chapter 1:Tangled Hearts

The sound of clinking cups and the soft hum of chatter filled the cozy café. Taenus wiped down the counter for the third time that morning, though it was already spotless. She always made sure everything was perfect, even if her hands trembled with nerves. She wasn't the type to handle confrontation well, and today, her anxiety felt heavier than ever.

She glanced at the clock—almost noon. The lunch rush would hit soon, and her heart started to race just thinking about it. The café was her sanctuary, a place where she could hide behind the counter, make coffee, and stay out of everyone's way. But the fear of being noticed, of saying something wrong, always loomed in the background.

The door chimed, and a customer walked in. Taenus straightened, forcing a smile as she greeted them. "Welcome to Café La Vie!" Her voice came out a little too high-pitched, and she immediately cursed herself inwardly. Could she have sounded any more awkward?

The man, tall with dark hair and a calm expression, smiled back at her. "I'll have the usual," he said, leaning on the counter.

Taenus froze, trying to remember what "the usual" was. Had he been here before? Her mind scrambled. "Uh... one moment, please," she stammered.

As she fumbled to prepare the order, her thoughts raced. What was she even doing here? She had always been this way—too shy, too nervous to truly connect with anyone. She often wondered what her life would be like if she could just speak her mind without fear.

But as the bell over the door jingled again and a group of regulars walked in, Taenus couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in the familiarity of the café, even if it made her feel small and invisible. The day would pass just like the others, and she'd escape into the quiet of her own thoughts—if only for a little while.

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