Dainty and Dauntless

Mr. Watts, Miss Simmons:

As a man, I grind and make ends meet. There is minimal pleasure in this, and I certainly dislike the world's constant demand for I to step up each day. I beg of you miss, with your brilliance and magnificence, please keep talking. I'll listen.

                                      🌹🌹🌹

The school library was quiet that afternoon, the soft rustle of turning pages and the occasional whisper creating a serene ambiance. Natalie sat at a corner table, absorbed in a collection of poems by her favorite poet, while across the room, Illai Watts browsed through a classic novel he had picked up on a whim. The two had often seen each other in passing, during classes and in the library, but had never exchanged more than a polite nod. They had never talked, Natalie and him, but Illai may have wanted to that day. He looked up from his book and noticed Natalie engrossed in her reading. Something about her quiet intensity caught his attention, prompting him to close his book and approach her table. It's not very nice interrupting a person immersed so deeply in reading, he knew that, and he was so sorry he was going to any way. With a hesitant smile, he spoke up,
"that's a beautiful collection. Are you a fan of poetry?"

Startled by the interruption, Natalie glanced up and returned his smile. "Yes, I love poetry," she replied, her voice soft yet filled with enthusiasm. "This poet, in particular, has a way of capturing emotions and moments that resonate deeply with me".

Illai hesitated, "ahhh yes... Natalie Rose. I have read some of your poetry". Natalie looked in thought.

"The ones in your scrap book, I mean". Natalie chuckled, "of course you have, and what do you think?"

"They are good, but a bit too much for me".
Illai quickly added, "I've always been more into novels, but I appreciate good poetry too. It's like condensed emotion and imagery, isn't it?"

"I agree, and what book tropes might you be interested in, Mr. Watts?" The title slipped out before she could think it through and Natalie couldn't do take it back now. The ball was in his hands to take it or drop it. So, she waited for his reaction.
Mister?
It isn't everyday that one gets to be addressed with such politeness, he found it quite charming.
He laughed slyly, bent down a bit and stood upright, the way a gentleman would bow if he were talking to a lady.
"Well, miss, I fancy me a love trope specifically the slow burn romance."

"Interesting choice, and why so?" Natalie asked, actually getting intrigued with Illai's answer. He swung his arms, crossed them behind him and looked out the window, deciding to stay in character. After a moment of silence he turned back and made an attempt to answer her question.

"There is something about patiently unraveling someone's mind, thoughts and emotions. It's almost like a waltz". As she listened to his words, Natalie began to paint the picture in her mind; two people swaying to a tune so flawless it drifted them to each other's souls and she spoke her vision.

"It's slow, beautiful and gentle but with a grand finish of mutual interest". The words slid off her tongue and silence enveloped both of them, frozen there in this vision, becoming part of the feeling and suddenly their shared gaze had them breathless. Natalie pulled away first from the stare and she struggled to catch her breath while, Illai took a deep breath and chuckled softly. Whatever had happened had been intense and as both of them steadied their breathing and gave quick glances to each other, Natalie felt very shy.

"I will let you keep on reading, Miss Rose". Illai was turning to leave when Natalie spoke up,
"It's Natalie Simmons, Rose is just a pen name"

"Alright then," he turned back around. "See you around, Miss Simmons." Natalie chuckled, "there's no need for the Miss, Natalie will do just fine".

"Of course, Natalie. Neither will I be offended if you just call me Illai". She smiled and nodded.

"I'll see you around".

Illai turned away and left the room, smiling.
His body was filled with a vibrant energy. He walked fast, biting his lip to hold in the ecstasy.
What had just happened?
He couldn't explain it but he had felt it, the adrenaline was pumping hard and it was coursing through his veins, making rounds through his entire body. He halted, looked back and everywhere and no one was in sight. He couldn't hold it in any longer, he bent and clapped hard then he sprang back up with a jump. He felt alive like never before.

He was going to talk to Natalie again, he had to. Miss Simmons was magnificent.
              ...

Natalie had seen Illai walk off. She was dumbfounded by whatever had just happened just as much. It had been intense while they stared at each other. Natalie had seen herself waltzing with Illai in his eyes, and in that moment, it was like she felt them sway along, trapped in a forever dance. It had her breathless and she fought hard to break away. She did and gasped for air, rethinking about looking in his eyes once more and had tried to cover her burning cheeks. Illai had then offered to let her get back to reading and she appreciated that. She had really wanted him gone then. She couldn't bear thinking he had felt it too.
Had it affected him too?
He had looked quite normal a while ago. Natalie smiled and laughed when she thought about his choice of words. He was a brilliant lad and she couldn't help but admit that she was quite impressed by Riley's boyfriend.

"Atta girl, Riley," she cooed, "Mr. Watts is quite an interesting character"
•••
Natalie didn't see Illai very often but when they had a talk, it was all fun and jokes. He teased her with his jokes, and always got away with mocking her about her thoughts on life. He thought she was too serious for her own good while she thought he was too serious with his attitude.
One time, before break time, Natalie was on her way to the cafeteria with her usual attitude and she passed Illai. She had seen him walk towards her from the opposite direction and she didn't say a word to him.
Offended, Illai stopped and turned back around to call her. She turned and her expression softened when she realized he was the one calling her name.

"Yes Illai"
When Natalie searched his face, he looked disappointed. "What's wrong?"

Illai wiped his nose, "I guess I'm a stranger to you now".

"It's not like that. I hadn't seen you". Her heart tightened.

"Really?" he chuckled. "Alright then, good morning Miss."
He turned and walked away before Natalie could respond.

Shit!
•••
                                        🌹🌹🌹