The World Above

Chapter 31: Conversation at the Cafe

Felix and I make our way down Mike's apartment. I'm still hurt but I feel a bit better. Crying out loud helped me a lot, it always does. I have a feeling that Felix keeps stealing glances at me.

We reach the end of the alleyway. His Kawasaki Ninja is standing there, basking in the sun. Yes I do know what type of bike it is. This is what living with brothers does to you.

"So...ummm... where to?" He asks, unable to look me squarely in the eye. "I know this place called Cafe Internet. It's 5 minutes drive from here, let's go there." I reply. He nods and gets on the bike. He hands me his helmet.

I take it. "What about you?" I try not to show my concern too much.  "Don't worry princess! I have experience of riding the bike."

"Don't call me princess! I still haven't forgiven you!" I scold him, though I secretly like this new nickname. I put on the helmet and get on the bike.

As soon as I get on, I suddenly feel a bit elevated and it seems I'll fall off any minute. So, even though I don't want to, I hold Felix's shirt, tightly.

With a deep breath, I closed my eyes, trying to mask my anxiety with a facade of indifference. Felix revved the engine and we merged into the chaotic flow of traffic. It took half my energy not to scream in horror at his speed and the other half to not hug the driver.

I keep my eyes closed throughout the ride and it is only when Felix calls out to me do I open them and get out. I get down, giddy at first, but soon find my footing.

We enter the Café, the atmosphere shifted, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the anticipation hanging between us. Gabriel greeted us at the counter.

"Ah, Haven! Bonjour!" Gabriel exclaimed as he spotted her, his face lighting up with genuine warmth. Turning to Felix, whom he didn't recognize, he extended a hand. "And who might this be? Your boyfriend, perhaps?"

My cheeks turned a deep shade of pink at Gabriel's assumption. Before I could correct him though, Felix's hand gently squeezed my shoulder, his touch both reassuring and unexpected.

"We do seem like a good couple don't we? Any ways Monsieur, we would be delighted if you could get us a private area." Felix requested, his tone calm yet also cheeky. "We need to have a very private conversation."

As Felix winked at him, Gabriel's eyes widened in playful surprise, a mischievous grin spreading across his face like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. "Ah, I see!" he exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm, his French accent adding an extra flair to his words. "So, you really are Haven's charming beau!"

My cheeks flushed even deeper at Gabriel's bubbly response, my embarrassment evident in the way I shifted uncomfortably on my feet. Felix's playful gesture had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and mortification at Gabriel's animated reaction.

With a theatrical flourish, Gabriel waved a hand in the air. "Fear not, my dear friends! I shall find you the most romantic spot in the café for your private tête-à-tête," he declared, his tone brimming with comedic flair. "Follow me, lovebirds!"

At his announcement, the other customers of the Café turned their attention at me and I was mortified. I tried to hide myself while Felix enjoyed it. I giggled nervously at Gabriel's theatrical antics, shooting Felix a playful yet reproachful glance.

As Gabriel led us through the bustling café, my embarrassment lingered, my cheeks still tinged with pink from the playful exchange. However, as we rounded a corner, my embarrassment slowly gave way to amazement as we entered a hidden alcove tucked away from the main seating area.