A click closer || Ren

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Chapter - 36

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You’ve been through more than most people your age should ever have to face.
And yet… you’re still standing. That’s something to be proud of

She then reached the restaurant and saw the old man, Mr. Phichai, the father of Leo, her manager, and the owner of the restaurant. He was standing by the door, unlocking it for the day. Even though the restaurant wouldn’t open for another few hours, he liked to get an early start.

“Good morning,” Lia greeted softly as she approached him.

Mr. Phichai turned to look at her, his expression softening with a kind smile. “You can’t stay at home even on your days off, huh?” His voice was gentle, but there was a hint of concern hidden in his words.

Lia gave a small, forced smile. “I was just bored at home and didn’t have anything to do… so I decided to come here,” she lied, her tone light but her eyes avoiding his.

Mr. Phichai paused for a moment, looking at her with a knowing gaze. Then, with a sigh, he shook his head gently. “Bored… or your home isn’t really a home to you?”

Her breath caught in her throat. His words hit her harder than she expected. She was caught off guard by how easily he saw through her lie. Lia’s eyes briefly flickered to the ground, her fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

“Let’s go in,” he said softly, not pressing the matter any further as he pushed the door open.

Lia silently followed him inside as the warm lights illuminated the quiet space. A familiar calmness washed over her. This place… it felt more like home than the house she had to return to every night.

“Well, let’s do something. It’ll take time for the other staff to come,” Lia said, trying to lighten the mood.

Mr. Phichai smiled warmly. “Okay.”

He walked behind the counter, rolling up his sleeves like he was ready for some serious work. “You hungry? Because I sure am.”

Lia chuckled softly, the tension she had been feeling earlier easing a little. “Well, I’m not really hungry… but sure, I can eat a little.”

“Good. Let’s make some noodles.”

They both headed toward the kitchen, a familiar space where Lia always found comfort. As they worked side by side, preparing the noodles, the silence between them wasn’t awkward—it was peaceful. Mr. Phichai cracked a few light-hearted jokes, making Lia laugh more than she had in days.

For a brief moment, she forgot about everything weighing her down—her stepmother, Mia’s constant taunts, and the suffocating life she lived at home. Here, in this kitchen, she felt… at ease.