The waiter stiffened, clearly caught off guard. He stammered, "I-I was just trying to help. She looked unwell—"
"That's not your call to make," the waitress snapped, her voice sharp but measured. "Your job is to serve, not harass. Now leave before I report you to the manager for misconduct."
The waiter's face flushed, and he hesitated, his hand tightening around the water bottle.
"Go," the waitress said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Muttering something under his breath, the waiter finally retreated, casting one last glance at Yu Holea before disappearing down the hallway.
The waitress turned to Yu Holea, her expression softening into one of reassurance.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" she asked gently, her voice carrying a warmth that immediately put Yu Holea at ease.
Yu Holea nodded her initial tension easing. "Yes, thank you. He was… a little too persistent."