32

Brooke suddenly felt very uncomfortable. She was all of a sudden scared of sneers and looks of disdain from judgemental eyes thinking she was a toad that wants to eat a swan. Her eyes unconsciously moved downwards, not wanting to meet the gaze of passer-bys.

Her discomfort was transmitted to Daniel through the hold she had on his arm. He looked down at the girl next to him, seeing that she was walking while only staring at the floor.

'Is she nervous? How funny. Just a few days ago I would have been too scared to even talk to someone as pretty as her. (Daniel, who was ugly, saw any girl who was above average as someone who is pretty. Brooke who is objectively 7/10 is considered pretty to him)

Thinking back to the times he had been too nervous to talk to a girl, the stuttering and mumbling, not even daring to meet their eyes… if only someone had been there to reassure him, and assuage his anxiety.

Daniel's hand held on to one of Brooke's own and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "You look really pretty today. Everyone is looking at you. I think I might get jealous…"

Brooke's reaction was immediate and heated, "Huh!? Wha- I… um, uhh, eh?"

Even though it was a really cheesy line, being told she looked pretty by Daniel still made her heart start beating like crazy. It was thumping in her chest so hard Brooke was worried he could even hear it.

But she also understood what Daniel was trying to do. He wasn't as smooth as he thought he was being. Some people might have gotten sad or angry that they were being pitied. Brooke only felt her core burning up, knowing Daniel was worried about her and being considerate. She couldn't be happier to receive Daniel's concern.

She bashfully looked back down, tightening her hold on his arm and bit the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from squealing from joy. "Y-you're the one everyone is staring at… But thank you…"

Her confidence felt renewed. There were so many pretty girls in Seoul, but Daniel was out with her today. It didn't matter if she wasn't the prettiest or hottest one around. Because Daniel was with her regardless.

'You bitches just keep staring jealously! I'm the one holding his arm!'

Seeing that Brooke was no longer as uncomfortable, Daniel smiled warmly. She received his smile with one of her own, but inside she thought that she might melt from his blinding radiance. 'Too bright! Too hot! I'm melting!'

They reached the cafe in just a few minutes, since it was close to the subway station. It had a trendy store name, '#CoffeeLife', and very modern, monochrome decor. Without even going inside, Daniel knew it was going to be expensive…

Brooke led Daniel in to the cafe. The interior gave off a very hipster vibe and a strong but pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee immediately struck the pair. Daniel felt a little out of place just stepping into such a chic and modern space.

They chose a table near the back, and Daniel felt that even the furniture looked uncomfortably trendy and avant-garde.

The waitress, a cool-looking beauty who looked like she was college-age, immediately went up to them. Brooke felt a little lost, as the usually dismissive and indifferent waitress never showed such energy all the times she had patronised the cafe. In fact, she usually had to wave her hand for awhile to get her attention so that she could make her order.

Yet, the beautiful waitress immediately approached them this time, and with a bright smile on her face too.

"Hello, my name is Erin and I will be your server for today. Is this your first time here?" She asked, very obviously looking only at Daniel.

As for the boy in question, he initially felt very intimidated by the classy vibes and aesthetics of the cafe, he was now at ease seeing that they had a friendly and welcoming wait staff.

"Yes, it is my first time here. But my friend has been here many times." He answered.

"Wonderful!" The waitress Erin said, clearly not even giving Brooke a glance. She then got right next to the seated Daniel and leaned over while gesturing to the table.

"You can scan the QR code here for the menu, or if you prefer a physical menu I can get one for you too. Take your time to browse our selection and I will take your order whenever you are ready."

Her uniform, which was a tight white shirt and short pencil skirt, showed off her killer body. And she was not shy with it as her body was only an inch away from touching Daniel.

He could smell her perfume being in such close proximity, and it gave her a very mature feeling.

Brooke saw the waitress moving closer to Daniel and was shocked at the boldness of the older woman.

'This bitch is hitting on Daniel right in front of me? Like I'll let that go so easily!'

"Ahem! Yes, thank you. The digital menu will be fine." She loudly cleared her throat and spoke to the waitress firmly, dropping a hint to leave them alone.

The waitress turned to her with an uninterested and bored look but did not bother acknowledging what she said. Instead the waitress brushed her hand on Daniel's shoulder, feeling it up, while saying, "Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all…"

She was slick, and did not go too overboard. The brushing was only to very clearly indicate her interest and she walked off afterwards, seductively striding away with her perky butt held tightly by her pencil skirt swaying.

Too bad for her, Daniel did not even register her words and actions as flirting. "Wow, the staff here are really friendly." He commented to Brooke who was still stunned by the waitress Erin's flagrant disrespect for her presence.

But she didn't want him to think she was someone who would easily get jealous or possessive when they weren't even dating yet.

"Heh, friendly, sure…"