Momoko's obsession - short stories

Befriended Fyodor (2)

"Oh~ I thought you said you were looking for a friend. You already have a group?" You tilted your head, your voice laced with curiosity.

Fyodor chuckled lightly, the sound blending with the ambient noise of the cafe, where the gentle clinking of cups and soft murmurs created a cozy backdrop. "Yes, I do—though sometimes they're busy, and I end up feeling a bit lonely. It's good to have a few reliable friends, don't you think? Or maybe you don't really need any?"

"Oh~ I'm afraid I can't relate to that one," you replied, pretending to be disappointed.

Fyodor narrowed his eyes slightly, a playful challenge in his gaze. "You mean you're always surrounded by friends? There must be times you're alone, right?"

"Well, it's tough finding someone who matches my intellectual level, which is why I usually keep to myself. Actually, that's why I noticed you in the first place."

Fyodor's eyebrows shot up, his interest clearly piqued. "Ah, meeting another intellectual is always a pleasure. Though claiming to be one can sound a bit arrogant, don't you think? Are you suggesting I'm on your level?"

"Oh~ I actually think you're even better than me, which is why I was interested."

Fyodor chuckled. "Better than yourself? You're either selling yourself short or giving me too much credit. How am I better than you? I just figured we were on the same wavelength."

"Didn't you just say it's arrogant to call oneself an intellectual?" You chuckled, catching him in his own words.

Fyodor smirked. "That's true, I did say that, didn't I?" He laughed softly. "...I'm starting to think you might be smarter than me."

"I wouldn't dare claim that," you replied with a gentle smile, the cafe's warm, dim lighting casting a soft glow on your face. "And since I'm admittedly arrogant, I must be right about your intelligence."

Fyodor laughed softly. "Well, consider that a compliment. I know I'm sharp, but you seem even sharper. Though that makes me wonder—"

He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "If you see me as such a brainiac, are you perhaps a bit smitten with me?"

"You're so straightforward..." You covered your mouth, feigning shyness, the action drawing a soft chuckle from some nearby patrons who caught the playful exchange.

Fyodor smirked and chuckled again. "I'm blunt, it's true. I say what I think. And yes, that was quite forward. But let me ask you—will you answer honestly, regardless of the consequences, or just sugarcoat it?"

"You know what they say, the eyes don't lie," you replied, locking eyes with him. The intimate moment seemed to isolate you two from the rest of the cafe, as if you were the only ones there. "I'm sure you can tell."

Fyodor smirked, then leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "You're a fascinating woman, you know? I feel like I can read you easily—"

He paused, staring into your eyes. "Except, I can't quite decipher your eyes. They're like a puzzle, always hiding something."

"Oh my, what a compliment," you said, blushing slightly.

Fyodor chuckled, relishing the verbal dance. "It's rare for me to give out compliments, isn't it?"

He smiled warmly. "I can see there's a lot more to you than meets the eye. I'd love to learn more if I had the chance."

"Who could possibly stop you from trying?" you teased him.

Fyodor chuckled, his smirk widening as you played along. "Maybe nobody can stop me, who knows?"

He leaned in closer, still sipping his tea now and then, and chuckled. "But you haven't really answered my first question, have you?"