The breeze rolled in colder than expected.
Early signs of the season turning.
But Jun stayed at his usual spot—steps warmed only by steam and repetition.
He set the cloth down slowly.
Aligned the dripper.
Checked the kettle's whisper.
Brewed the first cup for himself.
Not for warmth.
Not for habit.
To reset.
To return.
[System Buff Active: Still Flow – Internal Stability +7%]
The morning moved gently.
A child pointed at the cart but kept walking.
A man on a call bought a cup without looking up.
Jun didn't mind.
Not every pour needed to be remembered.
Then he saw her.
A familiar figure, walking slowly this time.
The woman in the business suit.
The one who once said, "Impress me."
She wasn't on her phone now.
She looked… tired.
Not disheveled.
Just worn.
Jun nodded once.
Didn't say a word.
He brewed a cup just for her.
Without asking.
Without charging.
When she reached him, he handed it over like she'd never left.
She accepted it.
Held it for a moment before sipping.
Then—
A breath.
A pause.
A silence.
"You ever notice," she said, voice quieter than last time, "some cups don't just taste good—they feel like someone was listening?"
Jun blinked.
She didn't elaborate.
Just smiled a little—tired, real.
Left a folded bill on the cloth.
And walked away.
[System Log: Emotional Echo Registered – Trait Deepening: Resonant Pour 3%]
[Background Reach: 16 Viewers]
[XP Gained: +10 – Memory Revisit Bonus]
Jun stared after her for a few seconds.
Not because of the money.
Not because of the return.
Because of the line.
"Feels like someone was listening."
He looked down at the cup in his hand.
Steam rising, slow and soft.
Yeah.
Maybe he was.
Logged User: Stylsite08
Path: Stillness to Mastery
Unauthorized copies may trigger system disruption.
Original work by Stylsite08. Do not repost or distribute without permission. All rights reserved.