I walked down the stairs with a pair of knees that were still weak and mild pain in my spine. I followed the rail, following the delicious smell that was getting more and more familiar from Yovanes' kitchen.
"Morning," said the man.
I answered with a nod, even though he wasn't looking. I shifted the position of the chair and slipped inside to sit on it. "You cook the same thing every morning. Don't you get bored?" I asked casually. Or there is nothing he can cook other than eggs and fried sliced ​​meat.
"Are you bored with my cooking?" Yovanes turned off the stove and then turned to me. This is the first time I see his awkward behavior. "I thought a woman like you would prefer this kind of cooking."
Wow, he thinks I'm a woman now. "Like me? Like what?"
"You're a simple woman. You're not fussy, and you're never demanding. Maybe you like something simpler."
"Simple..." I muttered. Poor, you mean?
Yovanes chuckled. "Say, what would you like to eat?"
"No need. Don't you think this is a bit much? Where would someone hire a prostitute and then prepare breakfast for the prostitute in the morning?" I feel embarrassed when Yovanes approached me.
He wears a pink apron. The man looks even cuter. It turns out that men and the color pink make a masculine image appear softer. Not a bad sight.
Yovanes looked at me for a long time. "You notice I just bought an apron? What do you think about the color? I bought two. Would you like to try the other one?" He asked with an enthusiastic voice. Yovanes bent down to pick up another apron from under the kitchen table. The color is pastel purple.
"Are you asking me to play house with you?" I winced at his behavior which was getting more and more like a child.
"Yesterday, while browsing the internet, I saw an ad. I thought it would be cool if we tried something new once in a while."
I raised an eyebrow while holding back a laugh. But I didn't say anything.
Yovanes, who realized that there was another thought in my head then backed away. His eyes widen. "I'm not a pervert. This is pure goodwill."
I'm still silent.
"Okay. I did think about it. You'll be here often anyway." He looked down as he acknowledged it.
I watch him. No talk.
"I'll pay double."
I bit my lower lip.
"Ale, say something. I'm getting awkward... Do you want a work contract?"
I can not take it anymore. I laughed out loud. So loud that I thought maybe Yovanes would cringe when he saw me like this.
"D-Did I do something wrong? Why are you laughing so hard?" He covered his ears with one finger each. His face turned red.
"Here, let me try." I took the apron from his hand and put it on. "What do you think?" I asked. I turned once to show the back of my body.
Yovanes rated me. "Yeah... I see... The color matches. You... Get prettier."
"I should have worn the pink one."
"No. Purple suits you better."
Now my cheeks felt hot. And to cover up the sudden silence, I said, "I'm going to the toilet for a moment. Wait here." I rushed to the toilet. I opened my shirt until there was nothing left except for the apron. Then I relieved my breath. I returned to the kitchen.
Yovanes scanned my body up and down 2 times. His mouth was wide open.
"How?" I'm spinning again.
Yovanes nodded. He patted the kitchen table for me to sit on it. I followed his wish.
While Yovanes stood in front of me. He kissed me gently. I felt like I was being lifted up high and almost hit the ceiling. When my phone rings, I try to ignore it. Definitely my brother, Bram.
"You will receive that phone call," said Yovanes in his shortness of breath.
I shook my head. "You asked or ordered?"
"I'm telling you. Pick the phone call up. It might be important."
I got down from my place. Then I leaned over to scoop up the phone in my bag. Yovanes hugged me from behind. Makes me unfocused.
"Hello?" I opened my eyes wide when I recognized the soft voice from the other side. I glanced at my phone screen again. I pushed Yovanes away.
"Maya? What's up?"
"You should have called first. But it seems you forgot?" At the other end, the voice of a woman named Maya sounded doubtful. She seems to regret her actions.
"Oh, wait a minute." I looked at Yovanes and gave a code. That I must accept this call.
Yovanes nodded knowingly. He returned to the breakfast that had been delayed.
"Yes, Maya... I forgot. Lots of exams and campus assignments. I'm sorry..." I walked away.
"How about breakfast? Are you going to the campus today?" asked Maya.
"Now? All right. Where do you want to take me?"
"Somewhere near campus, maybe? Do you have any class today?"
"No class today. But, of course. Let's have breakfast together. Tell me where it is. See you later." I hung up. I rushed back to the bathroom to put on my clothes again.
"Another client?" asked Yovanes without accusing.
"Hm... No. A friend. And I have to go." I'm getting ready.
"No breakfast first?" Yovanes lifted a plate containing 2 eggs and five pieces of sliced ​​meat.
I shook my head. "Next time?"
"Okay. I'll transfer your payment later."
"Didn't I say it was free yesterday?" I assured him that I was fine.
"For the one just now. I have to pay too. Next time we have bread for breakfast." Yovanes smiled broadly.
****
I forgot about my weak knees and growling stomach. Half running, I entered the cafe that Maya pointed out as our breakfast place this morning.
She was already waiting inside. The appearance is ordinary. She wore a maroon shirt. Her wavy hair, she outlets. She stood up when she saw me. From there, I could only see her black pencil pants and sneakers.
"Have you been waiting long?" I exchanged pleasantries.
Maya shook her head. "What do you want to order?"
I received a food list sheet from her. "You come here often?"
"Always coming here. I don't like new places. I'm a little old-fashioned." She explained.
While glancing at the interior of this cafe, I smiled briefly. "Hail Hall? Old School? Please, don't make fun of me. What's good?"
Maya spoke without averting her gaze at all. Her brown eyes are clear. "I always order the same thing when I come here. I have a hard time accepting change."
Since the first time we met, I already knew that Maya was a different woman. She doesn't act like other girls my age. She looks... Mysterious. She is quiet, but her words are light, almost without any force, at all.
But, among all students on my campus, what attracted her to be my friend? Should I be feeling alert? Perhaps, the girl in front of me is the daughter of one of my clients? Maybe she wanted to prove something and was waiting for the right moment to trip me up? Ah... Let's play the game.