Neither had expected the other to be his blind date.
Surprise mingled with absurdity. For a moment, all that remained between them were awkward, restrained smiles.
"Let's... sit down first," Xiao Jun suggested, rubbing the tip of his nose. He looked so uncomfortable that even watching him felt a little embarrassing.
"I really didn't expect to see you here."
"Neither did I."
After that brief exchange, silence spread again. Fortunately, soft piano music drifted through the café, barely keeping the suffocating awkwardness at bay.
"Shall we order something to drink first?" Xiao Jun's ears were visibly red, and his fingers fumbled with the menu. He even accidentally knocked over the water glass on the table. Only then did Shen Yi realize that this doctor, reputed to be steady and reliable, apparently had a flustered side in private.
"I hear the cappuccino here is famous. Quite a few people come just for it."
"Then I'll try the cappuccino too."
"Two cappuccinos, please."
Once the order was placed, Xiao Jun seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
He covered his still-warm cheeks with both hands and peeked at Shen Yi through his fingers, looking somewhat strained.
"I should explain first, so you don't misunderstand... I wasn't the one who asked for this setup today."
"Mm."
"It really was just a coincidence. You can tell from how nervous I am-I'm practically sweating..."
"I understand. I won't misunderstand."
Seeing him explain so anxiously, Shen Yi couldn't help chuckling.
That eased the stiff atmosphere considerably.
Before long, two elegantly presented cappuccinos arrived.
A small sip revealed a perfect blend of espresso's slight bitterness and hot milk's mellow richness. It certainly lived up to its reputation.
Even then, Xiao Jun still seemed not to have fully recovered from his surprise.
As he drank his coffee, his