Chapter 4 Kenze the waiter_ Mabel meets Kenze at the restaurant

The hum of light chatter and the clinking of cutlery filled the small, cozy restaurant as Mabel stepped inside. It had been a long day, and she was in no mood to cook. The weight of responsibilities had settled heavily on her shoulders ever since their parents passed, and though she had managed to stay strong for her sisters, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll.

She barely noticed the soft jazz music playing in the background or the warm scent of freshly grilled food wafting through the air. All she wanted was to eat quietly, regain her strength, and return home to prepare for yet another demanding day.

She found a seat by the window, taking a deep breath as she pulled out her phone to distract herself. The restaurant wasn't too crowded, and she was grateful for the peace.

Just as she was about to glance through the menu, a deep yet smooth voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Good evening, miss. What can I get for you today?"

Mabel looked up-and her eyes met the most charming smile she had seen in a long time.

Standing before her was a tall, lean young man with warm brown eyes and neatly styled hair. He wore the restaurant's uniform-a simple black button-down shirt and dark slacks-but he wore it with confidence, as if the job was merely a stepping stone to something greater.

There was something undeniably self-assured about him, the way he stood, the way his eyes held hers for just a second longer than necessary.

Mabel quickly composed herself. "Uh... just a plate of grilled chicken and rice. And a glass of orange juice."

"Great choice," he replied smoothly, scribbling on his notepad. Then, with a slight grin, he added, "First time here?"

Mabel hesitated before nodding. "Yes, actually."

"Then I hope we make a good first impression," he said, his voice carrying a playful undertone.

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, heading toward the kitchen.

Mabel let out a small breath, shaking her head. Just a waiter doing his job, nothing more.

An Unexpected Conversation

A few minutes later, he returned with her orange juice, placing it gently on the table.

"Here you go," he said, stepping back slightly but not leaving immediately. "Long day?"

Mabel raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

He shrugged, leaning slightly against the empty chair across from her. "You just have that look. The kind people get when they're tired of the world."

She smirked. "So, you analyze your customers now?"

"Only the interesting ones," he said, flashing that easy smile again.

Mabel couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Well, you're right. It has been a long day."

"Then you definitely need to try our desserts," he said, his tone light. "Nothing cures a bad day like a good slice of cake."

Mabel shook her head, amused. "Is this your way of getting me to order more?"

"Maybe," he admitted with a grin. "But also, I just think everyone deserves something sweet now and then."

She studied him for a moment. There was something effortlessly charming about him, the kind of charisma that made people feel at ease.

"Kenze," he said suddenly.

"What?"

"My name," he clarified. "Kenze."

"Mabel," she responded, though she wasn't entirely sure why she felt the need to.

"Nice to meet you, Mabel."

Before she could say anything more, another waiter called him over. Kenze shot her a small wink before turning away to attend to another table.

Mabel exhaled, shaking her head again. Charming. A little too charming.

A Lingering Impression

As she ate her meal, Mabel occasionally glanced up, catching glimpses of Kenze as he moved through the restaurant. He interacted easily with customers, flashing that same confident smile, making people laugh with effortless charm.

It was clear he was good at what he did-not just serving food but making people feel seen, heard.

When she was done, Kenze returned with the bill.

"Hope you enjoyed the meal," he said.

"I did. Thank you."

"Good. And I hope this won't be the last time you visit."

Mabel tilted her head slightly. "Do you say that to all your customers?"

"Only the ones worth remembering," he said smoothly.

Mabel rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless.

As she handed him the payment and stood to leave, she could feel his eyes following her, a knowing look in his gaze.

She walked out of the restaurant with a small, amused shake of her head. Charming. But I don't have time for distractions.

Little did she know, this was only the beginning of something far