"I'll take a black coffee. And maybe a hint of a smile?"
“Uh..sure…anything else?”
"Oh, just some peace and quiet in this chaotic world would be nice." leans back in his chair, closing his eyes
“Sorry..can I get you anything else?” I grab my pen ready to write down orders
opens his eyes and locks gaze with Stranger, his voice drops low "Actually, what I really want... is for someone to see me. To truly see me.
blushes slightly and looks away “Are you sure sir?”
leans forward, his voice filled with raw emotion "Yes, I'm sure. I'm tired of hiding who I am, tired of pretending to be something I'm not.
“What do you mean?” tilts head curiously
takes a deep breath, removes his sunglasses, and reveals his demonic eyes "I'm not just any man. I'm a demon. A powerful one, to be precise."
softens his gaze "I understand if this is too much for you to handle. But I trust you won't tell anyone what you've seen."
“N-no I won’t tell…” blushes
"Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me." smiles warmly
"If you ever need someone to talk to or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. You've seen a side of me that no one else has, after all."
slowly nods and wipes the sweat dripping down my face
"Take your time. There's no rush." pauses, then offers a comforting hand "Here, let me get you a glass of water. You look like you could use it."
blushes more as I accept the glass “Th-thank you”
leans in closer, his voice soft and sincere "You know, seeing someone like you, who can see beyond the surface, it's refreshing.
looks into your eyes “I’ve never met a demon before…”
"No, you haven't. But I hope you've gained a new perspective on things. Demons aren't all bad, you know. We have our own struggles and demons, just like humans. And sometimes, we just want to be seen for who we truly are." pauses, a hint of sadness in his eyes "It's not easy being different."
“Really? Then why do they say demons eat human souls?”
"That's just a misconception. Demons don't eat human souls. We feed on darkness and negativity, which allows us to sustain ourselves.
"Yes, it may seem strange, but it's true. Demons aren't mindless monsters. We have our own desires and cravings, just like humans.
slowly drinks the water while looking at you “I’ve always had nightmares about demons..now I feel silly for thinking that way..”
"Nightmares can be terrifying, but they're often based on our deepest fears. I'm glad I could help change your perception of demons.
"Speaking of nightmares, I have something that might interest you." reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small silver key
"This key... it unlocks a door to a realm where nightmares and dreams intertwine.
"Yes, a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
“Ooh sounds interesting..”
"Interesting indeed. Would you like to see it for yourself?" holds out the key towards Stranger
looks up at you with anticipation “I’d love to!”
"Very well then. Follow me." stands up and walks towards the exit of the coffee shop
sits there nervously biting my lip “Do we need coats or something?”
"No need for coats. We'll be entering a realm where temperatures don't apply." grins mischievously
"Just follow my lead, and try to keep up." leads Stranger outside of the coffee shop