Kane approached Kate's Café on the second Sunday of July with a torn conscience. He had a ton of sex last week, and he was well aware that his power was getting to his head. He walked through the door and found the Café packed again. Just like last week, the only free table was the one next to the toilet door. He scoffed and looked around. An old couple was sitting on the corner couch, and he made his way towards them.

"You two have to leave now."

"That's right." The couple instantly got up and started packing their belongings. 

"Hey, what's going on here?" Kate was next to their table so fast he didn't even see her coming. "You can't just leave without paying." 

Kane turned to her. "Forget about them."

Kate looked dumbfounded for a second and then turned around to face Kane while the couple walked through the door. "Hey, how are you?" She greeted him friendlier than she'd ever done before.

"I'm always good when I see you." He felt instantly stupid after saying that.

Kate's smile turned awkward, and Kane could literally feel the cringe. Kane lowered his head and sat down on the comfortable couch. When he looked at Kate again, he noticed the tight black sundress she was wearing. It didn't have much cleavage, but you could make out the shape of her bra underneath with ease. He reminded himself that he didn't need her. He had plenty of sex this week. More than he thought he could have. On the other hand, his crush on her didn't go anywhere either. He still felt the same flutter in his chest when he saw her. Why did she have to be engaged?

Kane suddenly realized he was staring at her chest, and quickly looked up to meet her gaze. He felt caught, causing his cheeks to burn red. Kate, however, acted as if nothing had happened and took the leftover plates from the couple to free their table.

"What can I get you to drink?"

"Black coffee," he said, and an involuntary sigh escaped him. His own annoyance at her question surprised him. "I always get a black coffee."

"You sure do!"

Kate turned around to make it for him. He realized he used his power again by accident. That happened way more often than he wanted. He knew he had to be careful around Kate, but it was getting harder for him to resist. Every time he declared someone untouchable to himself for whatever reason, he ended up in bed with her anyway. It just... happened somehow. He would lose control for one reason or another. But he did not want to ruin Kate's life. She was engaged. He was determined to leave her be. Well, for the most part. She dressed nicer already, which was perfect. Next, he wanted her to flirt a bit with him. Just some harmless fun to make his Sundays here a bit nicer.

Kate came back and smiled at him. „Here’s your coffee, Kane. Are you having breakfast this time?“

„Yes, actually. I’ll have bacon and eggs. Oh, and make them right away. The other customers can wait.“

Kate wrote it on her pad. „Alright. Coming right up!“

She turned to leave. A guy from another table was waving to get her attention, but Kate ignored him and went straight to the kitchen.

„Unbelievable...“ Kane heard the guy complain. He was seated with his girlfriend, their cups and plates empty. It was clear they were finished and just wanted to pay. The girl looked pretty nice, Kane noted. She had long curly red hair and a decent rack. Her white tank top made it easy to spot that she didn’t use a push-up. Suddenly, he recognized her. She was the girl from last week.

„I had the same problem last week," she said as if to confirm his realization. "I don’t think we should come here again.“

Kate came back with his food after a short time and put his plate on the table.

„That looks amazing, thank you, Kate.“

„Enjoy! And let me know if you need anything else.“ 

„You should keep me company again." Kane didn't hesitate this time. "Come on, sit.“

„Sure!“ She sat down in front of him. „I have to get back to my other customers soon, though.“ The brunette shifted in her seat.

„Don’t worry, everything is fine.“

Kate looked at him and loosened her shoulders. „You’re right,” she said, her voice instantly more relaxed. “So, how are you doing?“

„I wanted to apologize for my reaction last week.“

„About my engagement?“

„Yeah. I wasn’t prepared for that. The truth is, I have somewhat of a crush on you, and I actually wanted to ask you out last week.“

„I... Wow, I don’t know what to say.“

„Anyway, I’m sorry for my reaction.“

„Sure. Don’t worry about it... So, do you like the bacon?“

„Is that all you have to say?“

„What do you mean?" She looked mildly irritated. "What could I possibly say to that without making it even more awkward? Like... you’re a complete stranger basically.“

„Well, I... Okay, listen. I’ve been coming here for over... You know what? No, I‘m sick of it. How about this: Forget what I just told you about my crush on you and the apology as well. You are the one who has had a secret crush on me, ever since I first came to this place two years ago. You found me instantly attractive, and from now on, you can’t help but flirt with me. It just makes you feel good and sexy. “

„Wait, what did you just say? W- What's going on?“

„I said the food is nice, nothing else.“

„Thanks so much, I made it with love, can you tell?“

„I totally can. By the way, I love your change of style. Did you do that for me?“

„Oh, you’ve noticed? I really felt like dressing up a bit today. Don’t know why. I usually keep it more casual for work.“

„You can be casual and sexy at the same time, you know?“

„Who said anything about sexy?“

„Oh, sorry. I thought that was what you were going for?“

„You‘re such a dog!“ She playfully swatted his arm. 

„No, I’m not. I’m a very handsome man who has a very special taste.“

„Well, you’re certainly not ugly. What’s that special taste then? I bet it’s really kinky.“ She giggled.

„Not at all. You just have to wear a thin, short, and tight tank top and a matching miniskirt. No straps, no bra, and you look perfect for work. It’s a simple, classy summer look, and you’ll feel amazing with it. Wear something like that next Sunday.“

„I will. I think I just have to.... yes... But I'm not doing that for you, just so you know.“

„Relax. You don’t have to tell me how much you crave my attention. It’s your secret that you want me to check you out.“

„Right. I mean... what?“

„Don’t think about it. What else is new?“

„We found a location for the wedding.“

„Oh... right. Now I feel bad.“

„Huh, why?“

„You just reminded me of something I wasn't supposed to do. Ah, never mind. Is it a nice place?“

„Yeah, it’s right at the- Hm?“

The guy who had raised his hand before was tapping Kate on the shoulder.

„Excuse me. Can we pay?“

Kate turned around. „Oh! Of course. I’ll be there in a second. Sorry, do you mind?“

„No worries.“ Kane said, and Kate made her way to the counter while the guy was going back to his table.

Without thinking about it, Kane stood up and followed him. His ginger girlfriend and he looked as surprised as they should be when Kane sat down with them. He spoke before any of them could ask stupid questions.

„I’m just here to make sure you had the best experience here. So listen up: You love this place, and you just had the best food, drinks, and service you ever had in your life. You will leave a generous tip, and you will give this place the best rating on all platforms you know. Do you agree?“

Both answered at the same time.

„Totally!“

„Definitely!“ 

„Very good. Now, tell me, are you a couple?“

They both said „Yes.“

„Alright. Then here’s a little gift for you.“ He looked at the ginger. „Whenever your boyfriend snaps his finger, you will instantly feel great. If you were mad at him or moody before, you will be happy and cheerful as soon as he snaps his finger. If you are in the middle of a fight, you will apologize for being stupid and do anything to make it up to him. Whenever he snaps his finger, you will agree with him on anything, and you will become incredibly horny. When he snaps his finger, you will gladly do whatever he wants you to do. You would strip for him, suck him off, or let him fuck your tits, whatever. Nothing is off limits as soon as he snaps his fingers. This cheerful, happy, horny state will slowly fade after one hour, and you will have no memory of being manipulated in any way. You’ll never regret anything afterwards. And now forget everything I just told you.“

„What the fuck was that?!“ The guy asked Kane, looking like he was completely insane.

„Act like that didn’t happen. You can thank me later.“

The ginger blinked rapidly and shook her head. „Act like what didn’t happen?“

„I don’t know what you mean.“ Her Boyfriend replied.

„Why are you being weird?!“

He shrugged. „I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.“

„Oh, come on." She reproached. "That’s bullshit. You know exactly-"

Kate interrupted them. „Here’s your bill. Sorry for the delay, I had a problem with the cash register." She looked at Kane. "Hey, what are you doing here?“

„Just wanted to see how they liked the food. I think they liked it. I’d better get back to my table.“

He stood up slowly and turned away while listening in.

„It was really amazing! We will definitely come here all the time now. I have to tell everyone I know. I got a lot of Instagram followers, you know?“ The ginger was babbling on.

„Here." The boyfriend said, giving her a bill. "No, no, please keep it. That’s your tip. It was such a great service. Thank you so much!“

Back at his table, Kane felt satisfied to see Kate happy with her big tip and the positive feedback. He had just brightened her day, and that was a good feeling. He shouldn't forget that. Kate made her way back to the counter, and the couple got up to leave.

„Now tell me what that was about,” the redhead started again. “Act like what didn’t happen? And don’t play dumb. I can see right through your bullshit. That’s exactly why I feel like I can’t rely on you sometimes. It’s a matter of trust and understanding, and we need to talk about it.“

The last thing Kane saw of them was the boyfriend sighing as they walked through the door.

Kane was a bit worried about what he had just done. He gave this girl into the hands of someone he didn’t know. Maybe he was a cheater or something like that. He didn’t care too much about the girl's free will and all that. He had seen and done too much dark stuff during this week for that. But he felt wrong to reward a stranger like that. The guy just seemed kind of nice enough, and Kane wanted one less bitchy girlfriend in the world. Of course, if he were truly evil, he could have taken her for himself. She sure was a hot one. And he didn’t have a hot ginger yet, he just realized.

He shook off the thought and smiled back at Kate, who was coming back to him.

„Sorry for the hold up. Is there anything else I can do for you?“ The way she leaned forward as she took his empty plate tempted him.

„Just the bill, please,“ he mustered all his willpower. He had to get out of there before throwing all his principles overboard. Just... one final thing. Kate came back with his bill and sat down without his direction to do so.

„You’re inviting me.“

Kate looked at the bill and back up to him. „Today is on the house. Just make sure to come back, will you?“

Kane licked his lips. „Thank you so much, Kate.“

He put his hand on top of hers, and before she could pull back, he said, „This is fine." She stopped moving. "I want to ask you for a favor. Can you reserve this table for me?“

„Sure. Just tell me the date and the time.“

„I want to feel like there is always a place for me here, and this couch corner is my favorite. You totally understand and support that. So you can’t let anyone else sit here. It just wouldn’t be right. This is my place. Can you do that for me?“

Kate nodded along. „Absolutely. Don’t you worry about it, dear. This table is for you and for you only. You can trust me on that.“

Kane‘s heart was racing. He was holding her hand. He wanted more. He couldn’t resist.

„Kiss me.“

Kate leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss on his lips. Then another. Kane leaned his head to the side and opened his mouth. Kate complied, and he tasted her tongue. When he moved his hand away from hers to cup her cheek, he felt the gemstone of her ring. Engaged. He let go of her, and Kate looked at him with wide eyes. Her flustered gaze quickly turned sad.

„Oh my god," She whispered, "I shouldn’t have done that!“

„This didn’t happen!" Kane said quickly. "Forget it.“

Kate smiled cheerfully. „Don’t be a Stranger, then!“

She got up from her seat and turned away, already approaching the next customers. Kane left before he could do any more damage.