The bell, held by pieces of red ribbon, jingled against the glass doors as we entered the café. It wasn't too surprising that a coffee shop would be open at 5:00, but I was just happy that this one was. 

We ordered our hot chocolates that would warm our hands upon the slightest touch and taste like liquid sweetness. Once I had licked my wooden stick (that I had used to mix in the fluffy whipped cream), the chance of buying seconds was evident. The syrupy and rich flavor overpowered all my emotions except for satisfaction. It was as if I was trying hot cocoa for the very first time.

We sat down at a nearby booth, enjoying the feel of the shop. Chan was humming a sweet and catchy tune, browsing on his phone while I sat there staring into space again. I tend to zone out a lot nowadays just watching the nature outside. Leaves crunched on the sidewalks by a stampede of children, crushing the nature with their expensive boots. There was beauty, though, in their innocent smiles. They reminded me of my younger self, running carefree around the streets with my entire family. I remember asking for candy from the chocolate store and getting annoyed at my mom for not letting me buy any. Oh, how I wish I could have her back now.

"You okay?" Chan looked up from his screen.

"Just spaced again." I clicked my tongue and went back to tapping my fingers against the wooden table in boredom. 

He hummed in response and put down his phone, putting his fuzzy gloves again for more comfort. 

"Ready to go?"

"Where?"

"I don't know yet."

I laughed and stood up, stretching. "Let's go then. See where our mind takes us?"

Chan stood up as well, but just as I turned to go, he grabbed my hand. I blushed, looking down at our intertwined hands. 

Chan blushed too, but then pointed back at the table. "Your... phone."

"Oh." I went back to grab it, thankful that I didn't leave it there accidentally. He was still holding my hand and I didn't want to let go. Instead, I pulled him through the jungle of chairs and furniture to get back outside.

"Thank you!" Chan and I waved at the barista before exiting. It was early morning, and the plaza was not yet very crowded. My teeth chattered at the sudden temperature change. Chan noticed this, and let go of me to take off his thick coat and start to put it around me.

"No no no, you're going to catch a cold!"

He shook his head, and insisted on letting me wear it. I finally agreed, and stuck my arms through the sleeves. 

"Thanks." My hand twitched a little, and I was fighting my entire brain on not holding hands again. 

He's gonna think you're weird! I sighed, and finally gave in again. I stuck out my arm for him to grab, but he was turned away at that time, looking at the street lights. How awkward, I thought. At that moment, I decided to make the boldest move ever, and in a second, I grabbed HIS hand. 

He looked shocked, looking back at me. I blushed madly, however blaming my tinted cheeks on the cold.

"Sorry..." I managed, attempting to pull away. 

"No, I like it like this!" He gripped tighter with his gloved hand. I smiled at the ground, happy that we were touching, even thought there was no real contact. 

I heard him mumble, "I can't wait 'till I can actually touch you though."

"What did you say?" I asked, even though I knew perfectly what he had muttered. I felt guilty that I couldn't give him what he wanted right NOW. 

"Nothing." He gave me a cheeky grin, and for the millionth time, I blushed.