give him the coffee.