the cáfe

The sun had dipped behind a blanket of clouds, leaving the sky overcast but calm as Jake made his way toward the small café near campus. His mind buzzed with the events of the day, but all of it faded when he saw Lanty standing outside, checking her phone. She wore a simple outfit—jeans and a light jacket—but to Jake, she looked effortlessly beautiful, as if she could light up any dull day.

"Jake!" Lanty's voice broke through the hum of his thoughts, her smile wide and genuine. "Hey, fancy running into you here."

His heart skipped a beat, though he played it cool. "Yeah, what are the chances? You heading in for coffee?"

"I am. Why don't we grab some together?" she suggested, her eyes lighting up.

Jake couldn't refuse, not with the way she asked, and definitely not with how much he enjoyed being around her. "Sure," he replied, trying to sound casual. Inside, he was already buzzing with excitement. This felt like another moment where he could learn more about her, maybe get a little closer.

They entered the café, the soft glow of its interior a welcome break from the cool grayness outside. The smell of coffee beans and baked goods filled the air, wrapping around them like a warm hug. It was the kind of place where conversations could flow easily, and Jake was grateful for that.

They found a table by the window, the muted light casting soft shadows on the wooden surface. As they settled in, Lanty scanned the menu before quickly deciding on an iced latte with extra cream. Jake stuck to his usual—black coffee.

"You know, you're really missing out on the good stuff," Lanty teased as she added a dash of cinnamon to her latte. "You gotta live a little, Jake. Coffee's more fun when it's not just…well, bitter."

Jake grinned, enjoying the banter. "I'll take your word for it. Maybe next time I'll try something more exciting."

Their conversation started as it usually did—light and playful. They talked about classes, their professors, and the quirks of campus life. Lanty was as lively as ever, telling stories that made Jake laugh, like how her biology professor once spent an entire lecture chasing a moth that had somehow gotten into the classroom. Jake watched the way she spoke, how animated she became with every word. She had this energy about her that was contagious, and being around her made him feel more alive.

As they talked, Jake found himself leaning in more, not just physically but emotionally. He was drawn to her in a way that felt more intense than admiration. The way she laughed, the way she gestured when she was excited—it all felt perfect. To him, Lanty was someone who radiated warmth, someone who made everything around her seem brighter.

But today, something shifted in their conversation. It went from surface-level chatter to something deeper, more intimate.

"So, what's your hometown like?" Lanty asked, her voice softening as she took a sip of her latte. "You've never really talked about it."

Jake paused for a moment, caught off guard. He wasn't used to talking about personal things like that, but with Lanty, it felt easy. "It's a small, rural town," he began. "Lots of fields and forests. I used to spend a lot of time outside, just walking or sitting under the trees. It's quiet, almost too quiet sometimes, but it's peaceful. I guess I miss that part of it."

Lanty smiled, her eyes reflecting a hint of nostalgia. "That sounds nice. I grew up by the coast, in this tiny village. I loved watching the ocean, especially at sunset. It's where I feel the most at peace, you know? The sea just… grounds me."

Jake nodded, feeling a sudden sense of closeness. They were sharing something personal now, something that wasn't just about school or friends. They were letting each other into their worlds, even if only a little bit. For a brief moment, it felt like the space between them had disappeared.

"You ever think about going back?" Jake asked, his voice quieter now.

"Sometimes," Lanty replied, her gaze drifting toward the window. "But there's so much I want to do first. I love my hometown, but I want to make a difference, you know? I want to help animals, maybe work in conservation. It's a big dream, but I think if I don't at least try, I'll regret it."

Jake admired her for that. She wasn't just kind and easy to talk to—she had a fire in her, a passion for something bigger than herself. That was when it hit him. His feelings for Lanty were no longer just admiration. It wasn't just a fleeting thought or appreciation for her kindness. He liked her—really liked her.

He tried to push the thought aside, reminding himself that they were just friends. But the more they talked, the harder it became to ignore.

Lanty's voice broke through his internal conflict. "I think you'd love the ocean. It's different from the forests, but there's something calming about it. I should take you there sometime."

Jake smiled at the thought. "I'd like that."

As the conversation flowed, Lanty opened up even more, talking about her fears of not making a difference in the world, of getting stuck in a life that didn't align with her dreams. Jake could relate, though he hadn't thought as deeply about his future before. He often felt lost, unsure of his own path. Hearing Lanty talk so openly made him feel like they were connected on a level he hadn't anticipated.

But then, just as things felt like they were moving in an intimate direction, Lanty dropped a casual mention that made Jake's heart falter.

"Yeah, my boyfriend and I used to talk about visiting my hometown, but we never got around to it," she said with a shrug, as if it were nothing. "Things have been kind of complicated with him lately, though."

Jake felt a pang in his chest. Boyfriend? He hadn't seen that coming, though in hindsight, it made sense. Someone like Lanty couldn't be single, right? Still, the word hit him like a slap, but instead of retreating or letting it bother him, he forced himself to smile.

"Oh, I didn't know you had a boyfriend," he said, trying to keep his tone light.

Lanty glanced at him, her expression shifting slightly. "Yeah, we've been together for a while, but things are… well, complicated. He's not always around, and we've had our ups and downs."

Jake nodded, but he barely heard her explanation. His mind was already pushing the thought of her boyfriend aside. He didn't care. It didn't matter. What mattered was the connection they had, the way they understood each other. He didn't know her boyfriend, but he was sure—deep down—that Lanty deserved better. She deserved the world ,

And if he couldn't give it to her , he would give her his