Cancelled Date

Amy looked out the car window. The place looks incredible from the outside. The coffee shop's

facade is abundant with flowers, its walls almost covered in vines. It has big tinted glass windows. The door is a mixture of wood and glass, giving it a very edgy but home-y vibe.

Amy was mesmerized by the beautiful little coffee shop that she didn't realize that Jim had already opened her door. "Do you like it?"Jim asked; Amy nodded in affirmation.

Jim then held Amy's hand and led her inside the shop. The inside was more beautiful than the outside. It was bigger than Amy expected and had a very relaxing edgy yet rustic vibe. Every corner of the cafe is picture-perfect.

But what drew Amy the most was the live plants beautifully placed all over the shop. Amy couldn't stop admiring the red brick wall, with black metal holders hosting pots of herbs and spices.

"Goodmorning, what could we brew fresh for you today?" said the lady by the cashier.

"unmmm," Jim mumbled, looking at Amy.

"Oh, I'd like a double shot caramel cappuccino, extra foam, please," Amy said without even looking at the coffee selection written beautifully behind the lady.

"and a dragonfruit refresher and a blueberry muffin for me," added Jim.

"That would be 12.36. Do you perhaps like to get one of our coupons today?" The lady looked at Amy. "Basically, you get a stamp for every beverage you buy, and if you get seven stamps, your next beverage will be free."

"That sounds lovely; I would like to get one, please," Amy said. She tried to reach for her bag when she realized that she was still holding hands with Jim. When she tried to remove her hand to reach for her wallet, Jim's grip only tightened, and he proceeded to pay the bill.

"You have to be faster than that," Jim leaned and whispered in Amy's ear. Amy's heart started thumping loudly again. She could almost assume Jim must have heard it.

"The names for the order, please," the lady said, interrupting their romantic exchange.

"Jim and Amy," Jim said, still looking at Amy.

Choosing a cute table at the farthest corner of the shop, Amy is starting to feel overwhelmed by this roller coaster of emotions. Assessing the situation, Amy couldn't help but be suspicious of this handsome man's intention. 'How can he be so sweet? Why is he so sweet? And these cute little gestures, how can he do it all calmly? Is he toying me? Or Does he perhaps like me? Naaah.' Amy dismissed the thought.

"Do you like the cafe? Jim asked.

"I love it. I didn't know such a cafe existed." Amy beamed in delight.

"I'm glad you love it; we can come back here again. You should try their cakes; they are amazing." Jim said excitedly.

Amy looked at Jim dubiously, but her suspicions died when Jim lowered his head, touching his cap upon hearing the bell indicating a customer entering the store.

Amy suddenly felt very concerned. All this time, she forgot that the man across her was a superstar. And rumors of him going around with a girl will cause him and the other members trouble.

"I think we should just get our drinks to go," Amy whispered, leaning towards Jim. "The cafe is getting crowded. I don't think this is the best time for our coffee date." Amy said, softly emphasizing the words 'coffee date'.

"B-but it's okay," Jim pleaded at Amy, reaching her hands across the table. "I have been here before and haven't been in trouble."

"Were you with a woman then?" Amy asked, and Jim shook his head immediately.

"Exactly! So when our drinks are ready, I will get our drinks at the bar and head out to your car. Little after that, you have to walk out and meet me there, okay?." Amy said, still whispering. "And don't make unnecessary actions that may warrant attention".

"But I want to spend time with you," Jim said while doing a puppy dog eye.

"Argh, you're such a baby. I can see you pouting inside your mask." Amy said in disbelief, "We can drink our coffee at my place; it will be safer there," Amy whispered softly as she turned her head left and right, making sure no one had heard her.

Amy was waiting for their drinks, eyeing the lady at the cashier nervously. Sensing Amy, the lady at the bar shouted, "Drinks for Amy."

Amy abruptly stood up, but a hand held her wrist.

"let's go together. They wouldn't even notice me," pleaded the man.

"You're too beautiful to go unnoticed" Amy shook his arm off and walked towards the counter.

"Here's your coffee," said the lady. "Thank you," Amy said, almost wanting to hug the lady for not blurting out Jim's name. When their eyes met, the lady gave Amy the warmest and kindest smile as if she knew who they were.

Meanwhile, Jim was sitting beet-red in his chair. He couldn't believe the words that came out of Amy's mouth. 'Tsk,' Jim said to himself. 'That lady will be the end of me.'

After some time, Jim stood up, waved the lady at the counter goodbye, and walked towards Amy, whom he knew was waiting for her.