See you in the Aisle!

Chapter 6

Beneath the moon's pale, wistful gaze, they stand,

Where tides do whisper secrets soft and grand.

Through shadows deep and fears entwined, they strive,

To find where true affection's light shall thrive.

Over the next few weeks, Matteo and I continued to exchange messages. Our conversations became a highlight of my days, filled with playful banter and shared stories. Matteo had a knack for making me smile, even on the most challenging days.

One evening, as I was buried in textbooks, my phone buzzed with a new message.

Matteo: "I've just discovered a new culinary masterpiece. It's called the 'cereal sandwich.' Not as glamorous as it sounds."

I chuckled, imagining Matteo's attempts at unconventional cooking. I replied with a smirk.

Aria: "Does it come with a side of 'I'll never be a chef'?"

Matteo: "Definitely. But it does come with a full serving of 'why did I try this?'"

Our exchanges were a source of joy, a way to connect despite the distance between us.

Matteo: "Guess who's in town and wants to buy you a coffee? Hint: He's not a chef and has a terrible sense of humor."

I laughed out loud, replying with a grin.

Aria: "I'm intrigued! I suppose I could use a break from studying. Where should we meet?"

The day arrived, and I walked into the cozy café where Matteo was already waiting. His smile was warm and genuine as he stood to greet me.

"Hey, Aria!" he said, his eyes lighting up. "I was afraid I'd scare you off with my cereal sandwich stories."

I laughed, settling into the chair across from him. "You're safe. I'm more interested in what you're going to order than your culinary experiments."

As we chatted over coffee, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Matteo's humor and charm made the afternoon feel effortless and enjoyable. But as the conversation continued, I noticed a shift in Matteo's demeanor. He became more serious, his eyes holding a hint of nervousness.

"So, Aria," he said, leaning forward slightly, "there's something I need to tell you."

I looked at him, intrigued and a little apprehensive. "What is it?"

Matteo took a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine with sincerity. "I've really enjoyed getting to know you over the past few weeks. And I have to be honest with you—I really like you. I know this might come as a surprise, but I needed to tell you how I feel."

The confession caught me off guard. I had been enjoying our time together, but I hadn't fully considered where it might lead. I felt a mix of surprise and warmth, unsure of how to respond.

"Matteo, I..." I started, feeling overwhelmed. "I didn't expect this."

He smiled reassuringly, trying to ease my surprise. "I didn't plan on confessing tonight. I was actually in a rush and didn't have time to get you a real flower. But I wanted to be honest with you, even if it's not the perfect moment."

With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a carefully folded tissue. He unfolded it slowly to reveal a delicate tissue paper flower. "I'm sorry it's not a real one. I just wanted to give you something, even if it's not perfect."