Chapter 24: New Feeling

Jen brought Shen to a cozy coffee shop called Oceanos.

"I'm going to order a cup of coffee. How about you? What do you want?" Jen asked as they settled into their seats.

"A cup of coffee is enough for me too," Shen replied.

Jen nodded and called over the waiter, ordering two cups of coffee. An awkward silence settled between them, the kind that often happens when two people aren't quite sure what to say. Shen had no experience with this kind of situation, and it showed in his stiff posture and uncertain glances. Jen wasn't doing much better—nervous in her own way, fidgeting slightly with the corner of the menu.

Trying to break the tension, Jen spoke first.

"Once again... I just wanted to thank you for helping me."

"I'm glad I could help," Shen replied, trying to sound modest.

"If you hadn't been there, maybe the thief would've gotten away."

"I don't think so," Shen said honestly. "The police would have caught him sooner or later anyway."

"Maybe you're right, but it doesn't change the fact that you were the one who helped me." Jen smiled, then quickly changed the subject, noticing how Shen looked uncomfortable talking about praise.

"By the way, how old are you?"

"I'm only 19. You?"

"Wow, really?" Jen blinked, surprised. "I thought you were already in your early 20s or something. I'm 21."

Shen gave a small, awkward smile. "I guess I just look older because of the things I've been through."

There was a brief pause. A shadow passed over Shen's expression, and Jen noticed it. She gently shifted the conversation again.

"What school are you attending? To be honest, this is my first time seeing you around."

"Uhmm... I'm not attending any school right now. Maybe next year. I've only been living here for a few months, so I'm still pretty new."

"Ah, that explains it. No wonder I didn't recognize you," Jen said, her smile returning. "Let's be friends then. Since you're new here, I bet you don't know many people yet."

Shen smiled genuinely for the first time that day. "Sure. I'm okay with that. Let's be friends."

It was a rare and warm moment for him. He'd never had an interaction like this before, and it felt sincere—something real. The kind of moment he'd secretly wished for but never expected.

Jen reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. "Let me give you my contact number. Just call me if you're free, and we can hang out. I'll introduce you to my other friends too."

She handed him her number and stood up, glancing out the window.

"I'm sorry to leave so early, but I've got a part-time modeling gig today, and the company car is already outside to pick me up."

"Don't worry about it. It's okay. Let's meet again sometime—and be careful, alright?"

Shen sounded like a normal teenager—friendly and relaxed. Jen noticed that difference in his tone and gave a soft smile.

"You too. Be careful on your way home." She waved goodbye and left the shop, stepping into the sleek black car waiting for her.

As Shen walked home, he couldn't stop thinking about her. A smile crept across his face without him even realizing it.

He didn't know what this feeling was—his heart was racing, and his mind kept replaying their conversation. It was the first time in his life he'd felt this way.

He didn't understand it yet, but one thing was clear:

It made him happy.