Between Two Kings

Chapter 6

The morning rays from the sun shone on Catherine's face waking her up.

She slowly opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds.

She sat up quickly and placed a hand on her chest.

Her heart was beating a little fast.

She got down from the bed and walked into the bathroom.

As the water ran down her body, her mind went back to him again.

It's been one week since the incident and she still couldn't get him out of her mind.

His blue eyes.

The way he looked at her;cold... but somehow calm.

And the way he fought those men like it was nothing.Who was he?

She shook her head lightly and rinsed her face.

This is crazy...

She didn't even know his name.

And why the hell was she thinking about him this much.

She stepped out, dried herself and quickly checked the time.

Her eyes widened.

"I'm late... oh God, I'm late!"

She rushed into the tiny kitchen, tying her hair into a loose bun with shaky hands. There was no time for anything fancy. Opening the fridge, she grabbed two eggs and a slice of bread, her movements quick and unsteady.

The pan hit the stove, and within seconds, the soft c***k of eggs filled the quiet room. She stirred them hurriedly, not caring if they were perfect—just edible. Her eyes kept darting back to the clock.

"Come on, come on..."

The toaster popped, making her flinch. She snatched the bread, spread a quick layer of butter that melted instantly, then scooped the scrambled eggs onto a plate.

No time to sit.

She grabbed a piece of toast,taking a quick bite.The eggs were warm,slightly undercooked but she didn't mind.

Right now, all that mattered was getting to work. One thing that wasn't tolerated at her workplace was lateness.

After that, she got dressed in her simple uniform and tied her hair neatly.

With her bag slung over her shoulder, Catherine dashed out, the door slamming behind her as the morning chaos followed her into the streets.

⸻

Golden Bite was already bustling with life, the air thick with the scent of fries and grilled meat.

Orders were being called out from behind the counter, trays clattered against surfaces, and the low hum of conversations filled the air. The scent of fried chicken, fresh bread, and hot oil lingered heavily, wrapping around everyone who stepped inside.

Customers moved in and out—some impatient, some distracted—while the staff worked quickly to keep up. The cashier barely had time to breathe as she took orders back-to-back, her fingers flying across the register.

In the kitchen, workers rushed around, flipping, frying, packaging—each movement practiced, almost automatic.

"Order 27!"

"Extra fries for table six!"

"Who packed this? It's missing a drink!"

The chaos was constant.

And right in the middle of it—

The door pushed open.

Catherine stepped in, slightly out of breath, her hair not as neatly arranged as usual. Her eyes darted around the busy space, a hint of panic crossing her face as she took in how crowded it already was.

She was late.Very late.

"Catherine!"

She turned quickly.

Annie stood behind the counter, arms crossed, raising a brow at her.

"You're late."

Catherine winced, already moving toward her. "I'm sorry—I really am. I—something came up."

Annie gave her a look, half annoyed, half curious. "Something always 'comes up' with you Catherine."

"I know," Catherine said quickly, slipping on her apron. "But this time it's actually serious."

Annie narrowed her eyes slightly, studying her.

Then her expression softened just a little.

"...You look tired."

Catherine paused for a second before forcing a small smile. "I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well."

Annie didn't look convinced.

But before she could say anything else—

"Annie! We need help here!"

Annie sighed, throwing Catherine one last glance. "We're not done with this conversation."

Catherine let out a quiet breath as Annie turned away, already rushing to attend to another order while she quickly rushed to her spot.

Hours passed by quickly with the whole place still bustling.

Catherine grabbed a tray with two drinks,carefully balancing it as she turned away from the counter.

"Table six," Annie called from behind her.

"I've got it," Catherine replied quickly, already moving through the crowded space.

The shop was busy, and people were shifting in and out of her path. She adjusted her grip slightly, trying her best not to spill anything as she walked slowly.

And then—

She walked straight into someone.

The drinks slipped from her hand.

"Oh my God—!" she gasped.

But before the cups could hit the floor, a strong hand caught one. The other tilted, spilling slightly, but didn't fall completely.

Catherine slowly lifted her gaze and her breath caught.For a second, she couldn't move.

He looked... familiar.Her heart skipped.

The sharp line of his jaw,his jet black hair,the way his eyes held hers—intense, unreadable.

It was him.Right?

Or at least... he looked so much like the man from that night.

But not quite.

This one was.......different.

Taller. Broader. His presence felt heavier, like it filled the entire space around her. Where the other man had been mysterious, this one was... dangerous. Where the other man's gaze had held a trace of warmth,this one's was cold.Not a single trace of warmth.

Catherine swallowed hard, her fingers tightening slightly around the tray.

Why did he look so much like him?

And why did this version feel like someone she should be afraid of?

Catherine swallowed hard, forcing herself back to reality.

"I—I'm so sorry.I didn't see you,"she said quickly, her voice a little breathless.

The man didn't reply at once.

His eyes were still on her, sharp and searching, like he was trying to figure something out.

"Are you always this careless?," he finally said, his voice low and unusually calm, "or am I just unlucky today?"

Catherine blinked, a little taken aback.

"I'm sorry sir ," she muttered,with her head down,feeling really guilty. "It was an accident."

For a moment, he didn't answer.

He just kept looking at her like there was something about her he couldn't quite place.

Then, slowly, he handed her the drink.

"Be careful next time," he said with a slight warning in his tone.

Catherine quickly collected the drinks from him,her heart racing.

"...Thank you," she whispered.

Then, without another word, he stepped past her and walked away.

Catherine stood there for a second longer, staring in the direction he had gone.

"...That was weird," she whispered under her breath, shaking her head slightly.

"Catherine!"

She flinched.

Annie's voice snapped her right back to reality.

"Are you planning to stand there all day?" Annie called from the counter, already taking another customer's order. "Table six is waiting!"

Catherine blinked quickly. "Oh—right!"

She adjusted the tray in her hands, pushing away the strange feeling lingering in her chest.

"I'm coming!"

As she hurried toward the tables, she stole one last glance toward the door.

He was gone.

But somehow... it didn't feel like the end of it.

"Catherine!" Annie snapped again. "Move!"

"Sorry.....!" she replied, this time a little breathless, forcing herself to focus.

Still, even as she set the drinks down in front of the customers, her mind wandered again.

Back to him.To his voice.To the way he had looked at her.

And for the rest of the morning, she couldn't quite shake it off.