summer love

↷☆ 5

I scream.

Something just touched my shoulder. Or someone?

I whizz my head around quickly to look at the perpetrator. My potential murderer.

Adrian holds his hands up in defense, an amused smirk on his lips. "Sorry" he says silently. Silently? Oh right.. I'm wearing headphones.

I probably shouldn't be studying at the cafe when its quiet to start with. I definitely shouldn't have noise cancelling headphones on too. What if a poor soul comes in trying to order something? Or talk to me? They'll think I'm ignoring them..

"Sorry" I mumble, my cheeks burning hot. I pull the headphones off so they don't disrupt my messy bun and place them onto the small table with the rest of my things. Don't worry, I chose the table in the back corner. The one where not many people like to sit.

"I was wondering if I could order something?" Adrian asks. 

I haven't seen him since the day before last. Once he fell asleep, I wiggled my way out of his grasp and walked back to the cafe. I sent him a text for when he woke up to basically say that I left and I was here for him if he needed anything but he didn't respond. 

Maybe he hasn't got my number saved?

"Oh! And I'm sorry for not responding yesterday but I did see your text. I was asleep all day and thought instead of replying I would just visit you now" he rambles. Is he a mind reader?

"You're feeling better?"

I smile to dismiss his statement and ask, "are you feeling better?"

He faintly smiles, "always when I'm around you."

I stand up, trying to hide my blush and dismiss his statement, "What would you like to order?" 

He looks at the display cabinet then turns back to me. "You choose"

"Huh?"

"You can pick what I get, Belle" he clarifies.

"Me?" 

"Yes, you. There's not many other Belle's in Bridgevale" he chuckles.

"Why?"

He stares at me for a moment, "Why? Why there aren't other Belle's?"

I blink out of my daze from his perfect eyes. "Sorry, I meant why do you want me to choose for you?"

He shrugs, "Why not? I know you'll choose something good."

"Okay...." I mumble, thinking of what to make him. "Besides, it's not a big deal. Don't stress about it" he says, probably noticing my fidgeting hands.

Except.. it is a big deal. It's a big deal to me. I hope he likes what I choose. I hate disappointment.

"Do you want something small or a meal?" I question. "Up to you. Preferably something small though"

I nod, "Do you want something sweet or healthier?"

He shrugs with a small tug on his lips, allowing me to choose.

"Okay. Hm. I think either a pastries or cake would be good. You seem like the person who would prefer a cake or cookies, over buns. Hmm... do you want a cupcake or a cooki-"

"No more questions" he laughs. "Right. Sorry" I bite my bottom lip between my teeth.

I put on my gloves and pick up the utensil to grab a cookie. I stare at the selection for a moment before reaching over for a double chocolate cookie. My gut is telling me he would want this. He would choose this. Plus, I think I saw him gazing at it a few days ago. It's the same one I brought him the day before yesterday.

"Is this good?" I put it in the bag and place it on the counter. 

He nods, "it's perfect."

I let out a sigh and grin, "Really?"

He nods again, smiling at my excitement. "I would've chosen this myself, how did you know?"

I shrug and smile even more. Validation >>>

"Oh and by the way, I was going to tell you last night about your 'getting to know each other better' offer but something uh, something happened." I start, referring to Amanda's suspicious phone call. "-But I wanted to let you know that I'll take you up on it."

"You will?" his eyes widen ever so slightly.

"Yeah.. if that's okay."

"Of course it's ok" he replies, softly smiling. I nod and look down to my feet. I finally have an actual friend. One that doesn't work with me and isn't the brother of someone who works with me.

Two fingers lift my chin up so I'm staring into Adrian's eyes. Time stops. It's silent between us.

He stares at my lips as I blink and try to rearrange my jumbled thoughts. Please don't kiss me. I'm scared. I'm just a girl who hasn't had her first kiss yet. But.. his lips do look awfully soft. Imagine them leaning to touch min-

He quietly sighs and steps back, debating an inner conflict. "Wait, you said something happened last night. Was it Amanda?"

"Uh... oh. Yeah... it's nothing though- Wait. How do you know her name?" my eyes widen as I hesitantly take a step back.

His pupils dilate unnoticeably as he answers calmly, "you told me that was your aunts name. I was just wondering if you were both okay, that's all."

"Oh. I did? I'm sorry, I completely forgot. Adrian, I'm really sorry..."

"Don't be" his cheeks blushed  when I said his name. "But everything from last night is fine, right?" he questions one last time, probably knowing I wouldn't confide in him about my aunts spooky midnight calls.

I nod so he awkwardly does too.

After a few seconds, he scratched his neck. "How much are the cookies?" he asks.

"$1"

"Thanks" he mumbles, putting his hand into his pocket. "See you soon, Belle Millers" he pulls out a $100 bill and leaves it on the glass counter.

"Wait, Adria-"

He's walking away with a smug smile on his face. I inwardly groan. Adrian, how are you so kind? And somewhat importantly, where did you get all this cash from?

---

A/N: how she looked before Adrian came <3