Rays of Hope

Building Bridges

Ria's POV

Days turn into weeks, each morning greeted by the comforting presence of Shadow by my side. With each passing day, I find myself navigating through the routines of work, interacting with countless faces, each encounter breaking away at the walls I've built around myself. It's as if I'm rediscovering what it means to feel normal again. It's hope.

One afternoon, I checked in for my shift. Silas, the one blue-eyed regular, caught my eye. Each time I saw him, I couldn't help but feel a strange curiosity. He glanced my way occasionally, and our interactions, though brief, were charged with an unspoken connection.

"Hello! Can I get an iced coffee?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked at the owner of the voice—my daily, charming customer. "Hey Aurelia, iced coffee, got it," I said, my lips curving.

As I got Aurelia's order, I kept glancing at Silas even though I decided to ignore him, who seemed deep in conversation.

"Do you have hots for that guy?" Aurelia asked, pointing at Silas.

"N-no, not at all," I stammered, placing Aurelia's order on the counter. "He's just a random person, always trying to talk to my kitten."

Aurelia raised her eyebrows, clearly not believing me, but didn't ask anything more as she walked away with her order.

After my shift, I strolled outside with Shadow in my pocket.

"Hey princess," a familiar voice called out.

"Blu- Silas...." I said, my tone clipped and dry.

His face visibly dropped as I refrained from calling him 'blue eyes'. "Yeah, that's me."

I nodded, and that was it. I didn't try to engage in any other topic, and neither did he. But he continued to walk beside me. We walked side-by-side, silent, unlike the world around us.

After a few minutes, Silas broke the silence.

"I wanted to ask you something...."

I nodded. "Go on."

Silas hesitated. "Why did you run off yesterday?"

"I remembered that I had work to do," I lied through my teeth.

"Oh! Well, why are you avoiding me today?"

"Maybe because you're irritating," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Well, I'm glad to have your opinion," he said, turning to leave. "I'd like you to know that I'm not bad to talk to, Ria."

I stopped in my tracks. "How do you know my name?"

He pointed at my name badge. "Your badge gave it away."

I glanced down. "Right. Observant, aren't you?"

"It's a talent," he said jokingly, but his smile didn't reach his eyes.

Good, I thought. If I hurt him, he wouldn't try to talk to me, and I could protect my heart.

"Bye, Silas," I said, turning away as I lost him in the bustling streets.

Silas's POV

I watched her leave, my heart urging me to follow. But she had made it clear that she didn't want me around. If she wants to talk, she'll have to come to me herself.

Yet, despite my resolve, I found myself following her.

I watched her navigate through the crowds, eventually sitting in a park and letting a kid play with Shadow. She looked calm and serene, so different from how she was with me. It hurt. But I decided I wasn't going to give up. I would keep talking to her until she gave in.

When she got up to leave, I couldn't help but follow. I trailed behind her as she strolled through the streets, my curiosity and determination pushing me on. Eventually, she reached a small house and went inside. I assumed it was hers. I stood there for a moment, contemplating my next move. It was clear she needed space, but something inside me wouldn't let go. I had to find a way to break through her walls.

With my mind set, I decided to head home. The journey back was filled with thoughts of Ria. Her small smiles and sarcastic nature had really caught my attention. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than she let on, and I was determined to find out what it was. As I walked, I replayed our interactions, hoping to understand her better and find a way to connect with her.

I entered my home and headed straight to my room. Once there, I sat down and began formulating a plan to help her ease up to me. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but something about her intrigued me. Beneath all that sarcasm, I sensed there was a vulnerability, a hidden side waiting to be discovered. And I was determined to be the one who uncovered it.

The next few days, I meticulously noted Ria's schedule, from her shift timings to her post-work whereabouts and even her meal preferences. I also observed that she had stopped bringing Shadow along with her.

One day, finding her sitting in the park, I decided to approach her.

"Hey, princess," I greeted, my tone laced with playful teasing.

She looked up at me and sighed. "Hi."

"What's with the sigh, princess?" I inquired, a smirk playing on my lips.

"I just realized I can never get you off my back," she replied, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "But I guess that's a good thing. I really need someone stubborn following me like a lovesick puppy."

Her words caught me off guard.

She chuckled. "What's wrong, blue eyes? Can't handle being my follower?"

Since she was playing this game, I decided to play along without mercy. Leaning in close, I whispered into her ear, "I'd love to be your lovesick puppy, princess."

The effect was immediate, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Seeing her embarrassment only fueled my playful teasing. "What's wrong, princess? Can't handle me being your follower?" I teased, echoing her own words. It was almost too easy to get under her skin.

Her defiant gaze only spurred me on. "Then be a good one," she retorted before starting to walk away.

She smirked as I walked beside her through the park.

"Blue eyes?" she started, "What's your full name?"

I chuckled, surprised by her sudden interest. "Silas Racanelli," I replied.

"Fancy, huh?" she teased, her tone light but her eyes betraying a hint of curiosity.

"What's your favorite color?" she continued her interrogation.

"Never had one," I replied casually.

She turned to me with her mouth agape. "You don't have a favorite color? Well, that's unfortunate," she remarked, a playful glint in her eyes. 

"Final question, who's your favorite person?"

I didn't have an answer for that. "No one."

She put her hands over her heart. "Blue eyes!!! You don't like me anymore?" she exclaimed dramatically, pouting her lips in mock offense.

"Princess, you asked for a person, not an angel. How could I have said your name?" I teased, a smirk playing on my lips.

She stammered over her words, a curious look in her eyes. "I still don't like you. Bye, Silas."

I chuckled. "Bye, princess."

Walking alone through the dimly lit park, I found myself lost in thought. It was a new experience with Ria. Had she finally opened up to me? As I strolled, the distant sounds of children playing and parents calling out to them filled the air. Knowing that I had brought a smile to Ria's face left me feeling fulfilled.