Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 11 : Lincoln (Past)

After a stroll of twenty uneventful minutes, Lincoln found himself standing before Naomi's doorstep. Her front yard, an enchanting fusion of ancient greens and futuristic whites, retained its timeless beauty. The seamless integration with the neighborhood's natural ambiance, coupled with its distinctive touch, made it a sight to behold. "Ah, yes," Lincoln mused to himself, "She lives in the woods."

The clock pointed to noon, casting the house in its most resplendent state. Bathed in the bright aura of the sun, its design harmonized seamlessly with the natural surroundings. An ingenious blend of organic elements, devoid of modern gimmicks like holographic flowers or robotic butterflies, marked Naomi's abode. Stepping onto her lawn felt like a journey back in time. "It's my favorite, and always will be," Lincoln admitted as he approached the front door.

With a purposeful ring of the doorbell, Lincoln waited. After a brief moment, faint footsteps emanated from within, indicating Naomi's approach. The door swung open, revealing Naomi herself, her expression neutral. "Yes?" she inquired without the formality of a greeting. Lincoln, undeterred, decided to break the ice.

"Hey," he greeted with a genuine smile, finding joy in the sight of Naomi. The minimal response from her side wasn't surprising, given her reserved nature. Unhappy with her curt greeting, Naomi managed a small pout and looked away. "Hi," she mumbled, a subtle acknowledgment of Lincoln's presence.

In the understated exchange, a silent understanding lingered between them, a familiarity that transcended the need for elaborate words.

Naomi was beautiful. She had distinctive purple hair, a permanent fixture since the day she decided on the unconventional dye. Over time, it had grown on Lincoln so much that he found it hard to recall her previous appearance with coffee-brown hair. The vibrant hue complemented her emerald green eyes, creating a striking combination that held a certain allure. Her eyes resembled those of Lincoln's mother, which added to the impact Naomi had on him.

Always the enigmatic figure within the group, Naomi embraced a moody demeanor. Her words were sparingly used, reserved for moments of necessity. Today, she stood before Lincoln, an embodiment of quiet elegance.

She wore a simple yet stylish outfit, a charcoal gray oversized sweater that cascaded effortlessly over her frame. Dark jeans adorned her slender legs, and a pair of worn-in, comfortable sneakers hinted at a penchant for practicality. Despite the minimalism, there was an undeniable grace in her presence, a silent confidence that spoke volumes in its subtlety.

Lincoln found himself, yet again, captivated by Naomi. She was also the only one who shared his passion for inventing and Lincoln couldn't help but feel a profound sense of love for her.

Opting not to immediately step into the house, unlike his visits with others, Lincoln patiently waited for Naomi to extend an invitation, a gesture he knew might never come, given her reserved nature. Uncertain about how to initiate conversation, Lincoln nervously fidgeted with his knuckles.

In response, Naomi tilted her head slightly, as if subtly repeating her unspoken question. This small gesture eased Lincoln's apprehension; at least, she seemed interested in his presence. 

Naomi stood there, absentmindedly playing with her hair, a characteristic habit of hers. As Lincoln finally mustered the courage to say something, she raised her eyebrows, a silent prompt for him to speak. The air between them held a delicate tension, the unspoken understanding of their shared connection lingering in the quietude.

"We decided to form a club. It was a sudden idea after Dexter and I renovated a cave we stumbled upon during our last hiking trip. It might sound random, but I developed a liking for that cave. So, we turned it into more of a hideout, and we've already got Destry on board. We thought of inviting the others too and I was thinking of you-" Lincoln began explaining, but Naomi swiftly cut him off with a blunt, "No."