Shadows and Latte

Chapter 3: Questions and Secrets

Returning to the Cafe

Sofia arrived at the cafe earlier than the usual, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the lingering thoughts from yesterday.

“We’ll see each other again.”

Zhybrix’s deep voice echoed in her mind. Something about him made her uneasy in a way that wasn't quite acceptable and she wasn't sure why.

The door chimed, as though her thoughts had called him, and he was back.

Two days in a row.

As Zhybrix approached the desk with his usual quiet confidence, Sofia made an effort to avoid staring. His presence alone attracted attention, despite the fact that he was not saying anything.

Before he spoke, he paused in front of her and studied her with his dark gaze.

“Black coffee.”

She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You sure you don’t want to try something else?"

She thought she caught a glimpse of amusement in his eyes for the first time. "I like what I like."

Sofia smiled. "You must really love black coffee, huh?"

Zhybrix paused before speaking. "Or maybe I just like places that feel different."

After a moment of hesitation, Sofia handed him the coffee. "Different how?"

His fingertips brushed hers as he grabbed the cup from her. Despite the briefness of the touch, she felt an odd warmth.

He said the simple word "lighter" and turned away.

As he made his way to his regular location at the window, Sofia observed. She discovered that her curiosity had increased. Why did a man like him seek out a place like this?

————————————————————

After a few minutes, the café was silent. When Sofia finished wiping the counter, she saw that Zhybrix was still seated at the same table, gazing at his untouched coffee.

Unconsciously, she approached. "Not a fan of the coffee after all?"

Zhybrix raised his head, seemingly taken aback that she had come up to him first. "It’s fine."

With genuine curiosity, she tilted her head and asked, "Then why haven’t you taken a sip?"

His lips curled into a little grin. "Maybe I enjoy watching the place more than drinking the coffee."

Sofia sat down after bringing out the chair across from him. "I don’t buy it. You don’t seem like the kind of guy who just ‘enjoys’ cafés."

Zhybrix watched her quietly, leaning back a little. "You ask a lot of questions."

She replied in a joking "And you don’t answer a lot of them,"

After observing her for a while, he eventually said something. "You’re different from the people I know."

Taken aback Sofia blinked. "Is that a good thing?"

Zhybrix's fingertips moved over his coffee cup's rim. "I don’t know yet."

The way he expressed it made her feel just like she had stepped into something she shouldn't have, but she wasn't certain why.

The café door opened before she could reply, and Zhybrix's entire mood changed. Cold harshness replaced the little curiosity in his eyes.

A man in a dark suit had just walked in, scanning the area as if he was looking for someone.

Zhybrix sprang to his feet instantly. "I have to go."

Before Sofia could react, he was already leaving his unfinished coffee and making his way out.

He vanished into the crowded street, and she watched.

Who was he really?

But most importantly, why did she think they would continue to speak after this?

-- Business in the Shadows --

That evening, Zhybrix sat with his most trusted men at a secret meeting place. His right-hand man, Lorenzo, had some troubling news to share.

"Boss, the Ramirez family is making moves again."

Zhybrix let out a harsh sigh. "What now?"

"They’re trying to win over one of our suppliers. Looks like they’re testing how far they can push us."

Zhybrix's jaw tightened. He was aware that this was more than a business decision. It was clearly difficult.

He said, "Set up a meeting with them." "Let’s remind them who owns this city."

Lorenzo gave a nod, but hesitated before continuing. "Boss… earlier, I saw you at that coffee shop again."

Zhybrix threw him a stern look. "And?"

Lorenzo made a shrug. "Nothing. Just didn’t know you liked coffee that much."

Zhybrix didn’t reply.

Because he was aware that coffee had nothing to do with the answer.

He remembered on Sofia—the warmth in her eyes that didn't fit in his world, the way she laughed, and the way she didn't hesitate to question him openly.

He had never before allowed himself to get distracted.

However, he wasn't sure if he could leave for the first time.

Ever a sharp one, Lorenzo understood better than to press. He had noticed a side of the boss that he didn't often see: a glimmer of weakness, a trace of something like desire.

Lorenzo responded, "Just be careful," in a concerned tone. "They're not to be underestimated."

Zhybrix's eyes hardened as he nodded. "I know what I'm doing."

Zhybrix poured himself a drink as Lorenzo walked away, his thoughts racing with confused feelings. He was aware that returning to the coffee shop was not a good idea. It was stupid, a distraction, a weakness he couldn't afford, he realized. He was unable to resist the temptation though.

Sofia captivated him like no other mystery, a riddle he was unable to solve. Her generosity, her spirit, and her lively energy stood in sharp contrast to his secretive and dark world. And he was drawn to her because of that contrast and chaos.

He couldn't allow himself to be diverted, though. Not right now. Dealing with the Ramirez family was necessary since they posed a threat. It was impossible for him to let himself be sucked into a game that may cost him everything.

He swallowed his glass slowly, the bitterness of his existence matching the harshness of the wine itself. He was a guy of darkness, a shadow, confined to the shadows of the city. There was nowhere for him to find love, light, or Sofia.

However, as he sat there, he kept thinking about her warmth, her smile, and the way she stared at him with a mix of dread and curiosity. It was there, a whisper of something he couldn't quite grasp, a promise of something he couldn't quite refuse, but he could attempt to ignore it.