"Shall we go then, Gabriella?"

I could have sworn the whole class stood still for a few moments. My mind started racing. I knew where this was headed and I didn't want a part of it.

Everyone had abandoned whatever they were busy with and were staring at us, motionless. Ola was the first to recover after a few seconds.

"...eh? Jamal? Are you tagging along with Gabriella? Why? Eeh?" Ola's perplexity made him look like a child surprised that his mum didn't hug him after she came back from work.

"I decided to pay a visit to the café Gabriella's works because I learned it's quite nice there. And, as you know, I've been very busy lately, so I was a little tired and was thinking about relaxing there while enjoying a cup of tea." Jamal said.

Jamal was obviously taking into consideration that we were being watched by our classmates.

"Is that true, Gabriella?"

I had already expected that I would be the next target to be questioned.

"It is." I said, barely stopping a frown from creeping on my face. So I somehow managed not to reveal my dissatisfaction.

"Maybe I should join you..." Ola said

Upon hearing his murmur, I nearly freaked out. Jamal alone was already causing enough trouble— I couldn't do both at once.

"Your club activities aren't waiting for you?" I asked. Ola was in the faculty's football club. He was gifted with strength in his legs that didn't suit his slim body and was a talented player from what I heard from others.

"I-I'll skip!" He said.

"Don't. Didn't you say only recently that you were on the brink of becoming a regular player? It would be foolish to skip your club activities during such an important period." I pressed.

Ola's pressed his lips into a line and grumbled with a frown.

"Let's go together some other time, Ola. I will memorize where the café is for you, today. Okay?" Jamal said patronisingly.

Jamal admonished him gently like a caring big brother, whereupon Ola obediently nodded, "Okay."

That solves one problem. Now its time to get rid of the other one.

"It's only only you who's coming, right? I'd have to deny if the whole class were to come along, because it would just cause the café trouble."

I indicated to Jamal that only if he cleared the requirement would I give my agreement.

"Don't worry, our classmates are so kind, they would never cause anyone trouble," he ensured with his signature smile, "See you tomorrow, everyone."

They would have jumped at that chance for sure. Dissatisfaction showed on their faces. I dared not look at Tundun or any of the girls that normally surrounds her. I didn't really care though. I just had one more obstacle to remove. This guy.

Jamal walked with light steps towards the front gate.

"What are you up to?" I asked without hiding my bad mood.

Jamal turned around with amusement on his face "I am so curious about the café you work at," he said, without hiding his good mood.

"Answer me! You should know that I don't like standing out." I said irritated.

"Which is why I tried to prevent a commotion, didn't I?" He countered.

"That doesn't change the fact that we attracted attention." I said glumly.

"Well, tough luck." Jamal said.

"And whose fault is that...?" I was irritated by his out-and-out undaunted behavior. "Who told you that I work at a café anyway?" I asked.

It was well-known that I work part-time somewhere, but I hadn't told anyone at school that I was working at a café.

"What are you after?" I asked.

"What do you think I am, Gabriella? It is not strange at all to desire to learn more about the person in my heart, is it? This is what you call a romantic's heart." He said passionately.

"You claim to be a romantic? Laughable. Let me assert this for you: you are nowhere near as harmless as that." I pointed at him.

"You know, looking so mature can be a real bother at such times. I am still just a young guy, I should be in my reckless phase. Besides, I have only recently lost my mother, so I think you ought to be gentler to me, Gabriella," pouted Jamal. I was surprised that he could make such childish expressions, too.

But that was as far as it went. Of course I felt sorry for him, but in the end it was still none of my business.

"See you tomorrow."

I accelerated my pace and put some distance between Jamal and I.

"Where are you going? There's the back gate."

"Unlike you, I commute by bus not by cab. If you can keep up with my speed, I shall take the special trouble and guide you to the café?" I was deliberately cold. I couldn't be bothered to adjust to others. And I cared even less to have someone enter my territory without authorization.

"Hmmm" was all I heard from him.

I was happy he was considering the stress. Afterall, we will have to que and wait for an available cab or bus at the park. It wasn't something he was probably used to.

"I'm coming back, I wont take long" he said making to leave.

"Take all the time in the world" I said happy that he was no longer on my neck. I moved to join an already long cue. It'll be another twenty minutes before I would get a bus, by my estimations.

Barely five minutes passed before a nice white car drove into the park and stopped a few paces from me. The passenger window slid down to shown that arrogant pricks face.

"Get in" he said

I ignored him. Then he horned. But I persisted in ignoring him. He continued horning, the people around started glancing at the car and I, wondering what our problem was. They probably assumed its one of these working class guys going after university girls. I felt a bit embarrassed.

"...what are you thinking?" I finally said. I could hardly hide my surprise, there were rumours about Jamal having a car.

Supposedly, he got it as a gift from one of his elderly lovers. I didn't want to enter his car. It felt like he was always a step ahead. Predicting my every move.

"It's obvious enough isn't it? I want to drop you at the cafe." Jamal said.

"When did I say I'd let you?" I said.

"Don't worry. Its bettet this way." He said

"That wasn't the question." I said.

He horned again and smiled. People were starting to voice out complaints. I felt pressured, then finally walked towards the car and entered. The car began to move out of the park.

I almost lost all my annoyance when I entered his car. The air conditioning was on full blast and music was playing on a low volume, i recognised it as Eminem's song cleaning out my closet. If one admired the outside appearance of the car, they will be shocked by the inside. It was exquisite.

He was smiling and singing along to the song played, and then I was suddenly reminded why I hated him.

I was annoyed. As he showed no restraint I decided on saying my piece without restraint as well.

"Jamal, look, I admit that I should be gentler to you as you've just lost your mother. However, I don't feel like dancing to your tune like the others, not in the least. Not everyone is considerate towards you, keep that in mind. At least now that I know your true nature, I might still feel sympathy but I am certainly not favorable towards you," I rebuked him.

"Mmm! That's how my Gabriella has to be," Jamal nodded strongly, making a somewhat contented face. "I love this unashamed attitude."

My words had achieved the exact opposite effect. Wanting to put him off, I accidentally attracted him all the more.

Seeing my loss for words, he showed me his occasional big-brother-like smile.

"Won't you give me a chance? I have realized by now that my confession yesterday was overhasty! Just like you don't know how I really am, I don't know you well yet, either. I think it is necessary for both of us to deepen our mutual understanding. It's not too late to make a decision after coming to know each other better, right?"

His opinion was fair enough.

But when I looked back at what had happened so far, I didn't feel like believing his words blindly.

I peeked into Jamal's eyes.

What was he thinking?

He did not avoid my glance in the slightest.

It was I who gave in at last. I released him from my gaze

"You're right I guess" I said, drained. He was wearing me down.

"Thank you" he said.

"Dont thank me, keep your eyes on the road, I dont want to die" I said.

"Seatbelt" I heard his cheerful voice. I obliged. And faced my window.

"Promise me that you won't do anything that would bring me into focus anymore like today." I said without looking at him.

"I'll do my best." He said.

"No, not just your best, promise it." I pressed.

He only smiled.

After a few turns on the road, we stopped at a red light. I finally asked him. "How do you onow the direction to my workplace? Have you been stalking me?"

He chuckled. "What if I had?"

"Well I'll have you know that that is a crime" I said finally getting him to admit.

"Well too bad then" he said as the lights turned green. "I'd have love to go to jail for your sake" he laughed.

"Im serious here" I said finally turning to face him. "I don't appreciate being followed"

"Calm down Tiger" he laughed again. "All I had to do was find out where you worked and to my suprise I had been there before, once with my mum, she met a client there, many years ago"

Completely unable to complain any more to the guy, I just answered: "...Lucky you."

I was in a car with the schools idol. This was one of those sweet moments that are worthy of being called a memory of adolescence. I, in the midst of this period of life, was probably supposed to pride myself on such an event that anyone would envy me for.

Well, this only lasted for the short while during which I forgot about his troublesome personality and the murder plan.

I had accepted Jamal's request. The reason was simple: I was interested in him.

Apart from that, call it a property of mine or just a preference: I enjoyed these thrilling conversations with him.

I changed into my waiter uniform in the staff room. After checking my appearance in front of the mirror, just to be sure, I headed to the kitchen.

The instant I entered the kitchen, my nose was tickled by the aromatic fragrance of tea—a smell I was fond of.

The reason I had chosen to work in this British-style "Elizabeth" café was, as a matter of fact, because here was served the best tea nearby, no soft drinks.

My colleagues hugged me when they spotted me.

"Mister Odulaja?"I was addressing a man busy with a meal. With a warm smile the sturdy spectacular addressee turned around. I continued, "Today I 'd be in charge of waiting for the tables but can I change to the kitchen staff?"

"What's the matter?" He said.

"I'm afraid that's a personal one, but today a classmate of mine came, to tell the truth."

"Eh? Why would you want to change your post then?" He asked.

"I prefer not to be watched by them while I'm working, they have a propensity to annoy me and I need to keep it professional" I said.

He was itching to see me work but I didnt want to give him that joy. I wanted him to be bored all evening. But I knew having my way wouldn't be so easy.

Behind the manager, there was someone who responded dramatically to my words.

"Hey, Gabriella! Is it a guy or a gal?" asked a man who was clothed like a pastry cook and was putting some fruit on a parfait right beside me. "If it's a girl I'll switch with you. As long as she's my type, of course!"

The whole staff grimaced as if they had taken bitter medicine when they realized that Emmanuel's bad habit had appeared again.

Emmanuel was the oldest face among the people at Elizabeth, most of us were in our early twenties but he looked to be mid thirties at least.

According to him, he was still in university, but looking at how he behaved more important than the manager on some days—no, make that "everyday"—he gave me the impression of being older than that.

"Sorry to let you down, Emma: it's a guy" i said.

"Hmph. Ok, I'm just as intrigued by the fact you brought a guy along." Sooner he finished the confectionery he was working and pushed it to one of the other workers to deliver it, before turning to face me. "Who is it? Come on, spill it."

He turned and looked into the shop over the counter as he was chewing a chocolate piece in his mouth. The other members of staff also didn't miss the chance and searched the café from behind him.

I was hoping someone would remonstrate with them about their snoopy behavior, but even the one who was in the position to do so—the shop manager—was peeking with a face gleaming with curiosity.

Giving up, I admitted: "It's him," and pointed at Jamal who had taken a seat at the window and was sitting there like an unworldly, gentleman.

A cheer arose among the staff; the positive reaction of the guys was so blatant that I would have felt like an idiot if I had claimed that I had expected it.

"Damn! Way too good for you, Gabriella, that's for sure!"

Emmanuel was apparently irritated with something and slapped my shoulder.

"You always act as if you didn't care two figs about love, but you do your thing in the background, huh, you sneaking lech!"

Apparently, he mistook Jamal and I for lovers.

"...Emma and his new girlfriend haven't been getting along lately, you know," the manager whispered into my ear.

"So it's only a matter of time until they split up, I suppose?"

"...Probably," he nodded after backing off again.

"Mhh!? Ibukun? Gotten all lovestruck or what?!" Emma suddenly said.

"I-I haven't! I'm not lovestruck or anything!" Ibukun quickly replied.

"Then you better get back to work!" Emma said.

Today's sacrifice was Ibukun. At times when he didn't get along with his girlfriend or when they broke up with one, his mood would take a free fall.

"Mister Odulaja, I'm off waiting the tables." Now that the cat was out of the bag, I preferred to handle the situation by myself than allow anyone else further ruin my evening for me. Ill rather be out here than in there with them.

"O-Okay, good luck." Mr. Odulaja said.

Discretion is the better part of valor after all.

The kitchen resounded with the cries of the poor girl who had become the prey of the beast transferring aggression.

The mood of this British-style café was supported by appropriate antique tables and chairs. The various well-chosen decorations were apparently selected by the manager's British wife. Elizabeth, the name of the café was taken from his wife's first name.

When I came to take her order, Jamal scrutinized me from head to toe.

"Your outfit really suits you"

I thanked him casually with a smile, "Thanks," and added, "and a café goes well with you."

Jamal smiled back at me and replied "Thank you."

I was quite honest. A gentleman in a café always makes for a good picture.

"The staff are quite lively, aren't they?" He moved his gaze towards the kitchen.

I placed a glass of water and a wet towel on the table.

"But it looks fun."he added.

"I wonder about that; some even start crying once in a while. At any rate, I have confidence in our tea. And none of our dishes are half bad."

"I see. I would like a cup of that good tea then. And please add your recommended confectionery to the order." He said.

"Then how about our recommended blend plus the owner's hand-made apple pie?" I asked.

Jamal nodded, I bowed respectfully and said "Certainly."

I forwarded the order to the kitchen staff.

"You sure are an unfriendly lady." Emma was there making a frown instead of food.

"You think so? Actually I am trying to be more amiable when I attend guests, though." I said.

"When does that happen? To me, there's no difference. Seriously, what does he like about a girl like you?"

He raised his eyebrow and critically analysed Jamal

"I forgot to mention, but he is not my boyfriend."

"He isn't?" Emma asked.

"No. Just a classmate." I said.

"Then tell me what a beauty and mere classmate wants from you."

"It's not me, it's the café. Apparently he is a fan of cafés."

Since there was no merit at all in telling him the truth, I just made something up.

"That's all? Boring."

"Yet again, it's almost amusing you are so self-centered. I'm completely convinced you'd be irritated even if he'd been my lover."

"It's amusing because I'm honest! To begin with, I think there must be something wrong with those that are delighted about other people's happiness. Every one of them is either a hypocrite or just scheming something." He said.

"A lovely opinion loaded with prejudice, I have to say." I said.

I felt compelled to ask him, who by his own judgment was "honest" and everybody else's "erratic".

"Emma, may I ask you something?"

"Mh? What is it?" Emma asked.

"What do you think of someone who is not mourning a recent loss?" I asked.

"Sounds fishy to me," he answered quick as a shot. "Losses are called that because they make you sad, right? If you don't get sad, then you can't call it a losses."

"I see," this time I actually put my agreement into words.

I darted a sidelong glance at Jamal

Tired of waiting or simply interested in the decor of the café, he looked around the shop. Apparently, he liked the white ceramic pet rabbit and black glass bird set; he got up and closely examined it.

Who would have thought in this café that he was just an unsuspecting man who only recently lost his mother? I reckoned nobody.

One will never see intense feelings boiling in him. He 'd still look cool and mature.

I didn't know if he was deliberately suppressing his emotions or just wasn't the kind of person to express them, but he didn't look sad to me at all.

Of course, it wasn't unthinkable that he just didn't want to unsettle the people around him and was thus desperately hiding his sadness. Or that might actually be the normal reaction of a guy after such a mishap. After all, the deceased wouldn't return, and mourning forever can't be called very healthy either.

However those are just hypothetical. Is it really possible to cope in such a short time with one's feelings? Especially when that's sorrow?

I recalled Emma's words.

Indeed. It seemed fishy.

The dessert was able to satisfy Jamal's tastes.

"It's delicious," he praised while happily finishing up her coffee and apple pie without leaving anything over.

I headed to his table to clear up.

"Has everything been to your liking?" I asked, whereupon Jamal darted a discontented glance at me. "Are you telling me to leave?"

"I see you are quick on the uptake." I said.

"I really like this café." he flashed a smile as if he would start to hum any moment.

"Aha. Pleased to hear that. But don't forget that there are lots of different cafés in the world. You ought to try them out as well." I said.

"I really like this café," repeated Jamal with exactly the same smile and exactly the same words.

"I see sometimes you aren't quick on the uptake," I mostly repeated myself as well.

Unexpectedly Jamal got up and walked further into the cafe, apparently in the direction of the kitchen. When I followed in amazement, he gave the workers a pleasant greeting and smiled like a blooming flower.

"Pleased to meet you."

It was obvious at one glance that his cheery introduction flustered the staff. Apparently most of them were very enthusiastic about him, young ladies. Ok, except for an unimpressed Emma.

"I am Jamal Zaheer, a classmate of Gabriella's," he introduced himself with polite manners.

"Ah, yes, Gabriella told us," answered the manager respectfully despite being way older than him.

"I have to say this is such an adorable little café."

"Thank you very much!" The manager blushed slightly, moved by his radiant smile.

"I am so jealous of everyone—" The staff looked at him in surprise. A guy, who seemed to have anything one could be jealous of, was jealous of them.

"—Because you have the privilege to work at such a wonderful café."

Jamal looked plainly stunning, set aflame in the twilight. Although that was probably due to the backlight from the sunset. In that very moment, everyone was fascinated by his exceptional aura.

"I can't even imagine what bliss it would be to work at such a wonderful place."

Being the person in this room that had the most resistance against his, I smiled wryly at his star-like attitude. I also found that he had gone over the top with that exorbitant exaggeration.

However, the manager's next words erased the smile on my lips.

"...um, Jamal, you said?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to work here?" The manager asked.

"Mister Odulaja!!!" I couldn't keep silent. I wanted to keep him from committing a grave mistake. Faust, you are bargaining with Mephistopheles!

However, someone seized my shoulder and held me back. The smell of chocolate was in the air.

"Just watch," Emma said with a mischievous smile. Here we had another devil.

"Err, actually, there is a vacant post at the moment. And since you are Gabriella's classmate, we don't have to worry about your background. So, if you'd like, we would gladly welcome you, Jamal."

The other staff members nodded their heads in agreement, too.

It was just like group hypnosis. They must have been mesmerized by the devil and lost their minds.

"I am really happy about your offer, but... can you really make do with me? To tell you the truth, I have never worked anywhere before," answered Jamal hesitatingly after wavering for a short while.

"No no, don't worry! Everyone has to begin somewhere. Besides, I'm positive that you, as someone with outstanding manners, are suited for this kind of business!"

Sure, his acceptance among the customers would be outstanding! They can only see his superficial side after all.

"I'll gladly accept your offer then if you have so much confidence in me," replied Jamal with a bright smile. "But I'll rather my pay goes to Gabriella, my father wouldn't want me to be working so soon after... will that be okay?" Jamal asked while looking towards me.

I simply looked away. Everyone took that as a yes.

Everyone warmly welcomed him with a smile too. I was the only one who made a sour face while feeling horribly excluded from that blessing circle.

Because I knew better.

I knew that a confident and ambitious man lurked under his surface, revealing only an outstanding character charming guy who was loved by all.

To make matters worse, Jamal was well aware of his own charm and attractiveness. And I had just learned that he also understood how to use it effectively.

"Why are women just so weak against pretty guys?" whispered Emma into my ear after he had pulled me by the shoulder, the counter between us.

"A good question. After all, the girls in this café are all 'weak' against you as well," I answered casually.

"It feels just wrong when you're giving compliments. But it's no bad feeling. Let me pet your head as a reward."

Emma's palm approached my head, but I refused gloomily. "I'm not in the mood. Please don't confuse me any further."

"No need to be reserved! If you want, I may even give you one piece of my chocolate?" Emma said.

"Are you okay with it? Aren't you against the employment of Jamal?" I asked.

"You want me to object, don't you?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Well, only your objection would be able to put an end to this welcoming mood." I said knowing fully well that he had enough power to stop Jamal's employment.

"Can't be bothered. There's no reason to object." He said dismissively.

"Why?" I was desperate.

"Because it's damn funny to see you protest so blatantly when you usually act so cold!!" Emma cackled.

"...you do realize how awful your personality is?" I said.

"You're worse off than I am, right? If my intuition doesn't fail me, Jamal isn't the type of man a helpless girl like you could handle."

"Doesn't bother me. I don't plan on making a move on him" i said.

"You may think so, but what about him? It's quite obvious" he said.

"Yeah yeah. Looking forward to the next few days." I said gloomily.

Without caring about my strong rebuff, Emma waved his hand and toddled back into the kitchen.

It felt like it was just a matter of time until he would get wind of 'odd' relationship. I told myself that I had to make sure Jamal wouldn't say any unnecessary things to Emma.

"I work here now."

The guy in question, Jamal, approached me merrily in spite of all the headaches he was causing me.

"It's still not too late. Won't you think it over again?" My reply was cold, but my heart was colder.

"Thank you for worrying about me. But since the manager was so kind to offer me this position, I will try my best!" He said, full of confidence.

"I'm not worrying. I am bothered." I turned away.

"I am looking forward to working with you, colleague." Jamal's smile hadn't cracked even once.

Emma had mentioned that I was not someone who could handle him.

I found myself right in the course of experiencing just how spot-on he was.

The next morning in the classroom.

All of a sudden, Jamal came to my desk and said with a smile as warm as sunbeams shining through the leaves of a tree and a voice as soft as a gentle summer breeze to Ola

"I have been employed at the café Gabriella works at."

Time stopped in the noisy classroom once again. At least Ola did.

All eyes fell on me. I could tell what was going on through their minds. I had stolen their idol from them.

I felt sick. I was never going to enjoy my classes again.