"Jason's POV"
"Now I don't want you to leave," Uncle said as I shoved my luggage into the boot of my car.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Auntie's coming in a few hours. You'll forget I even exist once she walks in."
He pouted—an actual pout—and I couldn't help laughing. Uncle could be ridiculous when he wanted to. It was strange seeing this playful side of him, but it made me warm inside.
"But still," I added, leaning casually against the car, "whenever you miss me, you can text me like you usually do. Or call. If I'm free, I'll come over.""
He seemed half-satisfied, though the frown still lingered. "Okay. But Lily won't be happy knowing I let you go without seeing her. She really wanted to meet you."
Lily. His new wife. I glanced away for a second, fiddling with my keys. Although she was technically family now, I didn't feel ready to meet her yet. Uncle's happiness was obvious whenever he spoke about her, and that should've been enough. Still, a part of me—the guarded, stubborn part—wasn't ready to step into that chapter of his life. Not yet.
"It's okay," I said finally. "There'll be plenty of opportunities to meet."
He gave me a firm pat on the back. "Drive safe, Jason."
I nodded, climbed in, and pulled out of the driveway.
The drive back felt unusually light. My mood was good—better than it had been in weeks. Because today, I was ready to see Hailey.
I thought about stopping by a shop to get her something, but quickly dismissed it. We didn't have that kind of relationship. Not yet, anyway. Besides, she still had a boyfriend, and me showing up with gifts would be crossing some invisible line.
When I got home, I didn't bother unpacking properly. I tossed the suitcase to one side, pulled out the food Uncle had packed, and heated it up in the kitchen. The man cooked like he was trying to bribe me to stay forever. I devoured every bite.
When the last bite was gone, I grabbed Purple Days. The book had been haunting my thoughts since Hailey shoved it into my hands. I flipped to where I'd stopped and read for an hour, maybe two. The main character fascinated me. She came from a messy family—her father had children with different women, yet she refused to be crushed by it. She kept moving forward.
It reminded me of Hailey. Resilient, determined, unwilling to let her circumstances dictate her future. That much was already obvious. But was I learning more about her through this book? Was she trying to tell me something by choosing this particular story?
Probably not. But the thought lingered anyway.
By the time I looked up, it was late afternoon. I'd passed by her workplace earlier, but she hadn't been around. Maybe she'd show up for the evening shift. And if not, I'd at least find out when she'd be in.
I showered, and by evening, I was ready. I dressed a little better than usual, not because I planned to impress her — at least, that's what I told myself — but because I didn't want to look like I'd rolled out of bed. I slid into my car, turned the ignition and the car purred to life beneath my hands. I told myself I was just going to check in, maybe tease her about the book, nothing serious. But the flutter in my chest betrayed me.
Love & Love Café. I could never get over that ridiculous name.
The moment I stepped inside, I was met with chaos—customers lined up, chatter bouncing off the walls, the hiss of the espresso machine. Rush hour. I hesitated, debating whether to get in line, when my eyes landed on a figure at the counter. Her hair was in a messy bun, strands slipping loose around her face.
Hailey.
I couldn't believe it. I was actually getting in a line, just for a girl. And not a celebrity, not someone unattainable—just Hailey. Ordinary, sharp-tongued Hailey.
What the hell was she doing to me?
The line moved. Closer. Clearer. She was checking the clock more than the customers. Her fingers moved mechanically on the register, her smile looked forced, her voice mechanical: "Good evening, what would you like to order?"
It was my turn. She didn't even look up.
I leaned in, letting my words cut through the monotony. "Your favourite, Cashier No. 3."
Her head snapped toward me. For once, I caught her completely off guard. Wide eyes. Parted lips. Speechless.
Cute. I couldn't stop the grin spreading across my lips.
"Are you that happy to see me?" I teased.
She blinked, gathered herself, and immediately fired back. "You know things around here now. No longer waiting for someone to serve you at the self-service section. That's an improvement."
Sharp. Quick. Same Hailey.
"You were staring at me that day?" I asked.
She ignored the question, sliding me a slip and a drink. A latte.
I frowned at the cup. "This isn't what you gave me last time."
"You want that?" she asked, a little surprised.
"You said it was your favourite. So yeah."
"I didn't technically say that. This is my favourite today." She tapped the latte.
I smirked, amused by her quick deflection. "I'll wait for you to finish your shift," I said, winking before walking to a table where I could see her clearly.
The latte was sweet. Not bad. Almost as sweet as her reaction to me showing up unannounced.
When her shift finally ended, she disappeared from the counter.
My cue. I slipped outside and leaned against my car, hands in pockets, waiting and she reappeared at the door minutes later. She pushed it open with one hand and tugged her bun loose with the other, releasing a cascade of hair that made my breath catch. She was… breathtaking.
She noticed me, slowed, and walked over with that same mix of awkwardness and stubborn composure.
"Bet you expected me earlier today," I said lightly. "But it's okay. I'm here now."
She rolled her eyes, no verbal reply, just that dismissive gesture that somehow made me grin wider.
"What do you want? I'm busy."
"Oh, nothing serious," I shrugged. "I just wanted to tell you about Purple Days. The book is..."
Her eyes widened. "No! Tell me nothing happened to it."
I burst out laughing. "No, nothing happened. Relax. The book's interesting, though."
"Told you," she said with a small smile. "It's nice. Read till the end. Bye." She waved me off, already turning away.
"I'm not done," I said sharper than I meant to.
She stopped, turned back, and exhaled. "Look, if it's about the book, I know Purple Days is a very interesting read and you have a lot to say, but I'm busy now. You can tell me later when you come to return it."
"It's not about the book," I said quietly.
Her brows furrowed. "Then what is it?"
I hesitated. My chest tightened, words hanging heavy on my tongue. "Weren't you curious about where I went? Or what happened today?"
A pause. A flicker of something in her eyes—then gone.
"No," she said flatly. "I wasn't. Are we done now?"
And just like that, she walked away. No glance back. No hesitation.
The ache that settled in my chest caught me off guard. I hadn't expected it to hurt this much.