Just like any other day, Caitlin would be coming home late. She should have left work by five, but here she was, sitting on a bus stop bench, lost in thought. This was the perfect time to have a monologue with herself.
"I always feel cheated. They say… before demanding your rights, fulfill your duties first. If you want to go home on time, finish all your work. What a joke," she muttered, feeling deceived by her job.
Caitlin let out a dry chuckle, pitying her own unfortunate fate. Seeing the sun still up when she left the office had become a rare occurrence. Today, she had spent the last few hours sorting out financial statements—something that wasn’t even in her job description. Caitlin wasn’t an accountant, and her actual workload was already overwhelming. She wouldn’t mind taking on extra tasks if only she were paid overtime for them.
"Am I an accountant now? They’ve really crossed the line, making me do things outside my job scope," she grumbled, kicking small pebbles beneath the bench.
The position she had originally applied for was in accounting, but she hadn’t landed the job. Preparing financial reports wasn’t particularly difficult for Caitlin; the problem was that her colleagues were exploiting her skills. She should have been home by now, but instead, she was stuck doing their work.
"Another late night. My life is nothing but work. I wish I had tons of money without having to work like this. Impossible," she sighed.
The city lights shimmered like scattered stars, and the streets were buzzing with traffic. Caitlin waited for her bus as more people trickled into the bus stop, all eager to get home just like her. The crowd was unusual—it was never this packed.
"Why are there so many people today?" she mumbled, worried that she wouldn’t get a seat.
When the bus finally arrived, a swarm of people rushed to board. Caitlin, exhausted, tried to push through the crowd but got shoved around in the chaos. In the end, she stumbled and fell, left behind as the already packed bus drove away.
"Just my luck. Why does everything feel so unfair? I’m exhausted," she grumbled, rubbing her eyes in frustration. She felt utterly ridiculous, sitting there on the ground, too drained to even stand back up. Raindrops started to drizzle, as if mocking her.
Then, without warning, a hand extended in front of her. A slender hand with long, elegant fingers. A hand she knew all too well—the kind that came at a high price if she wanted to hold onto it for long.
"Daniel?" Caitlin blinked in disbelief.
She was stunned to see him here. Up until now, they had only ever met on scheduled dates. Did he live nearby? It felt odd seeing him in this part of town. This was a business district, mostly filled with office workers. Someone like Daniel seemed out of place here.
"Cat, did you fall?" he asked with that ever-charming, sugar-sweet smile.
Daniel always looked breathtaking, no matter the situation. Caitlin found herself momentarily mesmerized. Was she dreaming?
"Funny how we ran into each other like this," she said awkwardly.
She wasn’t sure how to react. One thing was certain—she wasn’t planning on going on a date or spending money on this opportunistic, money-hungry man tonight.
"Fate?" he teased, his tone playful.
He was wearing a gray jacket with the hood up, and for once, he wasn’t wearing his glasses. Caitlin couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly attractive he looked. Daniel always seemed to appear at the right time—whenever she needed someone to lean on. But did a chance encounter like this mean she had to pay for his time?
"Fate that comes with a price tag?" Caitlin shot back sarcastically.
Still, she reached for his hand, and he pulled her up—straight into his arms. He smelled like fresh soap, as if he had just showered. Their eyes locked, holding each other’s gaze for a long moment before Daniel gently shook her shoulders.
"Cat, are you okay? We should head back to the bus stop. It’s starting to rain harder."
"Let me go." Caitlin quickly freed herself and hurried away.
Her emotions were all over the place. She was glad Daniel was here, but at the same time, her mind was filled with regrets—about her ex, her miserable job, and the endless exhaustion.
"Of all times to run into him, why when I look like a mess?" she muttered, embarrassed.
Daniel followed her effortlessly, his long strides quickly catching up. He leaned in closer to tease her as they walked, knowing full well the effect he had on women. Caitlin was no exception—her cheeks always flushed whenever he looked at her that way.
"What a coincidence meeting here. Just got off work?" he asked. Daniel already knew she worked in one of these buildings, though Caitlin had never given him specifics. She mostly just ranted about her boss and colleagues.
"Why ask when you already know? And Daniel… sorry, but I’m broke today," she admitted, scowling.
She had to be upfront. Her financial situation had been rough lately. Maybe she should learn from Daniel—become a gigolo like him? Wait, did Daniel really not sleep with his clients? She had never dared to ask. Was it truly possible to make that much money doing something as simple as what he claimed?
Daniel raised an eyebrow, slightly offended. He hadn’t even intended to ask for money. He was only here by chance, having business nearby. He had just happened to see Caitlin struggling and falling when she tried to get on the bus.
"Wow! You really think that little of me, huh? I’m not trying to rob your wallet," he said, amused.
Daniel chuckled at Caitlin’s panicked expression before casually taking her hand and leading her into a café nearby. They took a seat by the window, where they could watch the rain falling outside.
"Nice atmosphere. Too bad I’m exhausted," Caitlin murmured, feeling self-conscious about her disheveled appearance in such a cozy place.
"You’re always exhausted, Cat! Everything seems tiring to you," Daniel teased.
"That’s mean."
"I’m ordering first. Don’t even think about running away," he warned playfully.
The café’s soft, fragrant scent helped ease Caitlin’s mood. The place had a warm and welcoming vibe, decorated with vintage items. The owner must be a collector of old treasures, she thought.
"Water costs this much? Geez, I’m never coming here again," she grumbled, flipping through the menu. Then, her gaze shifted to Daniel at the counter, placing their order. Why did he look like he was posing for a magazine photoshoot? Every movement, every angle—it was unfair how effortlessly stunning he was.
"I want to see him every day. But that wish will never come true, will it?" she sighed, watching him wistfully.
A few moments later, Daniel returned with a tray of food, his face lighting up like a child’s. And just like that, the night didn’t seem so bad anymore.