Chapter 28 Be Careful
ARDEN
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“Thank you! Have a nice day!” I said with a bright smile as a customer snatched her drink from the counter. She was preoccupied with her phone, reaching out instinctively for the cup. I had to aim it into her hand, ensuring she could grab it without looking away from her screen.
With that, she strolled out without any further acknowledgment. Still, I maintained my smile; it beat the countless men trying to shove their numbers at me any day.
I glanced out the window and noted the darkening skies. The café was nearly empty, with only a few stragglers coming in for takeaway coffee as closing time approached.
I sighed in relief and smiled softly to myself. I had survived my first shift.
“You know, I’ve never done it in a café–ser, I mean, I’ve been adventurous in various places, but not here. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to fulfill that fantasy?”
Well, almost.
Out of everyone 1 encountered today, my boss might just be the worst of them all.
I ignored him, focusing on wiping the counters clean. My gaze flicked to the clock. Only ten minutes left. I could endure his relentless flirting until then–at least, that’s what I thought.
After serving the last customer, ! wrapped up some final tidying before heading to the locker room. To my dismay, Rowan was still lingering there,
He crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaning nonchalantly against the wall, a smirk plastered across his face.
“Does the owner really have to be here all the time?” Lasked, trying to sound nonchalant.
His smirk widened. “Well, it’s the owner’s prerogative, don’t you think? After all, he does own this place.”
I removed my apron and stashed it in my bag, reordering my items and gearing up for departure. However, Rowan stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
I sighed in frustration, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Don’t you have something better to do? Like, I don’t know, raising your points or something?”
Rowan glanced casually at his watch. “Actually, someone did call me to her dorm tonight. But you could always take her place if you’re interested.”
“No thanks,” I replied deadpan. I’d rather head home.”
“Want me to give you a ride?” he offered, a hint of playful mischief in his tone.
“Nope,” I shook my head firmly. “The buses are still running”
He laughed, tilting his head back against the lockers. “Such blatant rejection.”
I pursed my lips, trying to maintain my composure. “Can you please move, sir?”
“Ooh, Llike it when you call me that, he teased, eyes glinting with amusement.
Tsighed heavily and ran my fingers through my messy hair in exasperation. “Do you really have to turn everything into a
sexual innuendo!”
You know I’m genuinely curious,” he said suddenly, redirecting the conversation. “Why are you working here?” “Like I mentioned before, not everyone has the financial means to study here,” I muttered, glancing away in irritation.
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Chapter 28 Be Careful
“It’s strange, though,” he continued, unfazed. “Isn’t Kieran your brother? From the West?”
I froze at the mention of his name, the casualness of his inquiry sending a jolt of unease through me.
“How do you know that?”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “I heard it from a girl I was fucking from the West.”
I bit my lip in frustration. “Anyway, I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
“I’m leaving.” I declared, determined to exit this awkward exchange.
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On my way out, I bumped into his shoulder. He must have been caught off guard because the next thing we knew, his hand. slipped and grazed the edge of a locker. This place was still under renovation, which meant there were a lot of sharp edges everywhere. Blood dripped from his hand, and he hissed in pain.
I froze in my spot, suddenly feeling a surge of guilt, even though I knew it wasn’t entirely my fault. Still, I couldn’t
there and do nothing. With that thought, I grabbed his arm, surprising even him..
-What are you doing?” he muttered.
I fished out some napkins from my bag and applied direct pressure to his wound.
“So now you’re not hesitating to touch me?” he remarked, a teasing lilt to his tone.
“Can you shut your mouth for a moment?” I snapped back.
just stand
my relief, he fell silent, allowing me to drag him toward the bathroom where I could properly wash his wound with water.
“It’s going to
heal on its own. Just leave it,” he insisted.
“You’re a werewolf, not a god, I muttered under my breath. “You at least need to cover it.”
thurt.”
“Wounds like this still hurt.”
I focused intently on his wound, leaning in closer for a better look. I could feel him stiffening under my hold, but I chose to ignore it, determined to take care of him..
Using my handkerchief, I wrapped it around his arm. The fabric was pink and adorned with hearts, a sharp contrast to his rugged demeanor.
“There,” I said, unable to hide the smile creeping up on my lips. He actually looked ridiculous wearing it. Stepping back, I looked up at him, still grinning.
“You’re going to wear that on your one–night stand, huh?” I teased lightly.
Our eyes met, and my smile faltered slightly as I caught the intensity of his gaze. He usually wore a joking expression when we spoke, but in that moment, he appeared serious–more serious, even, than when we had been working on our project for Miss Loveson’s class.
I pulled air into my cheeks, trying to stille another smile, and then hosted my backpack over my shoulders once again.
“I’m really going.” I muttered. “Just be careful next time.
With that I-moved past him, making sure to tread carefully this time.
To my surprise, he didn’t say anything further. He stood there, completely frozen, as I walked out of the café,
Once outside, I entered the school through the pupil scanner and headed to the bus stop. It was then that I noticed Owen was also waiting there. I wasn’t quite sure what compelled me to speak to him, but somehow, I did. As soon as I reached the bus stup. I sat down next to him and launched into conversation
“Hey.” I said cheerily, trying to break the ice.
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Chapter 28 Be Careful
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He merely glanced at me and adjusted his earphones further into his ears. I pursed my lips, feeling a hint of awkwardness. but pressed on.
“I think we’re heading to the same dorm. Do you want to go together?” I suggested, hoping to bridge the gap between us.
“Do whatever you want.” he muttered dismissively.
I chuckled awkwardly, turning slightly to the side. “Alright. The next bus should be here soon,” I continued, trying to fill the silence. “I guess we’ll have to see each other more often since we work in the same café. My name’s Arden by the way
You talk too much,” he said suddenly, halting my spirited chatter. “Why are you even talking to me?”
I paused for a moment reflecting on the sincerity of my answer. “A friend at work would be nice,” I replied.
A scoff escaped his lips, and just then, the bus arrived. He stood up, brushing past me without a backward glance.
“I don’t need such things” he said, his tone final as he stepped away.
