As they walked to the cafe, Roman asked, "So, how were the job interviews? You nailed it, didn't you?"
Eve smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "How did you know I had interviews?"
Roman chuckled. "I know everything, remember? Besides, I've been watching over you. You're going to get the job, by the way. You're too talented not to."
Eve's eyes darted around, ensuring no one was listening. "Roman, can we not talk about this here? People might think I'm crazy if they see me talking to myself."
Roman's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah, come on. You're worried about what others think? I'm the one who's been watching over you, after all."
Eve's concern grew. "That's exactly what I'm worried about. No one can see you but me. What if people think I'm having a breakdown or something?"
Roman's expression softened. "Desire, don't worry. I'm not going to let anyone think you're crazy. Besides, you're not crazy for talking to me. I'm just...a special kind of companion."
Eve raised an eyebrow. "A special kind of companion? That's one way to put it."
As they approached the cafe, Roman asked, "So, are you excited about the prospect of working at the hospital?"
Eve nodded, feeling a sense of enthusiasm. "Yes, I am. I've worked hard to get to this point in my career."
Roman smiled. "I know you have. And you deserve it. You're going to be an amazing doctor."
Eve's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she glanced around, hoping no one had noticed her talking to herself.
Roman's presence was comforting, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking a thin line between reality and insanity.
Eve approached the counter to order breakfast, Roman by her side. "I'll have a large coffee with cream and a croissant, please," she said to the barista.
Roman chimed in, "And I'll have black coffee and a muffin, please."
Eve rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Roman, you know you can't drink that, right?" She whispered.
Roman smiled mischievously. "Just humor me, Desire. It's for good luck."
Eve ordered Roman's coffee and muffin, trying to ignore him as they waited for their order. When it arrived, she picked up the tray and followed Roman to a table.
As they sat down, Roman asked, "So, why do you like this cafe? It's a bit old-fashioned, isn't it?"
Eve's expression softened. "It's called Daily Cafe. My parents used to bring me here when I was a kid. They loved the atmosphere, and I loved the pastries."
Roman's eyes sparkled with interest. "I see. And you still come here because...?"
Eve's voice dropped to a whisper. "It feels like I'm closer to them when I'm here. You know, having breakfast like we used to."
Just then, Eve's phone rang. She answered it, and a bright smile spread across her face. "Isabella! Oh my god, it's been ages!"
Roman's eyes locked onto hers as Eve chatted with her friend. When she hung up, Roman asked, "Who was that?"
Eve's smile lingered. "That was Isabella, my childhood best friend. She's moving back to America from France and we're excited to catch up."
Roman's expression turned thoughtful. "That's nice. You two seem close."
Eve picked up her coffee and took a sip. "We are. We've known each other since kindergarten."
Roman's gaze drifted to the coffee in front of him. "You know, I love that you bought me coffee."
Eve raised an eyebrow. "You can't even drink it, Roman. You're wasting my money."
Roman's smile was teasing. "I like the company. Eating together feels like a date."
Eve's face grew warm as she glanced around the cafe. People were starting to stare, and she felt a surge of embarrassment. "Roman, stop it. People are looking."
Roman chuckled, but Eve quickly gathered her things and stood up. "I think it's time for us to leave."
As they left the cafe, Eve couldn't shake off the feeling that she was losing her grip on reality. Talking to Roman in public was becoming increasingly difficult.