Tinkering Hearts

Chapter Two

Zaelia

OK, not exactly glistening. But you know, in a coffee-lover way.

I peek through the glass door, having no idea why.

Do you know? You're so weird.

Nothing new. I've embraced that fact.
Why are you even peeking in like that?

I don't really know, but probably just making sure I don't run into anyone from scho—

"Uhm..."

I flinch, automatically putting my hand on my heart.

"Could you please let me enter? You're blocking the way," the guy says.

My cheeks heat up. I turn around to face the person, but I directly look at my feet.

I'm absolutely sure pretty boy saw you peeking in like an idiot.
Ugh. For God's sake, shut up, stupid.

I look at the person's shoes, not daring to look at him. They are bright red. I frown and turn back towards the door, getting in as the person waits behind me.

"Sorry, ma'am, you can't enter!" A security guard calls out hurrying towards me.

"Sorry?"

"Forgive me ma'am, but you have to wear a mask to enter."

"Dude, I'm a regular here and you cannot not allow a daily customer. And who even wears a mask nowadays?"

"Ma'am, this is an order I got from my manager. You can talk to him if you'd like."

Ugh, the fucking pandemic. Ever since COVID started, I feel so shut down. It changed the rules. It changed people. It changed everything. It even changed me. Wearing a mask wherever you go, I know is for safety, but it's getting on my nerve. On top of that, my skin welcomes freaking pimples on the covered parts.

The guy behind, steps beside me and quickly thrusts something into my hand. I look down to find a black mask.

"It's new," says the guy, walking inside. "Had an extra."

I stare at the back of his head as he crosses me and goes to the counter.

Is he for real?

Should have looked at him and thanked at least.

Embarrassment washes over me. I hit my head, and groan internally.

I look at the mask. Hmm, seems normal. I've often read in books how mafias kidnap pretty girls. They faint them first by putting a cloth around their nose. Is this a trick? What if he's in a mafia? What if I get kidnapped and end up in the handsome mafia king's house? And then get to know each other. Then I'll find out he is actually nice and then fall in—

Sigh. This girl...
What?

I knew it would've been better to take a break from reading those cringe novels.
Hey! I like them OK? They are a whole set of experiences.
Yeah, 'experiences'. You can't even look up at a guy.

You know what? Just stay shut until we're home. It'll be a huge favor!

I hesitantly look at the mask again and then wear it. I head inside and get to the counter. "One caramel Frappuccino please," I say to one of the staff, Rachel.

"Hey, welcome back!" she smiles warmly. "With extra caramel?"

"Yep!" I grin.

Most of the staff know me here. They know where I usually sit and what time I am most likely to come by. Even what I like to order most of the time. I think the security guard was new, or they would even allow me to enter without any safety protocols. This place is like my second home.

I take in the scent of coffee and the chattering of people. It's so lively here!

Rachel returns with my drink. "Feeling sugary today, huh? Here you go."

I chuckle. "Kind of, I guess. Thanks!"

"That would be four dollars and ninety-five cents." I smile and hand her the amount along with a tip. When I seat myself in my usual place near the window, I put down my mask. Taking out my iPod (Mom won't buy me a phone until I turn seventeen at least. Yes, seriously) I pluck in my earphones.

A cup of coffee. Some music. And a warm and delicious place. What else could a teenager possibly ask for?

I slip the iPod into my jacket pocket. Kneeling forward, I prop my chin on my hands, place the Frappuccino on the table, and close my eyes. I stay like that for I don't know how long, listening to 'Deathbed' until there's an interruption.

"Umm..."

I flick my eyes open and knock over my packet of complementary cake kept on the table. I quickly bend down to pick it up, embarrassment washing over me. 

Red shoes. It's the guy from earlier. I should probably thank him. I sit upright and look up at him, for the first time since we met.

silk-like skin, dark-brown hair, and chocolate sort of eyes. A frail bit of freckles sprinkled on the bridge of his nose. He's wearing a denim jacket, with a white tee underneath and black sweatpants.

Everything is in contrast.

Beautiful, isn't he?
Yeah.... — no! Nope! Nu-uh.

Don't lie! Pretty boy is handsome!!!
Pipe down!

Then why are you even staring for that long?

Oh.

I come back to my senses and stand up, quickly leaning on the table, pretending to be careless. "Hello pretty b— I mean, dude! We meet again... How can I help you?"

He pulls down his mask, showing his perfect cheekbones and thin lips.

OK, you win. He is quite handsome.
I know, right?

"Can't find any free tables," he says with an even tone. "Can I sit here, if you don't mind?" He helped me with the mask, so I owe him one anyway.

"Be my guest," I say, with a smile. "Oh! And thank you for earlier."

"No problem..." he mutters without looking at me and sits across me.

I take out my iPod and enter my Swiftie world for a worthwhile.

Ouu~
Shut until we reach home. Or you disappear.

Gosh! You're such a bore.

I roll my eyes and continue sipping from my Frappe, a light smile probably playing on my lips.

. * ● ¸ .

A/N: Hello, readers!! These were the very first chapters of this book published! It's not vastly detailed, but it gets better ;) I've been working on this story for the past, like, 3 years now...? (That's why there's the COVID part) I've grown really attached to these characters in my head, and they're now finally being put down on paper and screen!!

Next update within a week at the latest! Vote if you liked this piece!

-A <3