𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲

And Then There Were, Five⁰⁵

five, provoke

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

...

You were sitting next to one of the most famous authors in the world.

You've read only a couple of his books, but just from those, it's clear he's talented and passionate in what he does. And it shows as he speaks, despite the smirks he throws your way that make you question whether or not Anonymous is a silly individual, that he cares about his work.

Jean and Anonymous- you still don't know his real name yet- spoke briefly, giving each other a handshake and mutual acknowledgment was really as far as it went before your best friend decided to find a seat closer to the stage and watch the performance. At the same time, you and the blond man beside you talked.

"I will be honest, I haven't been... feeling myself lately. I'm at a weird stage in my life right now where making art just doesn't come as easy as it usually would," you admit, peeking at him from behind your lashes sheepishly.

"We have all the time in the world," he responds, his thin pink lips sparkling in the dim lighting. "We're both indie. It's no rush."

"Still, I'd hate to keep you waiting, I mean," you huff nervously. "You're Anonymous. I practically dropped everything to come meet you."

His smile grows at your words, his eyes sliding and crashing with yours. "I was thrilled to see your response to the email I sent you. I love your art, it's no problem, really, I wouldn't want anything rushed after all."

You nod, "Of course. I won't rush it," you say, looking forward, giving him a view of your side profile and long, curly lashes. "So," you turn and look at him again, his ocean eyes on your face but not quite meeting your gaze. "What is it you have in mind?"

"It'll come to you," he says, but that only makes you feel more anxious. "just like the ending of my book will come to me."

"You haven't finished writing it yet?" you ask, genuinely shocked.

"To be honest..." he shifts in his seat slightly, his knee making contact with yours. He doesn't move it. "I'm pretty early in the book. But having you a part of it will bring me inspiration."

You laugh and look down, a genuine smile stretching across your lips. "This is so cool."

You only frown when you realize that nagging feeling hasn't left since you walked in. Behind the counter, he's still keeping a close eye on you, the bartender with a staring problem. You wonder what his deal is, but you try not to let it bother you. He hasn't asked if you wanted a drink, not that you do, but you'd think with how long you've been sitting here... he'd have offered you one by now. Or at least started up some conversation.

"Something troubling you?"

"What's your name?" you suddenly ask your blond companion.

His smirk widens, "Curious? Hm, I'm trying to decide whether I want to tell you now or prolong the suspense."

For some reason, you feel as if there's some double meaning behind his words... you think it has something to do with his book, but don't say anything about it. "Why would you prolong it?"

"What can I say? I love watching people squirm with anticipation. From the mysteriousness of it all. Besides, once you hear my name, you might be let down. You're probably expecting something amazing," he admits.