Five minutes later, in an elegantly decorated cafe, two people sat by the wall and ordered two lattes. Their eyes met, while soft classical music played in the background. The cafe had a literary and artistic atmosphere, with a garden full of flowers at the back, providing a quiet escape amidst the hustle and bustle. It was just after work hours, and there were few customers, making it relatively peaceful-perfect for a conversation.
“Agnes, if my departure can bring you less trouble, I am willing to leave,” Ansel said to her. “I can stop bothering you, but I hope you are happy and joyful.”
The girl sat upright across from him, meeting his gaze without speaking.
“But before I leave, I still want to advise you not to place your feelings on someone who doesn’t exist. You will waste your time and end up alone. By the time you realize it, it will be too late.”
“I told you, my affairs have nothing to do with you,” Agnes said softly, looking at him intently. “You don’t know who he is, nor do you understand what has happened between us. You don’t understand.”
“I…”
“All you saw were unanswered emails,” Agnes said with a slight smile. “I have met him; I have sat in his passenger seat; we have held hands; I have hugged him, kissed his lips, and slept in his bed.”
Ansel was shocked by her words, but she didn’t seem to be lying. There was a faint sadness in her eyes that suggested there was more to the story than he knew. So she had been in a relationship? And they broke up?
Agnes looked away and took a sip of her coffee. “If you don’t understand, don’t speculate or judge.”
Silence… a long silence.
She said she had slept in his bed… Ansel felt a pang in his heart.
At this moment, Jane and a female friend entered from the garden at the back of the cafe and saw this scene-Agnes sitting face-to-face with a young man. This cafe was known as a suitable place for couples to date.
Jane paused for a moment without any obvious reaction and walked out of the cafe with her friend. After saying goodbye, they got into their respective cars.
Jane didn’t start her car immediately. She turned her gaze through the car window and the cafe’s floor-to-ceiling windows to look at the two figures inside. She checked her phone and noted the time.
Twenty minutes later, Agnes and the young man stood up and walked out together. Jane watched them leave side by side but couldn’t hear their conversation. She observed their expressions to guess their relationship-it didn’t seem like they were just ordinary friends.
“Agnes, I promise not to mention feelings again. Let’s be friends and move past our unpleasant history. I wish you happiness,” Ansel said as they stepped out of the cafe. He stood in front of her, hiding his pain.
Agnes nodded. “I wish you happiness too.”
“Can we hug?” he asked sincerely, without any ulterior motives-just like friends seeking closure.
Agnes didn’t respond verbally; honestly, she felt heavy-hearted because emotions are inherently weighty topics.
Ansel took her silence as consent and gently hugged her in front of Jane.
Jane’s eyes widened as she held her breath watching this scene.
A few seconds later, Ansel released her voluntarily. “I hope when we meet again, we are both in great new states and not wasting ourselves.”
Agnes smiled at him. “Good luck.”
Ansel waved goodbye and walked away. Yes, he would put away all his love and move on rationally like Andrew did.
Jane snapped out of it. She got out of her car and walked towards Agnes…