Electric Love -Joost Klein-

Chapter seven

As I walked into the coffee shop, I felt the hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fill the air. As I stepped inside, Joost followed right behind me, his presence somehow making the space around me feel a little warmer. The interior of the coffee shop was cozy and inviting, filled with the soft chatter of patrons and the clinking of cups. I glanced around, taking in the rustic decor and the soft lighting that seemed to enhance the ambiance.

Joost took my hand in his, gently guiding me toward a quiet booth tucked away in a secluded corner. The feeling of his warm hand around mine sent a shiver through me. He gracefully pulled out a chair for me, gesturing for me to sit down. I smiled at his gesture, appreciating the way he was taking care of me. "Thank you." I repeated softly, taking my seat at the booth. Joost sat down across from me, sliding into the seat with an easy grace.

There was a moment of awkward silence between us. Joost seemed to notice the moment also, and he quickly broke it with a casual smile. "So," he began, his eyes holding mine in a steady gaze, "How have you been since last night?" "Uhm, I feel a lot better. But I didn't really sleep well." I said with a breathy laugh. He nodded in understanding, a sympathetic look in his eyes. "That make sense," he replied, his voice softening. "Did you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?" "Little bit of both? I guess." Joost smiled faintly, a hint of concern in his eyes. "That sounds rough," he said, genuinely sympathetic. "I've head nights like that too. It's like your mind just won't shut off no matter how tired you are." "Yeah..." I trailed off.

Joost could sense that I was still feeling a bit off, despite my attempt to brush it off. He observed me slightly for a moment, as if studying my expression. "Is everything alright?" He asked gently, his gaze intently fixed on me. "I'm okay, just a little bit nervous." I said with a nervous laugh. Joost chuckled softly at my nervousness, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a charming smile. "No need to be nervous," he reassured me, his voice warm and gentle. "I'm here, and it's just coffee, remember? It's all good." That's just what I'm nervous about I thought. I tried to change the subject "But uhm, how are you?" Joost observed the way I quickly changed the subject, his curiosity piqued. He could tell there was something on my mind that I wasn't saying. But he decided not to press it, respecting my need to change the topic. "I'm doing well, thanks," he replied smoothly. "Just got up a while ago, still feeling a little groggy. Coffee will fix that."

Just as I wanted to say something, the waiter arrived at our table, interrupting the conversation with a cheerful smile. "Good morning," he greeted us both. "What can I get you today?" Joost took the lead and placed his order first, his low, velvety voice sounding even more pleasant in the cozy atmosphere. "I'll have a black coffee, please." He said, his gaze flickering briefly back to me before returning his attention back to the waiter. The waiter's attention shifted on to me, waiting for me to place my order next. I felt a pang of nervousness again, but I quickly reminded myself that it was just a simple order. I gave a slight smile and replied "I'll have a latte macchiato, please." The waiter wrote down my order, nodding in acknowledgment. "Coming right up." He said before walking away.

As I said there fidgeting and contemplating my nervousness, a million thought went through my mind. I scolded myself silently, wondering why something as simple as getting coffee with Joost was leaving me so flustered. Meanwhile, Joost observed my anxious demeanor, his eyes studying my expression intently. He noticed the way my fingers fidgeted with the strand of hair, and he could almost hear the internal monologue I was having.

Joost leaned forward slightly, his eyes locked on mine. "You seem lost in thought." He observed, his voice low and gentle. There was a moment of confusion in my eyes as I snapped back into reality, realizing that Joost had spoken. "Oh, I'm sorry." Joost smiled warmly, shaking his head slightly. "No need to apologize," he assured me. "But if something was bothering you, you'd tell me, right?" "Yeah, of course." I said to him smiling slightly. Joost held his gaze for a moment longer before nodding. He could tell that I wasn't completely opening up, but he knew that pushing me would do no good. So he silently accepted my answer with a small smile. Just then the waiter returned with our drinks. He placed a steaming cup of black coffee in front of Joost and a latte macchiato in front of me.