The Quiet Customer (Part 1)
You noticed him the first time because he NEVER ordered anything complicated.
"Black Coffee".
That was is. Every single day.
Same time. Same tone. Same seat in the corner by the window.
At first, you thought he was just... quiet.
Until you realized he was WATCHING YOU.
Not in a creepy, obvious way. No-he was careful.
TOO careful.
Every time you looked up, his eyes would drop to his cup. Every time you turned away, you could feel it again.
Like a weight. Like something pressing into your back.
Watching.
Waiting.
"Your usual?" you asked one morning, already reaching for a cup.
He paused.
Just for a second.
Then-"Yeah".
But this time... his voice sounded different. Rougher. Like he hadn't slept.
You handed him his coffee, and for the first-
Your fingers brushed.
It was quick. Accidental.
But he froze.
Not just a flinch-no. He went completely still... like your touch meant something more than it should have.
You pulled your hand back.
"Sorry," you said quickly.
He shook his head.
But he didn't leave.
That's when you started noticing the small things.
The ways he always sat where he could see the counter. The way he came in even on days you weren't scheduled-but left the second he realized you weren't there.
The way your coworkers said: "That guy only talks to you."
"Do you know him?" Your coworker whispered one afternoon
You shook your head.
"No... not really."
But even as you said it, you felt it again.
That feeling.
Like someone standing too close behind you-
Even though no one was there.
Later that night, you were closing.
Lights dim. Doors locked. Music low.
You were alone. Or at least, you thought you were.
Until you turned around-
And saw him.
Sitting in his usual spot. Watching you.
"...I though you left," you said, your voice barely steady.
He tilted his head slightly.
And for the first time-
He smiled.
Slow.
Unnervingly soft.
" I Tried."