chapter 06

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"I felt nervous during our first meeting."

"Not ordering anything?" Recandra asked, trying to hide the nervousness on his face.

"I'm about to," Catrine replied, her voice calm in Recandra's ears.

"Waiter," she called out.

A neatly dressed waiter with a short ponytail and a small notebook in his right hand approached quickly.

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"I'll have a cup of cappuccino," said Catrine.

"Alright, please wait a moment."

"My coffee's ready, right?" Recandra asked.

"Yes, it's the espresso, isn't it?" the waiter confirmed.

"Yeah. Just bring them both at the same time," Recandra said.

"Of course," the waiter replied, then walked away.

"You sure? Didn't you wait a while?" Catrine asked.

"It's fine. I actually wanted to stay a little longer," Recandra replied.

"Well, suit yourself," Catrine said, turning her attention to her phone.

They sat across from each other, two teenagers at the same table, awkward and quiet.

Moments later, the waiter returned with a tray holding two drinks. At the same time, the café speakers started playing Mockingbird—a song that pulled Recandra straight into the past.

Kayla. That night. That park bench. The moonlight. Her voice.

Recandra inhaled sharply, trying to push back the sudden wave of pain rising in his chest. It felt like shards of glass slicing through a wound that never healed.

"Here are your drinks. Enjoy," the waiter said, placing the cups on the table.

Catrine nodded slightly. Recandra didn't react—he was already sinking into a sea of memories.

He remembered it all too clearly. Sitting with Kayla on a park bench under the stars, that same song playing softly in the background. Her sweet voice, her smile, the way she laughed, how absurd and lovely she seemed to him back then. He had tried to bury it all, to let her go. But the memories were too beautiful, and that made them hurt even more—wounds that didn't bleed, yet cut deeper than anything else.

Catrine noticed the faraway look in his eyes. She didn't ask. She didn't intrude. She simply waited.

Recandra gripped his thigh under the table, hoping the physical pain would dull the ache in his chest.

"I don't know what you're going through," Catrine said gently, "but… you look really sad."

He nodded faintly.

"I know what betrayal feels like," she added softly, placing a hand over his. "It hurts the most when it comes from someone you truly love."

Her touch was warm—surprisingly grounding. It coursed through him like a gentle shock, helping him center himself.

He looked at her. She looked back. And in that gaze, something unspoken passed between them.

"You're lonely. Hurt. Betrayed by someone you once gave your heart to," Catrine continued. "Feeling sad is okay. But hurting yourself because of it… that's not."

He nodded again.

Now calmer, he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip. The sound was loud—like a growling stomach.

"Thanks… for calming me down," he said, offering a genuine smile.

Catrine returned the smile with a small nod. "If you ever feel lost or lonely again… just come to my place. We're both a little lonely in our own ways."

Recandra blinked. A small gasp escaped, followed by a long, slow exhale. Someone still cared.

"I know a place that's perfect for chasing away bad feelings," she added, her tone laced with light cheer.

Recandra nodded slowly. There was something soothing in her gaze—something warm and safe.

His heart kept racing. Words clung to the back of his throat, too heavy to let go. Cold sweat began to form on his forehead.

"Drink your coffee before it gets cold."

He let out a small chuckle and picked up the cup with trembling hands. He sipped again.

Catrine giggled. "No need to be nervous. I don't bite."

He laughed softly, still trying to fight the blush on his cheeks—but failing miserably.

Then, without warning, Catrine stood.

"Come on. Let me show you something beautiful," she said, her voice soft like a melody.

He stood and followed.

After paying for their drinks, they stepped out of Mustika Café. The wind was cooler now.

"You're going to love this place," Catrine said brightly.

Recandra followed her like a child trailing after his mother.

"But we didn't bring a bike," he said, awkwardly.

"It's close. Come on!" she said, quickening her pace.

Trees lined both sides of the path, tall and green, their leaves rustling gently in the wind.

Recandra quickened his steps, trying to match Catrine's pace. They walked through a quiet path surrounded by lush foliage. The scent of earth and life filled the air.

After a few minutes, Catrine stopped in front of a small, vibrant garden.

"This is the place," she said with a wide smile. "I love it here."

Recandra looked around, taking in the colorful flowers and well-tended plants.

"It really is beautiful," he said, his voice calmer now, though still laced with nervousness.

Catrine smiled and led him through winding paths in the garden. The silence between them was no longer awkward—just peaceful.

At the heart of the garden stood a small gazebo.

"I love sitting here," she said quietly. "It's so peaceful."

Inside, there were cushions and a blanket. She motioned for him to sit, and he did.

They sat together, side by side, surrounded by nature and calm.

For the first time in a long while, Recandra felt… at peace.

"I'm really glad you came with me," Catrine said softly, her voice brushing gently against his ears.

"I didn't think anyone would want to spend time with me," she whispered.

"Thank you… for choosing to."

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