Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 10: Going Out

As I stepped onto their tour bus, the air seemed alive with a welcoming mixture of comfort and home. The space was surprisingly cozy yet tinged with a distinct masculine energy; a blend of cologne, music, and lingering laughter. My eyes darted around, taking in every detail, each corner seemingly holding a story of its own. I couldn't help but wonder which bunk was Jake's, now imagining what it would be like to wake up here.

Just as I started to drift into my thoughts, Josh appeared, his warm smile breaking through my distraction. It was as if there was an unspoken understanding between us now, a familiarity that eased any nervousness I had just twenty-four hours ago.

It was nice feeling like I finally had a friend on the road.

"So, this is our place." Jake said, vaguely motioning around us. "Not much but.."
"Much nicer than ours." I joked, following him closely as he made his way over to their counter. He grinned back at me.
"Well, feel free to hang here anytime." He said, reaching up and grabbing two mugs from their cabinet. Between pours, Josh quickly shot Jake a wide-eyed look, to which he returned a swift stare, his eyes like daggers. I felt my cheeks burn, quickly averting my eyes to not intrude on what felt like a private moment between the two of them.

"Here you go." Jake said sweetly, very gently brushing the cup against my hand to get my attention again. I went to grab it, only for him to linger just a bit longer, holding his stare on me for a moment, making my heart jump at the feeling of his fingers almost intertwining within mine.
"Thank you." I finally managed as he eventually pulled his hand away and started to prepare his own cup.

He moved with such effortless grace, his strong hands deftly measuring out the grounds and pouring the water into the machine. I made mental notes of every detail, how he liked it just the right shade of dark, a hint of cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

But it wasn't just about remembering his preferences, just in case I ever had the chance to make him coffee one day. If I were really being honest with myself, it was really just about finding any excuse to be close to him. To stand there, almost within arm's reach, breathing in the familiar scent of coffee mixed with his subtle cologne. Each moment felt charged with a quiet intensity, as if the simple act of observing him created a connection that only I could feel.

Maybe it was the warmth in his smile when he greeted me, or the genuine kindness in his eyes when he talked, whatever it was, as I watched him prepare that simple cup of coffee, I realized that sometimes, the smallest moments reveal the most about what we truly desire.

And all I really wanted was someone who could enjoy life's simple moments with me in the same way that I did. Even something as small as just making a cup of coffee.

"So, how is it?" He asked, his eyes instantly lighting up as he took his first sip. I did the same, holding my stare on him as I got lost in the taste of morning. It was delicious.
"Did you make mine like yours?" I asked. He nodded, his smile growing.
"Yeah, do you like it? I can fix it if you wa-"
"No, I love it." I said, and I did, now knowing that it was just how he liked it.
"Good." He said, motioning up front towards their kitchen area. I followed closely, sliding into the booth across from him. Josh didn't hesitate to join us, sliding in close to me.

"So, what's on the agenda today?" Jake asked, taking another sip as he made himself comfortable, his foot now gently brushing against mine under the table. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if he would move it once he noticed, but he didn't.

So neither did I.

"Well, no show, so I guess that means we're all off tonight, huh?" I asked, looking around. Josh nodded, flashing me a toothy grin.
"Oh, does that mean we're going out?" He asked. Jake playfully rolled his eyes.
"This one always wants to go out."
"Are you more of a stay in kind of guy?" I asked. He shrugged, his smile growing.
"Depends, I guess." He muttered.
"On what?"