She Looks Different

"Glad to hear that..." The man responded with a stoic expression, though his friendly demeanor made Iris slightly apprehensive, fearing that he might recognize her memory loss.

She quickly attempted to steer the conversation away and inquired about his order. "What would you like to order?" she asked, meeting his gaze.

Through his gaze, Iris was convinced that this man looked suspicious of her.

'Crap! Who is this man? Why does he seem to know me?' Iris felt helpless, desperately longing to regain her memories.

She didn't want to remain in the dark. 'Stay calm, Iris!' she urged herself, attempting to maintain composure.

Just as she was about to ask again, the man spoke up. "Please prepare my usual order," he said abruptly and departed, leaving Iris with no opportunity to say anything.

Speechless and confused by his reference to the 'usual order,' Iris stared at the man as he walked over to a table in the corner, accompanied by his friends. Through the glass wall, they enjoyed a view of the forest behind.

...

"Girl, you can go have your meal now," Cassandra's voice startled Iris. She turned to face her grandmother.

"Grandma, do I know that man over there?" she asked, hoping her grandmother could shed some light on his 'usual order.'

Cassandra followed Iris' line of sight, and her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the pale, handsome young man sitting with his two friends.

'Xavier Darkwood!' Cassandra murmured, turning her gaze back to her granddaughter.

"You don't recognize him?" Cassandra asked, astonished. That man happened to be Iris' crush. She had pursued him for months, but he always rejected her.

'How could Iris not recognize Xavier Darkwood at all?'

"Hmm, I have no memory of him whatsoever," Iris replied, offering a faint smile. "Grandma, do you know what he usually orders?" she inquired.

"Oh, he didn't order anything?"

"He did order, but he simply mentioned that he wanted his usual order..." Iris explained, perplexed.

"I see! You can have lunch. I will handle his order. Iris, you don't have to come back here once you finish your lunch. Just return to your room and rest," Cassandra suggested.

She didn't want Iris to have any further involvement with Xavier Darkwood. She feared that Iris might become infatuated with him again, and it would be exhausting if she reverted to her usual self, shamelessly chasing after Xavier.

****

While Iris talked with her grandmother, the three men grew suspicious of her. However, they refrained from saying anything until they were comfortably seated.

Justin, the curly gray-haired man, glanced at his friend beside him. "Niles, did you sense it?" he asked.

Niles, the man with a muscular body, was engrossed in checking his cell phone. "Sense what?" He asks while slowly raising his head to meet Justin's gaze.

When Niles noticed Justin looking towards the cashier, realization dawned on him. "Ah, yes, she does seem different!"

"I knew it!" Justin exclaimed, his voice rising. He then turned his attention to Xavier, who sat across from him, still fixated on Iris. "My lord, are you aware of that too?"

"Stop calling me that, Justin! We're in a public place," Xavier responded in a firm tone, his eyes never leaving Iris.

"I apologize, Xavier—" Justin's voice trailed off. However, moments later, his curiosity reappears. "Did you also sense it?"

Xavier slowly shifted his gaze, his brilliant golden eyes fixed on Justin as he uttered, "Indeed, she looks different!"

Niles, who initially seemed disinterested in discussing Iris, suddenly grew curious upon hearing Xavier's words. He turned to look for Iris, only to find Cassandra in her place. He turned back to Justin and remarked, "This is the first time I've seen her without makeup."

"True! And, quite weird because she is also ignoring Xavier. It's the first time I've seen her behave like this. She doesn't even glance in my direction. Usually, she would try to win my favor to get closer to Xavier." Justin remarked, finding Iris' behavior rather peculiar.

"Could it be that her change in appearance and manners is due to an accident?" Niles expressed his suspicion. "Our class president said she nearly died in the woods. She's in a semi-comatose state, which is why her grandmother refuses visitors."

Now fixated on gazing at the forest, Xavier displayed a hint of curiosity when he heard Niles' words. He turned his face to look directly at Niles.

"Why didn't you inform me about this earlier, Niles?" Xavier's icy tone sent a shiver down Niles' spine. Niles attempted to explain himself, but Cassandra arrived with their orders before he could speak.

Cassandra placed espresso cups before Xavier and cappuccinos in front of Niles and Justin.

"Thanks, Grandma Gray," Justin chirped, ensuring to maintain a friendly smile.

"You're welcome, Justin. Alright, gentlemen, enjoy your coffee!" She turned around, preparing to leave. However, her steps halted when she heard Xavier's voice calling out to her.

"Grandma Gray," Xavier continued as their eyes met, "I apologize for the accident involving your granddaughter—"

Cassandra stopped Xavier to continue his words. She said, "Oh, dear Xavier, no need to apologize. It wasn't your fault, but rather Iris'. My granddaughter was foolish to attempt to go to your house during a blizzard!" She gives a rueful smile.

She exhaled deeply, a trace of sadness flashing in her eyes as she recalled Iris' foolish actions. Even she felt ashamed of her granddaughter's reckless behavior.

However, that was all in the past now. Iris had changed, at least until her memory returned. All Cassandra could do was ask Xavier to no longer appear in front of Iris, except on campus. Perhaps this way, Iris would eventually forget about him.

"Xavier, you don't need to worry," Cassandra continued with a forced smile. "My granddaughter won't trouble you anymore!"

Xavier raised his eyebrows, confused by Cassandra's statement.

"What I mean... Iris won't pursue you any longer. She now understands that you will never return her feelings. She is trying to move on and forget about you. And to help her move on, I hope this will be the last time you visit this place. Please refrain from appearing in front of her again, except during your classes."

Cassandra quickly added, "Enjoy your coffee. Consider it a farewell treat!" With those words, she departed, leaving the three men frozen in their seats, unable to believe what they had just heard.