The Third Taste

The Third Taste

I met her for the first time at a quiet coffee shop in a posh area—my usual spot. I used to come there every day, sip my coffee, and read a few pages of whatever book I had in hand. It was a routine I started back when I was a university student, and it became my world—books and coffee, nothing more, nothing less.

I never noticed anyone around me. Not because they weren't there, but because I had trained myself to find solace in solitude. When you have a warm cup of coffee in one hand and a good book in the other, you don’t feel the need for a girlfriend or even a life partner. Neither women nor men ever caught my interest. I was isolated from childhood—life had taught me how to be alone.

But then, one ordinary day turned extraordinary.

She came to me and said, "Can I sit here?"

Surprised, I replied unintentionally, "Yes."

She sat, but I stayed focused on my book and coffee, barely noticing her presence. A moment later, she said,

"Mr., I’m here for you, and you're still lost in your book and coffee. You didn’t even notice a beautiful girl sitting right in front of you—one that boys would go to war for." She laughed.

I calmly looked up and asked, "Did you say something?"

Blushing, she replied playfully, "Not to you. I was talking to this cup of coffee."

I nodded, "Oh, please carry on," and went back to reading.

Then, she gently took my book from my hands and said,

"Mr., I’m here for you. You’re good-looking, and honestly, I’m mad about you. I’ve been coming here for a month, watching you. But you never notice anyone. Do you have a problem?"

I sighed.

"I’m sorry. I’m just not that kind of guy. I live in my own world—a world where only books and coffee exist. I lost my family back when I was in school. I’ve worked in coffee shops and bookstores ever since. They are my only friends. That’s all I have, and I’m okay with that."

I reached for my book again, but she was stubborn—beautifully stubborn. Without a word, she stood up and kissed me, gently but with purpose.

It was my first kiss.

Before that, I had never tasted anything outside of tea and coffee. But that kiss it was magic. A third taste.

As she pulled away, she whispered,

"Now you have a third taste in your life. Enjoy it. If you ever want more, call me."

She slid her number across the table, turned, and walked toward the door. I watched her until she got into her car, blowing me playful kisses through the window.

It was the most unexpected and amazing experience of my life.

That evening, I sat still for a long time, her words echoing in my mind. “The third taste.”

Yes, I thought. Maybe life is more than books and coffee.

I picked up my phone and dialed her number.

"Where are you now?" I asked.

"Why?" she teased.

"Because I’m coming—for my third taste."

Now, I live with three irreplaceable flavors in my life: books, coffee… and her.

And life has never felt more complete.

This is my story. The idea and experience are mine. AI only helped refine the words the feelings, the journey, and the soul are all my own.