Whispers of Friendship || ICT One Shots

A Lot Like Love - (Virushka)

Anushka sat quietly by the large, wooden-framed window, her fingers wrapped around a warm cup of matcha tea. The soft green color of the tea contrasted beautifully with the earthy tones of the wooden table. She stared out of the large window beside her as she thought, about how she was practically dragged to Kyoto by her cousin, who was eager to pick up some souvenirs from their Japan trip, but she was glad that her cousin forced her to come. Cause, her cousin's insistence had led her to discover this unique café.

Yes, unique cause, apart from being the perfect blend of modern minimalism and classic Japanese aesthetics. The café's windows were tinted in a unique way—those inside could see out, but no one outside could see in. It created a sense of privacy for the people inside, and well about the world beyond the glass, it moved at its own pace—The sky outside was painted in shades of pink and orange, casting a warm, golden light across the streets.

Bicycles whizzed by with a leisurely grace, their wheels catching the last rays of the sun, while pedestrians strolled slowly, savoring the calm evening. She was on a much-needed vacation, escaping the hustle of her everyday life in Mumbai. Japan had always fascinated her, with its perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. This trip with her cousin sister, Meera, was meant to be a time for bonding, relaxation, and exploration. While, Meera was, as usual, lost in one of the tiny souvenir shops down the street, Anushka decided to walk ahead and explore the area, only to find this cozy cafe.

Anushka took a sip of her matcha tea, its delicate bitterness mingling with the creamy sweetness of the milk. She glanced at her phone, noting the time. And knowing Meera she would probably be a while longer in the souvenir shop, lost among trinkets and knick-knacks, she remembered that she hadn't updated Meera on her whereabouts. In order to not worry her cousin, she dropped her a quick text.

Hey Meera! Found a lovely café just a lane away from the souvenir shop. I'm here now, enjoying a peaceful moment. Come join me when you're done! ☕️🍵

She hit send and set her phone down, letting out a contented sigh, as she took another sip of her matcha tea, the warm, earthy flavor a perfect complement to the cozy moment she was enjoying. As she let her gaze drift back to the window, she noticed a figure outside, standing on the edge of the sidewalk.

He was a young man, casually yet stylishly dressed in a navy blue sweatshirt that hugged his frame casually, paired with black chinos that narrowed elegantly down to his shiny, black-and-white trendy sneakers, and the navy blue baseball cap complimenting his fit. He was holding several shopping bags in his hands. He seemed to be caught in a moment of self-reflection, adjusting his navy blue cap and smoothing down his hair with a thoughtful expression.

As he meticulously straightened his hair, his gaze shifted downward to his outfit. He took a moment to check himself out, his eyes darting from his trendy sneakers to the sleek lines of his chinos and the casual yet stylish fit of his sweatshirt. With a small, self-satisfied smile playing on his lips, he began making subtle gestures as if he were examining his reflection in a mirror. He adjusted the cap once more, tilted his head slightly to the side, and then flexed his shoulders, examining the way the fabric of his sweatshirt lay against his frame. 

The young man turned around and stepped back slightly to get a full look at his reflection in the glass. He shifted his weight onto one foot, striking a casual pose, as if appraising his overall appearance. With one hand, he lifted the hem of his navy blue sweatshirt, pretending to check if his outfit was sitting just right. And then, as if completely forgetting that he was in a public space, he flashed a playful grin at his reflection and gave himself a mock thumbs-up.

Anushka couldn't help but chuckle quietly into her cup, hiding her smile behind the rim as she took another sip of her matcha. The man, completely unaware of his secret audience, took it a step further. He angled his body slightly, lifted his chin, and gave a dramatic hair toss—though his hair barely moved under the cap—and followed it up by running his fingers through the strands that peeked out. He seemed satisfied with the result, nodding to himself as if silently confirming, Yeah, I look good.