Her heart's dilemma (WLW)

Fortune teller

After finishing their breakfast on the tiny balcony, Asher and Sydney decided to make the most of their weekend.

Asher stretched, her smile bright with the warmth of the morning sun. "So, what should we do today?" she asked, her voice light with excitement.

Sydney smiled, leaning back against the railing. "Let's go out and explore a bit. How about a flea market? We could pick something fun for each other."

Asher chuckled, intrigued. "A flea market? I like the sound of that. But I have to warn you, I'm terrible at making decisions."

Sydney laughed softly. "Perfect. This way, the pressure's on me to pick something you'll like."

They both agreed, and after clearing the plates, they got ready to head out. Asher quickly showered and changed into a casual outfit: a pair of baggy gray jeans, a loose-fitting striped sweater, and a brown jacket to match the sweater. She dried her short brown curls and put on a gray cap. She wanted to look nice but still comfortable and effortless.

Sydney borrowed another outfit from Asher's closet, choosing a simple white shirt. It felt soft against her skin, and she admired how well it suited her as she glanced in the mirror. Asher watched Sydney from the corner of her eye, trying not to stare as Sydney's confidence radiated in her every movement.

"You look amazing," Asher blurted out, immediately blushing at her own boldness.

Sydney turned, a playful smile on her lips. "Thanks, Ash. I have to say, you've got great taste."

Asher's blush deepened. "I just wear whatever's comfortable," she said with a shy shrug.

After a few finishing touches, Sydney grabbed her bag, Asher grabbed her keys and they headed out. As they walked through the narrow streets of Paris, the morning air was crisp and filled with the scent of fresh pastries from nearby bakeries. Sydney led the way, her steps light and confident, while Asher followed closely, her eyes wandering over the charming buildings and bustling cafes.

"This way," Sydney said, taking Asher's hand lightly to guide her across the street. Asher's heart skipped a beat at the touch, but she tried to play it cool, focusing on the path ahead.

The flea market was a short walk away, and as they approached, the lively hum of vendors and shoppers filled the air. Stalls stretched out along the cobblestone streets, each one a colorful display of vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, old books, and quirky antiques. The place buzzed with energy, a mix of locals and tourists haggling and laughing.

"This place is huge," Asher said, her eyes wide with wonder.

Sydney nodded, her smile wide. "I know. Isn't it great? Let's split up and see what we can find. Meet back here in an hour?"

Asher agreed, and they parted ways, diving into the maze of stalls.

Asher wandered through the market, feeling a sense of excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. She sifted through racks of vintage coats, ran her fingers over the spines of old books, and marveled at the strange trinkets she came across. As she walked, she spotted a stall filled with hats and scarves. One hat, in particular, caught her eye—a brown beret that seemed to match Sydney's effortless style. She imagined Sydney wearing it, the brown casting a shadow over her bright hazel eyes, and decided it was the perfect gift.

Meanwhile, Sydney was exploring a different corner of the market. She found herself drawn to a stall selling vintage records and old cameras. Knowing Asher's love for music, she carefully flipped through the stacks of records, searching for something unique. She finally found a rare acoustic album by a well-known French artist, the cover art beautiful and haunting. She smiled, imagining Asher's face lighting up at the sight of it.

An hour later, they met back at their agreed spot, both hiding their chosen items behind their backs.

"Okay, on three," Sydney said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "One, two, three!"

They revealed their gifts simultaneously. Sydney burst out laughing when she saw the beret. "You really think I'm a hat person, huh?"

Asher shyly smiled, placing the hat on Sydney's head. "You are now. It looks great on you."

Sydney adjusted the hat, striking a playful pose. "Très chic, right?"

Asher laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Definitely."

Sydney handed over the record. "For you," she said softly. "I thought you might appreciate it."

Asher's eyes widened as she took the album, her fingers tracing the edges of the cover. "This is incredible. How did you know?"

Sydney shrugged with a modest smile. "Just a feeling."

"Only thing is, I haven't gotten a record player, they're pricy but I'll definitely keep this til I'm able to get my hands on one, and this is what ill play first." Asher says shyly but hopeful and grateful.

"You're too sweet." Sydney says looking at Ashers eyes full of reassurance.

They spent the next hour exploring the market together, moving from stall to stall with a newfound sense of companionship. They shared jokes, admired strange and beautiful objects, and occasionally bumped shoulders, their laughter mingling in the cool air.

At one stall, Sydney spotted a pair of vintage sunglasses and put them on, striking a dramatic pose. "How do I look?" she asked, flashing a playful grin.

Asher couldn't help but laugh. "Like a hot movie star from the '70s," she replied, snapping a photo with her phone.

Sydney chuckled and took the sunglasses off, putting them back on the rack. "I don't know about that, but it's fun to pretend."

They continued to wander, and as they did, they grew more comfortable with each other, the barriers of formality slowly dissolving. Sydney found herself more drawn to Asher's humor and her kind, thoughtful nature. Asher, on the other hand, was captivated by Sydney's confidence and warmth.

Eventually, they came upon a fortune-teller's tent, and Sydney's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, we have to do this," she said, pulling Asher toward the entrance.

Asher hesitated. "I don't know... I'm not really into that sort of thing."

"Come on, it'll be fun!" Sydney insisted, giving Asher's hand a light tug.

With a reluctant smile, Asher agreed, and they both stepped into the dimly lit tent. The fortune-teller, an older woman with a mysterious air, welcomed them with a knowing smile and invited them to sit down.

As they sat across from the fortune-teller, she took their hands and began to speak in a soft, melodic voice. Sydney and Asher exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and amusement in their expressions. As the woman spoke about adventure, passion, and an unexpected love in their future, Asher felt Sydney's hand tighten around hers. The touch was light but deliberate, sending a warm, electric sensation through Asher's body.

When the fortune-teller mentioned a deep connection and a choice that would change everything, Asher's eyes opened, her gaze immediately locking with Sydney's. There was a moment of stillness, a silent understanding passing between them.

The fortune-teller finished her reading, and they thanked her, stepping back out into the bright afternoon light. The energy between them had shifted—something unspoken hung in the air, a new tension that neither could ignore.

They walked back toward the entrance of the market, the lively buzz of shoppers and vendors fading into the background. Sydney turned to Asher, her expression thoughtful. "That was... interesting, wasn't it?"

Asher nodded, her voice soft. "Yeah, it was."

They continued to walk, their shoulders occasionally brushing against each other, each touch sending sparks through them. The connection they felt was undeniable, a magnetic pull drawing them closer with every step.

As they reached the edge of the market, the sounds of the city slowly enveloped them again. Sydney took a deep breath and looked at Asher with a soft smile. "What do you say we get out of here? Maybe grab a coffee or something?"

Asher smiled back, her heart racing. "Yeah, I'd like that."

With that, they left the market, heading out into the city together.