My Beloved, My Dear

03

Mikasa woke up the next morning with a sense of contentment that had been absent for a while. The memory of her time with Eren lingered like a pleasant dream. She stretched, her mind drifting back to their walk in the rain and the gentle squeeze of his hand. It was a good feeling, one that she wanted to explore further.

As she prepared for another day at LA Café, she couldn't help but wonder if Eren would stop by again. She felt a flutter of excitement at the thought. Despite the rumors surrounding him, she had seen a different side of Eren, a side that intrigued her.

The café was already buzzing with activity when Mikasa arrived. She tied her apron and exchanged greetings with her coworkers before diving into her tasks. The morning rush kept her busy, but every time the door opened, she glanced up, half-expecting to see Eren.

It was around mid-morning when the familiar figure walked in. Eren's presence seemed to brighten the room, and Mikasa felt her heart skip a beat. He smiled at her as he approached the counter.

"Good morning, Mikasa," he greeted, his voice warm and inviting.

"Good morning, Eren," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "What can I get you today?"

"I think I'll stick with an Americano," Eren said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"One americano coming right up," Mikasa responded, turning to prepare his order.

As she worked, she couldn't help but feel his eyes on her. When she handed him his coffee, their fingers brushed, and a spark of electricity shot through her. Eren thanked her with a smile and took his usual seat by the window.

Throughout the day, Mikasa found herself stealing glances at him. He seemed engrossed in a book, but every so often, she caught him looking her way. There was a comfort in his presence, a sense of familiarity that made the bustling café feel like a smaller, cozier space.

During a lull in the afternoon, Eren approached the counter again. "Hey, Mikasa, do you have a break soon?"

She checked the clock and nodded. "Yeah, I have a break in about ten minutes."

"Great. Mind if I join you?" Eren asked, his expression hopeful.

"Not at all," Mikasa replied, a smile spreading across her face.

Ten minutes later, they found themselves sitting at a small table in the corner, away from the main hustle and bustle. Mikasa sipped her tea while Eren nursed his coffee.

"So, how's your day been?" Eren asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"It's been good. Busy, but good," Mikasa replied. "How about you?"

"Pretty good. I had some errands to run, but I couldn't resist stopping by for coffee," Eren said with a grin.

Mikasa chuckled. "You and your coffee. Do you ever get tired of it?"

"Never," Eren said, his tone playful. "But I think I come here more for the company than the coffee."

Mikasa felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Is that so?"

Eren nodded, his gaze sincere. "Yeah. There's something about this place, that makes my day better."

Mikasa's heart fluttered at his words, and she found herself at a loss for words. Instead, she smiled, hoping it conveyed what she was feeling.

They continued to talk, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Eren shared stories from his childhood, and Mikasa found herself laughing at his antics. In return, she opened up about her life, her passions, and her dreams.

The more they talked, the more she felt a connection growing between them.

As her break came to an end, Mikasa felt a pang of disappointment. She didn't want their time together to end. Eren must have sensed it because he reached out and touched her hand gently.

"Apologies for the suddenness, Mikasa, but would you like to go out again sometime?" he said, his voice earnest.

Mikasa nodded, her heart racing. "Of course!"

"How about dinner tomorrow night? There's a great little restaurant I know. It's quiet and has the best pasta in town," Eren suggested.

"Sounds perfect," Mikasa agreed, her excitement building.

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven," Eren said, his smile widening.

—

The next day passed in a blur of anticipation. Mikasa found herself constantly checking the time, her thoughts drifting to the upcoming dinner with Eren. She had never been this nervous about a date before, but there was something about Eren that made her feel like a teenager with a crush.

When she finally got home, she spent extra time getting ready. She chose a simple yet elegant dress and let her hair fall naturally around her shoulders. As she looked at her reflection, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

At exactly seven, she arrives at the restaurant. Mikasa took a deep breath and opened the door to find Eren sitting inside, looking effortlessly handsome in a casual yet stylish outfit.

Mikasa felt her nerves slowly melting away, replaced by a growing sense of comfort.

The restaurant was charming, with a cozy ambiance that immediately put her at ease. They were seated at a corner table, away from the noise, and the soft candlelight created an intimate atmosphere.

As they perused the menu, Eren glanced up at her. "Anything catches your eye?"

"The pasta sounds amazing," Mikasa said, her mouth watering at the descriptions.

"Good choice. You'll love it," Eren assured her.

They placed their orders, and soon, the conversation flowed as smoothly as it had the day before. Mikasa found herself laughing more than she had in a long time. Eren's stories were captivating, and she loved the way he talked about his friends and family with such warmth.

When their food arrived, Mikasa was not disappointed. The pasta was as delicious as Eren had promised, and they both savored every bite. As the evening progressed, they shared more about their lives, their dreams, and their fears. Mikasa felt a deepening connection, a sense that she could be herself around Eren without any pretenses.

After dinner, they decided to take a walk along the nearby river. The night was cool, and the sound of the water was soothing. They strolled side by side, occasionally brushing against each other, their hands eventually finding each other's naturally.