Romantic Notebook | Anthology & Collection

Enigma by @The_Musician

Enigma
by The_Musician - Prompt 2 Winner of "Legends In Love" Contest.

*  *  * 

"Are you alright?"

Mason freezes at the sound of a deep, smooth voice; probably from the person he just bumped into. His gaze sweeps from the tiled floor, upward. He makes eye contact with a lightly freckled young man whom he's never seen before. He has a pair of bright, almost unnaturally blue eyes. The color is so striking that Mason almost misses the bright, nearly glowing hue of the man's fluffy hair. He also almost misses the firm, strong hand being outstretched towards him.

"Oh--I--I'm fine." Mason accepts the strangers hand, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."

"Same here, but I should've been. Wouldn't want to hurt a cutie like you."

The stranger winks. He bends down to pick up Mason's books, and doesn't notice the blushing mess he's made out of said male. Instead, he focuses on the titles of the other's literary interests, "Astronomy and marine biology, huh?"

"Yeah, I, uh, really like space and sea life. I know that's kind of nerdy--"

"Not at all. I love astronomy myself. I live for the beauty of the constellations. I'm sure you understand that..."

"Mason." he smiles, "And, yeah, I do..."

"Kai-- my name's Kai."

Both men hold eye contact; blue meeting dark brown. Mason feels his cheeks growing warmer at the soft expression on Kai's handsome face. The latter is smirking gently. The upturned side of his lips lead to a pronounced dimple in his moldable cheek. His tilted head gives the other male a chance to gawk at the connected piercings in the shell of his ear.

"Nice earrings. The diamonds are real bright-- they suit you." Mason states.

He brushes a rogue piece of his black hair behind his ear. The act lets Kai take a better look at the other male's sharp jawline. It makes his smirk widen. He takes a step toward Mason, and passes the neglected books back to their owner. Their soft, warm hands touch again. Mason attempts to hide his shudder, but allows for a soft chuckle to escape him.

"Hey, uh, I know this might be a little sudden, but are you busy right now?" Kai asks.

"No--just had my last class for the day. How about you?"

"I'm free. I just transferred here today and just finalized my schedule. Don't start classes until two days from now." Kai holds eye contact, "Would you maybe want to grab a bite to eat? Get to know each other a little better?"

"I'd love to." Mason holds his books to his chest; the area swarming with heat from excitement, "There's a beach not too far from here with some food stalls. Would that be good?"

"As long as I get to spend more time with you, I'm open to anything."

Mason turns his head to the side in order to hide his ever-growing smile. His new friend falls into place beside him, and the duo exit their campus building. They are met with the chilly air of early October. The hue from the street lights around them paint the area in a soft orange. Leaves crunch underneath their feet as they walk, but it is tuned out by the sound of passing traffic behind them. Even so, the duo continue conversing with each other as they walk together. Mason switches between keeping his attention to the path in front of him, and keeping his attention to the man at his left. Their smiles never leave their faces. Their shoulders continuously brush against each other with every other step. And although it is a rather frigid night, Mason can't ignore the warmth permeating from his chest and stomach.

The boys stop at a stall on the boardwalk leading to the beach. They grab two cheeseburgers; both dressed with lettuce, pickles, and a dash of spicy sauce. Kai pays despite Mason's halfhearted protests. The former replies with a simple 'Don't worry, you can get the tab next time.' The promise of the two hanging out again makes Mason swoon inwardly. He hides his grin behind his burger. Kai notices the gesture and smiles back with ease.

The boys munch at their snacks while sprinkling light conversation in between bites. Both males kick off their socks and shoes, and hold them in their free hands when they make contact with the cold sand. Kai leads and claims a spot a few feet from the ocean. Mason watches him sit down; the blue eyed male's hair bellowing in the soft, cold wind around them. Mason sits beside his new companion. He sets his belongings down onto the sand. With a quiet hum, he continues eating his burger. Kai, on the other hand, keeps his gaze up toward the sky. Mason does so as well after a few minutes. Since they're by the shore, there's not as much light pollution around them. The two are able to look at the stars, and even make out some constellations. It's beautiful, but something catches Mason's eye.

"...Eridanus is missing," he notes, "It's a bright constellation-- it kind of looks like a winding river. That's a shame-- that's my favorite one."

"That so?"

"Yeah...actually, when I was younger, my mom used to tell me that the constellations could shape shift. And when they went missing, it's because they took their human forms instead of their starry ones. That sounds cool to me. Stars are so beautiful-- they'd probably make beautiful people too."

Kai chuckles, "I appreciate the compliment."

Mason looks at his friend. He tilts his head in confusion. Kai looks back, and the other male gasps. Mason stares in awe and adoration at Kai's face; specific freckles along his cheeks and nose are sparkling. They shine like bright specks of glitter, and form a familiar shape.

"Wow..." Mason laughs in delight, "That--you're--"

Kai's expression softens, and his smile turns bashful, "I go by Kai because it's easier to say. But since you're so special, I'll introduce myself again. Hey there, I'm Eridanus. Pleased to meet you, Mase."