You look up and see the overall Manager of Fully Booked, Sebastian Bede.
The first time you met him was during the bid for the cafe space. He approached you having won the bid, reached out his hand and says, "Congratulations for winning the bid! I am Sebastian Bede and welcome to the Fully Booked team. Might I know your name?"
"Hi Sebastian! I'm Elena Buenaventura. I'm so excited to be able to place my cafe in Fully Booked!" You say as you reach for the handshake and match his enthusiasm.
The first thing you notice about Sebastian Bede was that he was a very positive and enthusiastic guy. He gave off an aura that screamed happiness and you couldn't help but feel it too. You also take note that he doesn't seem to be much of a manager either. He gave off this rather childish aura and quite frankly he looked young too. He was of lower than average height, a light complexion, and had a cute baby face brimming with a smile that compensated for all sadness. You found it hard to believe that some people could take Sebastian seriously as a manager. Although you figured that you would just have to find out yourself. On a side note, that was a rather confident handshake.
After working with Sebastian about setting up the papers for the cafe, there wasn't a lot of interaction between you and him. Until now, that is.
Sebastian pries Silvie's hand off of you. "Ow! What's the big idea?!" Silvie shouts in her outrage and stares at him menacingly.
He approaches her slowly and says, "I will have to ask you to leave Ma'am as we do not condone violence of any sort in our establishment."
"Who do you thi-"
"If you refuse, we will have to contact security to remove you from the premises."
He still had his usual smile up, but it was different. There was a level of intensity that you could feel just from a slight change in his expression. It was the same positive expression, but different. You couldn't quite tell what it was.
Silvie was surprised. She stays quiet but maintains an angry look. She looks over to Jordan and notices his annoyed expression. She changes her expression, she seems to be embarassed. She looks back to the manager then decides to leave.
You watch Silvie leave Fully Booked then turn your attention to Sebastian. You notice him do a short sigh and return to his usual positive expression. He approaches you and says, "Well wasn't that something?" You hear a little giggle. You couldn't help but feel relaxed all of a sudden. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. I didn't expect it, but it probably won't happen again. Thanks to you, Sebastian."
"No worries! If it does happen again, I would always be there for you."
You see the look in his face as he says that and he immediately panics and blushes. "Wait! I mean that for all my staff! Everyone! Not just you! I would be there for everyone!"
As you watch Sebastian stumble upon himself, you thought it was rather cute and gained yourself a slight blush too.
Sebastian regains his composure, but notices a few glares on him. He goes up in front of everyone where Jordan was and says, "Sorry, everyone, for the commotion! We will now resume Mr. Jordan Chen's booksigning!"
[[After the event]]Aside from the short conflict, the event was a success for all of you. You and Marvin had just finished counting sales of the cafe. It was a great first day for the cafe even if there was an event.
Brian and Villa are helping clean up along with Jordan's staff. Armand is simply continuing his work in the Fiction department. While Jordan was having a meeting with Sebastian.
"From now on, we will be having my booksignings in this Fully Booked for the upcoming books." says Jordan to Sebastian.
"That is wonderful, Jordan! It would make me happy to present your books here! Might I ask what made you decide on this?"
"Uh well, I just figured that it was a great place to have my booksignings. I thought I had more people coming today than usual. It must be a great Fully Booked in general. Heck, I might even find myself coming here every so often."
"In that case, I look forward to working with you from here on out, Jordan." Sebastian says as they shake hands.
You see Sebastian and Jordan exit the meeting room and wave goodbye to each other. Jordan goes straight for his staff, while you see Sebastian approaching the cafe. He comes up to you and happily says, "Hey Elena!"
"Hey Sebastian! Great event today! Sorry for the short interruption. The event would have been perfect otherwise."
"Oh no! Don't worry about it. Actually I wanted to apologize to you about it. I normally keep a very close eye on things like that. I like to make sure that everyone has a good experience in Fully Booked. No exceptions. It was a shame that had to happen to you on your first day."
"...and me." Marvin says from behind.
"Right, right, of course. You too, Marvin. Well then, I should get back to work."
Sebastian leaves hesitantly. He looks back quite a few times and you notice his different expression. He turns back around and walks towards you.
"Hey so... actually I feel guilty. I wanted to make it up to you somehow for today. It was an awful experience and it shouldn't have happened. While the issue ended without a hitch, I wanted you to end this day on a happy note."
You feel that it isn't necessary to be this apologetic, but he is being really sincere about it. Especially since he's taken on a more calm expression from his usual self. It puts a smile on your face.
"So do you want to have dinner later? I mean yeah, you would want dinner. Who wouldn't want dinner? With me, of course. No wait, I didn't mean it like that. This isn't going how I imagined it."
You see that he's stumbling on himself again. It still is cute. You already know what he wants to ask, but you're curious to see if he can say it.
"Okay so. Here it goes... Do you want to have dinner with me later?"
He finally says with an accomplished looking smile. Similar to his usual positive smile, but with a little more to it. You're happy that he was able to say it, but you still need to give him a decision, however. You think that you might have other plans tonight too.
Do you:
[[Go to dinner with Sebastian]]
[[Don't go to dinner with Sebastian]]"Sure, Sebastian! It would be great to have dinner with you later."
"What?!" Marvin says behind you. "What about me?"
"Oh, you're a grown man. You'll find something to do."
"Yeah, alright." Marvin doesn't look too happy with the decision. There's no harm with having dinner with Sebastian.
Sebastian, on the other hand, looks absolutely delighted. "That's great then! Let me finish up the work I have for today then I can meet with you after. Is that fine?"
"Definitely! I'll see you later!"
"Great! See you!"
Sebastian looks like he's hopping away as he returns to his office. You find it amusing how happy he was on your approval and giggle to yourself. You continue on with the rest of the day, looking forward to dinner.
Fully Booked and the cafe are closed, but you're inside waiting for Sebastian. It's been quite some time since everyone else had already left and you're starting to feel irritated. You wonder that maybe he's actually left and forgotten about it. Probably not. He wouldn't do that. Would he?
You have a better understanding now at least of why he is the manager of Fully Booked. While he looks to be soft, he's actually stern in his decisions. It's quite the opposite of what's visible really. Still doesn't quite fit the bill yet though.
Sebastian finally exits from his office and runs up to you.
"Hey Elena! Sorry it took so long. The report to the bosses was much longer today because of the event. You know how it is with bosses... or not? Anyways, shall we go?"
"Finally! Yeah, let's go! I'm starving. Where are we going anyways?"
"Hmm. Well I know this Italian restaurant nearby. I know the chef there. He's actually a regular in our Fully Booked. As I am at his restaurant. It's pretty much a give and take at this point. We could go there, if you're up for it."
"Hmm. Italian? Sure, let's go!"
[[Dinner with Sebastian]]You decide to deny Sebastian from the invitation.
"Sorry, Sebastian. I know you wanted to make it up to me, but I have other plans tonight."
"Well that's a shame. I suppose I won't be able to make it up to you then. I hope you're okay with today at least?"
"Yeah, I'm okay."
"Alright, then. In that case, I'll just go back to my office. There's still a lot of work to be done today, probably until late. Don't want to be missing out on some of them. Being manager and all. See you tomorrow, Elena!"
Sebastian leaves the cafe and walks towards his office. There is disappointment in his face but he's trying to hide it. You continue on with the rest of the day.
(set: $dinner = 0)
[[See you tomorrow, Sebastian]]Having reached the restaurant, Sebastian introduces you to the chef. The chef tells you how pretty you are and that Sebastian is a lucky man. Sebastian immediately clarifies with the chef concerning your relationship in an almost panicked fashion.
After having met with the chef, you two were sat into your seats, had given your orders and now just waiting for your food.
"So how are you liking the dinner?" Sebastian asks you.
"Pretty interesting start, I must say! You and that chef are definitely good friends."
"Yeah, I suppose. We take care of our customers as our ultimate goal. I guess that's what makes us so similar. We are each other's customers too so it makes it even better."
"Ohoho, I'm sensing something else here. Oh, don't worry. I don't judge based on that. You're free to do whatever, whoever you want."
"W-wait what?! That's definitely not it! I-"
Having noticed his surprise and frustration, you immediately drop the joke.
"Whoa! I'm just teasing you. I just wanted to see how you would react."
You laugh at his reaction and notice his embarassment. He quickly regains his composure and laughs along with you. You guys spend the dinner together eating and talking. You have a lot of fun during the dinner and he made sure you were having fun 100% of the time. Eventually the night runs out and it was time to go home for the day.
"Well, it's time to go. Mind if I walk you home? Just wanted to spend a bit more time with you." Sebastian asks you.
"Sure! You could call it the cherry on top!"
"Wonderful!"
[[Walk home with Sebastian]]On the way home, you and Sebastian just keep talking. You start to feel some sort of compatibility. You feel as if you two could keep talking about anything and it is a great feeling. It was like you could match Sebastian's enthusiasm. There was no dull moment with him. Only the fun and happiness of being together.
Eventually, you reach the front of your house.
"Thanks for walking me home, Sebastian."
"You're welcome, Elena! I did say I was going to make sure that you ended this day on a happy note. Was I able to fulfill that?"
"Most definitely! The most fun I've had in awhile actually! I honestly wish it wouldn't end!"
"Ah! I feel the same way. That's great to hear! Well... I don't know how to do these so guess I'll just be going then. See you tomorrow, Elena!"
As Sebastian begins to walk away,
(set: $dinner = 1)
[[See you tomorrow, Sebastian]]
"No wait!" you say.
[[Kiss him]]You wake up feeling (if: $dinner is 0)[good.](elseif: $dinner is 1)[great.](elseif: $dinner is 2)[excellent!] Yesterday was a successful event. Minor hiccup with Silvie, but the first day of the cafe is looking up. (if: $dinner is >= 1)[You had a pretty great dinner yesterday with Sebastian. It was fun and you were very happy.](if: $dinner is 2)[You also kissed Sebastian on the cheek after he walked you home.] You hope for another (if: $dinner is 0)[good](elseif: $dinner is 1)[great](elseif: $dinner is 2)[excellent] day.
You get ready for work and look at the name tag on your uniform. You smile and say to yourself, "It's really happening." You put on your uniform then leave for work.
Once you've reached and entered Fully Booked, you spot Marvin preparing early for the day.
"Hey Marvin!" you say as you approach the cafe. "Ready for the day?"
"Having an event as our first day? Today should be easy, replies Marvin.
You and Marvin are preparing the stuff for the day before opening when you notice Sebastian making his rounds to check if everything is doing well.
(if: $dinner is 0)["Hey guys!" Sebastian greets both you and Marvin.]
(elseif: $dinner is >= 1)["Hey Elena!" Sebastian greets you.]
"Hey Sebastian!" you respond. "I see you're doing the usual rounds."
"Yeah. It isn't something I have to do really, but I like doing it. I want to make sure that everyone starts out fresh in the beginning of the day."
"Sounds great!"
"Yeah! It does sound great, doesn't it? Anyways, I'll need to be preparing everyone for opening so you guys should start preparing too. Hope you guys have an excellent day!"
Sebastian turns to walk away but turns back, motioning for you to come over and says, "Oh, Elena. Can I talk to you for a second?"
You cross through your counters and walk up to Sebastian.
"Hey. What's up?"
"Hey so, (if: $dinner is >= 1)[I had a lot of fun last night with you. I felt like we had a lot to talk about and it was just great](if: $dinner is 2)[. The kiss especially, unforgettable]. I was just gonna ask if you want to hang out for lunch later. We don't have to go out. I can pass by the cafe and we can just talk. Would that be cool?"
(if: $dinner is 2)["You make it sound as if I kissed you for real", you say with the same smile as the dinner.
"Yeah well, all the little things count for me. So, how about it? Do you want to have lunch together?"]
[[Lunch with Sebastian]]
[[Work during Lunch]]You run up to Sebastian and he turns around to look back at you with a smile on his face. That great smile. You stop in front of him and you two just stare at each other for awhile. There is no sound. There is nothing else. For a second, it felt like an hour. It was an amazing feeling all on its own. The feeling of just having you and him in the world with nothing to interrupt you.
"Elena."
"Just hold still for a second, Sebastian."
You lean in towards his face. Slowly. Almost hesitating. You can see the nervousness in his face. He closes his eyes in anticipation. You're really close to his face now. You can feel his breathe on yours.
[[...]]You kiss him on the cheek.
Sebastian jolts on his surprise and places a hand on his cheek. You start giggling. You know he was expecting something a bit more.
"That's what you deserve for now." you say to Sebastian while grinning.
You see that he's frozen in place and even if it wasn't what he fully wanted, he still seemed to be blushing as red as a tomato. You shake him to pull him out of his stasis.
"Did I die?" Sebastian asks.
You laugh at his remark. It just wasn't the words you were expecting to hear after the gesture, but that's what makes it so fun.
"I see you're getting a kick out of my reaction. Well, at least I know you're ending this day with a happy note and I'm glad to be the cause of it."
"Yeah. You're right. You are the cause of it. Thank you, Sebastian, for making my night."
"It was my pleasure, Elena. See you tomorrow." He says as he leaves.
(set: $dinner = 2)
[[See you tomorrow, Sebastian]]You are in the cafe when you notice Sebastian waiting for you. He notices you spotting him and waves at you from where he was standing. You decide that you want to go out for lunch with him.
Sebastian lets you choose the place for lunch. You figure that you haven't actually explored the place yet. You also haven't seen any of the competitor cafes yet.
"Hey Sebastian. Do you know any other cafes nearby?"
"Hmm. Not that I know of. Why?"
"I want to go see what I'm dealing with in the area. So I know what I can improve in the cafe."
"Your cafe is pretty good already, Elena. I do know of another cafe though."
You and Sebastian walk towards another cafe. It looks like it has been here for longer. You notice the regular flow of customers coming in and out as well. You both enter the cafe. You find your seats towards the middle of the cafe and wait for your orders to be taken.
"Gosh. This place has a different level of class from my cafe," you say to Sebastian as you look around the place.
"Yeah, that's true. I think yours is still better though."
"Why is that?"
"Well, cause your cafe makes it feel like home. I always feel so relaxed in there!" He stops for a second. Taking a more serious expression. "Maybe it's because of you," He says as he stares at you, resuming his previous smile.
You blush at his remark. You couldn't possibly have expected something like that from him. He looks more composed now. You think that maybe he is just that comfortable with you. You can't quite decide, however, if its a good thing or a bad thing. He seems to be waiting for a response from you. Like a dog, eagerly waiting for his reward after a good deed.
What do you tell him?
[[Thanks. I feel the same.]]
[[The waiter arrives]]You decline Sebastian's offer for lunch. You decide to work during the lunch hour. You figured that you couldn't leave Marvin during the lunch break rush.
(if: $dinner is 0)["Ah, I see. Well, that's alright. I'll just ask Brian again today," Sebastian tells you. "Goodluck today, guys! Hope you guys have another successful day!" He smiles and waves at you and Marvin then walks away to continue his rounds."
"See you, Sebastian!" you respond then go back to preparing for the day.](if: $dinner is >= 1)["Oh. That's a shame. I figured since we hung out last night, I thought you'd want to hang out again. Well, that's alright. I guess. I suppose I'll just ask Brian again today." Sebastian says looking down. You realize the reason for his reaction considering last night, but there is work to be done. Sebastian turns and walks away to continue his rounds.]
You work throughout the rest of the day.
(if: $dinner is 0)[(link-goto: "END")]
(if: $dinner is >= 1)[[The next day...]]Several months have gone by. You work everyday in the cafe and you are fully content with the pace of the cafe. You have a few regulars that you've gotten to know and have made good friends with. You're also friends with everyone in Fully Booked. You treat everyone the same way and you mostly focus on your work.
You live on the rest of your time in Fully Booked working, until you finally decide to branch off and put up your own cafe.
THE END.
[[Play again?->Sebastian Bede]]You wake up feeling normal. Nothing particularly interesting happened yesterday. It was a normal work day with Marvin. Sebastian had asked me out for lunch but you chose to work instead. Everyone else pretty much just worked yesterday.
Time to get ready for to go to work. Now that you've achieved your cafe, you're a bit concerned about going forward. The dream of having your own cafe was finally fulfilled thanks to Armand, but eventually you have to figure out how to proceed further. You push the thought aside for now and head to work.
You see Marvin setting up early once again. You truly do appreciate the effort he puts into the cafe. You guess it's as much a dream to him as it is to you.
You saw Sebastian pass by the cafe again earlier. Probably doing his morning rounds. He didn't say anything today like he did yesterday, but he looked to be his usual positive self. Nothing out of the ordinary. Yesterday wasn't too packed either, you think that maybe you should have gone to lunch with Sebastian. Then again, you couldn't have known otherwise. You also think that maybe you can ask Sebastian for lunch today instead.
Do you:
[[Ask Sebastian out for lunch]]
[[Work again]]You come out of the counters before the opening of Fully Booked. You see that Sebastian is currently checking up on Armand in the fiction department. You decide to go up to Sebastian and Armand.
"Hey guys!" You say as you approach them. They both place their attention to you after your greeting.
"Hey Elena!" They both respond. They look at each other for a second, giving curious gazes, but return their gaze to Elena. "So what's up?" Armand says.
"I wanted to talk to Sebastian actually. Maybe you'd give me a bit of your time?" You say while staring at Sebastian.
Armand stares in confusion. He hadn't known the interactions between you two recently. "Uh, yeah sure. No problem. I had a bit of work to do anyways." Armand moves to regorganizing some of the books, but is evidently still paying attention.
"So you wanted to talk to me?" Sebastian asks you. He seemed to be in a sour mood. Still clearly emanating with a positive aura and putting up his impenetrable smile, but you can sense the difference.
"Yeah. Just wanted to know if you were interested in having lunch with me today. I know we weren't able to go yesterday and I noticed you haven't been the same since. So maybe you'd like to go today?"
"Oh that? I definitely wasn't worrying about that. You're being silly, Elena. I'm just being my normal me. Nothing is different," he says with a smile on his face. You can sort of tell that he's just hiding it, but you believe what he says anyways. "Although I am interested in going to lunch with you still." After saying that last remark, you notice that he was more at ease and had returned to his actual normal self, almost in a child-like fashion.
"That's great! Good to know that you're okay. I'll be getting back to preparing the cafe then. See you later, Sebastian!"
He giggles to himself and says, "Yeah, see you later, Elena."
[[Lunch with Sebastian]]You decide to work again today. You figure that you shouldn't treat each day of work too differently. Overconfidence on the work might spring into tragedy. You definitely wouldn't want to get into that position.
You slowly get into your work and enjoy more of it everyday. From here on, you decide to dedicate yourself to your work.
[[END]]"Thanks, Sebastian. I feel the same way... About the cafe, I mean!"
"Ah! Of course it's about the cafe! I don't know what else I could have been expecting!" He says sarcastically. He seems to be able to recognize when you're just toying with him. He really does seem to be more comfortable with you. You both laugh at each other and you feel closer than ever. When suddenly...
(set: $lunchFlirt = 1)
[[The waiter arrives]]The waiter interrupts you two and asks for your orders. You realize that he seems to be taking extra attention into your orders than Sebastian's(if: $lunchFlirt is 1)[ and Sebastian has definitely taken notice of this](elseif: $lunchFlirt is 0)[and Sebastian hasn't noticed at all].
The two of you finish giving your orders to the waiter when he responds with, "Excellent order..." He pauses for a second and gazes at your name tag, "Elena." He smiles and winks at you. You feel the blood rushing to your cheeks at your embarassment.
(if: $dinner >= 1 and $lunchFlirt is 1)["Um actually..." Sebastian says to the waiter, "I'd like to add a cheesecake for later. It's her favorite. Isn't that right... honey?" Your mouth is visibly hanging open from your face. You can see a little smirk on Sebastian's face in his amusement.
"Right, sir... I will add to that immediately. Will that be all?"
"Yes, thank you." The waiter then walks towards the counter, leaving a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. You just stare in awe.](else:)[The waiter leaves with a successful grin.]
[[Lunch]]You and Sebastian enjoy your meals together. You talk and enjoy each other's company for the single hour of lunch break. (if: $dinner is >= 1)[Similarly to the dinner, it felt like the longest time for you and it felt like no one else existed. A moment that you wish would last forever.] You both are almost finished with your meals and notice that the lunch break is almost over. You need to head back to the cafe soon.
"Ah, time went by so quickly! I really wish there was more time for us right now." Sebastian exclaims.
"Yeah! I was having so much fun too(if: $lunchFlirt is 1)[ especially with you]!"
"All good things must come to an end, I suppose." (if: $lunchFlirt is 1 and $dinner is >= 1)[He says almost in a sad tone. However, his eyes light up. "Maybe it doesn't have to end right now."
"What do you mean, Sebastian?"
Sebastian is taking deep breaths. He looks like he has something to say.
"I like you, Elena. I like you a lot. I was wondering if you'd want to go out with me again?"
You are surprised over his question. You like him too and you'd be a fool to say no, but something says maybe you don't want this quite yet. You aren't quite sure of what you're feeling, but you have to give him an answer]
(if: $lunchFlirt is 1 and $dinner is >= 1)[(link-goto: "Accept")](if: $lunchFlirt is 0 and $dinner is >= 0)[(link-goto: "FriENDs")]
(if: $lunchFlirt is 1 and $dinner is >= 1)[(link-goto: "Reject Sebastian")]You reject Sebastian. You feel a sting of guilt, but there are other choices to be made and this one just isn't it yet.
"I'm sorry, Sebastian, but I'm just not too sure yet. There's more things for me to do here. I can't stop them quite yet. I hope we can still be friends." You stare over at Sebastian. He seems to be in distraught.
"Okay. Alright. It's okay," he says to you. He recovers himself but not fully. He puts up a smile to hide his true feelings. Pretending as if he didn't feel it. "It's no worries really! I had to try!" He laughs to himself. His expression changes into one that has accepted defeat. A small grin on his face. "Friends it is! Let's go back to Fully Booked!"
It was hard to swallow, but it had to be done. You nod in agreement to Sebastian and you both proceed back to Fully Booked.
Months later, you are still working in Fully Booked and you've created a close knit relationship with all of the staff. You are closest to Sebastian though and you two have agreed to hang out every lunch break. You have dedicated yourself to focusing on your work from then on.
THE END.
[[Play again?->Sebastian Bede]]"Yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes, Sebastian. I would like to go out with you." You say in your happiest voice ever. Sebastian didn't know what to say. He was frozen in place. Probably not expecting you to agree, but you did.
"Great! Wonderful!" He says happily, but almost confused. He wasn't sure what to feel. What he did understand was that he had a smile so wide, that it simply wasn't his usual. He regains his composure. Does a few deep breaths. "I think we should go back now. We can talk about our next date later," he says with the face of success.
"Oh? Next date?" You question teasingly.
"Come on, you mean to say that this wasn't a date?"
"Oh definitely not," You pause, "that's because the dinner was more of the date." You walk towards the exit of the cafe.
"Ah I see how it is. So back then was a date." Sebastian smiles to himself, following behind you, exiting the cafe.
Months later, you and Sebastian have gone on a bunch of dates already. You could definitely say you are happy with him. Maybe happy enough to call him your boyfriend. He hasn't asked you to be his girlfriend yet, but you can sense something is coming up soon.
You are still working in Fully Booked and you've created a close knit relationship with all of the staff. You are dating Sebastian Bede and couldn't be any happier. You have dedicated yourself to working together with Sebastian in making this the best Fully Booked and cafe there is!
THE END.
[[Play again?->Sebastian Bede]]You and Sebastian return from the cafe. Not much words were said. Just the usual pleasantries. You both return to work right after getting back to Fully Booked.
Months later, you are still working in Fully Booked and you've created a close knit relationship with all of the staff. You have a pretty decent friendship with Sebastian, but there definitely could have been more. You have dedicated yourself to focusing on your work from then on.
THE END.
[[Play again?->Sebastian Bede]]