A Drop in the Ocean

Memories off of Main Street

      We sat there. At the little coffee shop, at table number 4. Hidden by the bustling and business of Main street that was right around the corner.

      I look at him as he takes a stir stick and whirls it around his coffee, but not actually drinking it. I watch the coffee slowly drip off his stick, as it creates a succession of little wrinkles throughout the cup. The motion of the first wave creating the next, till the rings of coffee splash against the edge of the dainty, white mug. Noya suddenly looks up at me.

"Hey Asahi?... Asahi?"

"Huh? Sorry Noya. What were you saying?"

"I asked if you head of the ripple effect?"

"Uh, I- no I don't think I have."

Nishinoya smirks.

"Well, it is when small waves spread throughout the surface of an area, causing one wave to create more, moving outwards."

      He continues to stir his drink and watches the coffee drip down the wooden stick, splashing back down into his mug.

"Oh, that's interesting."

      I look down into my mug of hot chocolate, analyzing the chocolatey froth. I dip my finger in and watch it drop back into the cup, creating those same ripples I saw in Noya's drink.

"Did you hear about that accident not to far from here? I hope they're ok."

      Noya states bluntly, as he stares back into his drink blankly.

"I hope so too."

      I sigh back, as I take a sip of my drink, clasping the mug with both hands. I feel the warmth of the drink surrounding my fingers. It's comforting.

      I continue to look into my hot chocolate after each sip I take.

      I enjoy these moments with Nishinoya. Just us two. As I look back at our memories, I think about the impact he's had on me.

"He's my ripple effect"

I mumble.

"What was that Asahi?"

"Oh uh, Nothing"

I shake my head and smile awkwardly.

The waiter brings us our check.

"Thank you."

      I say as I grab the waxy paper slip out of her hand.