[ ensiger ]

black belt - round nine

Lorelai stepped out of the scorching weather and stepped into the cool air of the cafe. The bell dinged, alerting others of her presence. Many heads snapped towards her, looking at who came in. The heads didn't turn away. They remained on her, staring at her.

She sighed, ignoring them and headed to the counter. Quickly ordering a black coffee, she looked around for an empty seat.

She couldn't concentrate with so many people looking at her, ogling her. She didn't like the attention. Yes, she sometimes bathed in all of the onlooker's starters, but this was not the time. She wanted some quiet time to herself.

With another sweep of the entire cafe, she spotted a man, head down, reading a book. He wasn't looking at her like how the others were. Heck, Lorelai doubts that he even knew she was even inside the cafe. He looked like he was in his own little world, just him and his book.

He was different, she noticed. He wasn't like those that stared at her, sucked up to her, all because of her charm. Or maybe he hasn't realised anything yet.

She decided then. She picked up her coffee, heading over to his table. She waved a hand in front of him, trying to catch his attention. He got startled, quickly raising his head to see who had disturbed him.

He looked at the lady in front of him. She was pretty, no doubt. He quickly looked around the cafe, realising that there were no more empty seats. He could also see that most of them, if not all, were looking at her like she was a celebrity. He inwardly sighed. She was one of them, huh. Those that can turn heads at every movement she makes, and yet she chose to sit here. With a guy that just wants to enjoy his book and coffee.

"Yes?" He asked, unplugging one side of his earpiece.

"There aren't any seats around. Mind if I share with you?"

"Sure." He kept the annoyed look off his face and plugged back his earpiece, going back to reading.

Lorelai shrugged her shoulders, taking a seat and working on her assignment.

---

Lorelai was slowly getting bored. She was one that would never turn down a conversation, and the silence that was engulfing the both of them was suffocating to her.

Looking up, she waved a hand in front of him.

"Hey. How's your day been so far?" She asked, once gaining his attention.

"Fine."

"Do you come here often?" Lorelai asked, a smile on her face.

"No."

"What's your name?" She pushed.

"Why should I tell you? It's none of your business." He replied.

"Come on, just tell me. You never know, we may meet again in the future."

"I hope not."

"Excuse me?" She had never met someone who openly rejected her before. It was refreshing. Like a breath of fresh air. And Lorelai was enjoying herself immensely.

"Yep. You heard me. I'm not going to repeat it."

Lorelai chuckled, ignoring him. "Okay, I'll start. Hello there, I'm Lorelai. Now, it's your turn to tell me your name."

"No." He sighed. Why does she want to strike up a conversation with him? He clearly wanted to be alone to read peacefully. She really was going to be the death of him.

"Please, come on." She begged, eyes pleading.

"For fucks sake. Fine. The names Clay. Now leave me alone to read my books." Clay said, turning away to face the wall.