Dreams and Desires

Chapter. 6 A Meal and a Mystery

After a rejuvenating workout at the gym, I returned home to freshen up before meeting Ethan for our meal. My earlier embarrassment and the mysterious encounter with the enigmatic stranger now felt like distant memories.

Ethan arrived promptly, and we set off for a cozy restaurant that he had chosen. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the bustling city streets outside. Soft lighting bathed the room in a gentle glow, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air.

As we settled into our seats, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of respite. The day had taken a toll on me, and I was ready to unwind with good food.

"So, Flors, tell me more about your first day. Did things get any better after we talked?"

I smiled, appreciating his genuine interest in my well-being. "Well, the day improved after our call, but I still can't believe I was so late on my first day. And then the guy I bumped into, Ethan. He was incredibly... intriguing."

Ethan frowned his eyebrows. "Intriguing? how?"

I was quite shocked by his sudden reaction. "I can't explain it, Ethan. There was just something about him that left me feeling... captivated."

Ethan's usually confident demeanor wavered for a moment, and I couldn't help but notice a flicker of.. jealousy?. "Captivated, huh? Sounds like quite the charmer."

I detected a subtle shift in his tone, and it made me pause. Ethan and I were close friends, and we had never tried to be more than that. Maybe i'm just overthinking this.

Ethan tried to regain his composure, his playful smile returning. "Well, as long as you're being cautious. You never know who you might encounter in the city."

"That is right." i agreed.

As we were savoring our appetizers and enjoying the ambiance of the restaurant, my gaze inadvertently drifted to the entrance. There, among a group of impeccably dressed individuals, I spotted a familiar face.

My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively lowered my head, trying to hide my face behind the menu. I could feel a rush of anxiety wash over me as I realized who had just walked in. It was the mysterious man I had bumped into earlier that day.

I whispered, "Ethan, that guy I was telling you about earlier—the one I bumped into at the company's orientation—he's here."

Ethan glanced in the direction of my hushed confession, his brow furrowing in surprise. "Here? Are you sure?"

I nodded, my heart still pounding in my chest. "Yes, he just walked in with a group of people. I didn't expect to see him again so soon."

Ethan placed a reassuring hand on mine under the table, offering me a supportive squeeze. "Flors, there's no need to worry, Just ignore it and let's enjoy our meal."

I appreciated his words of encouragement, but I couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled over me. The presence of the enigmatic stranger in the same restaurant felt like more than a mere coincidence.

We continued our meal, albeit with an undercurrent of tension. I tried to concentrate on our conversation and the delicious food, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious man and his unexpected appearance.

As I stole occasional glances from behind the safety of my menu, I noticed that the man was engaged in animated conversation with his companions. He seemed completely absorbed in their discussions, and I couldn't determine whether he had recognized me or not.

Ethan, sensing my discomfort, suggested, " why don't we finish our meal and leave? It might make you feel more at ease."

I nodded in agreement, grateful for his understanding. We decided to savor the remainder of our dinner and then discreetly make our exit from the restaurant. As we were exiting I turned my gaze in his direction one last time, I saw him looking back at me. Our eyes locked, and a shiver ran down my spine. It was as if he had sensed my presence, and his intense gaze sent a chill through me.