Gaze (Dark Romance)

The Ripple

"I think I'll go for the beige one" Katie's voice breaks me from my thoughts. I look over my shoulder finding Katie holding a beige long coat in her arms.

"Why are you so obsessed with beige Katie?" I ask.

She chuckled softly, her fingers grazing the smooth fabric of the coat. "It's not just about the color," she explained "It's about the feeling it gives me."

I arched an eyebrow. "It's comforting, in a way," she continued "Beige is understated, timeless. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm hug on a cold winter's day."

"But it's summer" I interrupted.

She shot me a glare, "I thought we were having a deep conversation"

"Taking a colour as a topic? you're better than that Katie" I shake my head in amusement

"Whatever, besides," she continued, unfazed by my skepticism, "beige is versatile. It goes with everything."

"Even in the middle of a heatwave?"

"Call it preparation for the inevitable return of autumn," her tone laced with mock seriousness.

"Of course, Katie of course" and we burst out laughing.

We continued browsing through the racks of clothing, exchanging banter and laughter as we did. Eventually, Katie settled on the beige coat she had initially picked up, and we made our way to the checkout counter. As she paid for her purchase, I couldn't resist teasing her one last time.

"Are you sure you don't want to grab something more season-appropriate?" I joked, gesturing to the summer dresses on display nearby.

Katie rolled her eyes playfully. "I'll stick with my cozy beige coat, thank you very much. Besides, who knows when the weather might turn chilly again?"

"Classic Katie predictions" I sigh and carry my bags to the exit.

As we stepped out of the store, the warm summer sun greeted us, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets.

"It's 5:45 wanna grab something to eat!?"

Oh no, 15 minutes before the 6 pm subway leaves the station. I need to catch it, No way I will miss the subway hottie. "No, I don't have time to explain HURRY!"

"Hurry where? AVERY??" I hear her confused shouts behind me as I move my legs as fast as I can to reach the subway. As I sprinted towards the subway entrance, my heart pounded I couldn't let the streak break-I had to catch the 6 pm train and hopefully see the subway hottie again.

I hear Katie's voice behind me, her words lost in the rush of adrenaline pulsing through my veins. I didn't have time to explain; I just knew I had to make it to the platform before the train departed.

Dodging through the crowd, I finally reached the station just in time to see the train doors beginning to close. With one last burst of energy, I lunged forward, Katie made it to sliding through the narrowing gap just before they sealed shut. As I stumbled into the train car, gasping for breath, a rush of relief washed over me. I made it.

"WHAT THE FUCK!?" Katie exclaimed.

Ignoring Katie I scan the faces of the passengers, hoping to catch a glimpse of the one person who had captured my attention. Where was he? I pull Katie towards the empty seats opposite where the subway hottie sits and gesture her to sit.

Weird how he is not present today, cause He is always there, ALWAYS. My eyes darted from one face to another, searching for any sign of him hoping maybe I was mistaken or he must have sat somewhere else. But no, he was nowhere to be seen.