"What Are You Waiting For?" || ORIGINAL STORY.

Chapter Ninety.

Darren's POV.

We made it safely in Paris, the air hitting me hard, even if air isn't something solid.

Isaac was wearing sunglasses for some reason and told me I should wear some too.

So I did.

I didn't want people to see the bags under my eyes.

Isaac navigated the streets effortlessly, leading us to a small café tucked away amidst the bustling Parisian streets.

We found a quiet spot in the corner and took our seats.

"This should be good," he said, looking around.

"Less people. No one will recognize you here."

I nodded, appreciating his foresight.

I took a moment to appreciate the cafe's charm.

It had a rustic feel, with its exposed brick walls and wooden furniture, giving it a cosy atmosphere.

The faint aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee filled the air.

This was the same café her and I had visited, laughing and bantering as we indulged in the sweet treats she loved so much.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady myself.

"Hey, you okay?" Isaac's voice cut through my thoughts.

I opened my eyes and found him studying me intently, concern etched on his face.

I nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, forcing a small smile. "Just... this place. It reminds me of.."

Isaac's expression softened slightly, understanding.

"Of Tanya," he finished my sentence quietly.

I couldn't deny it. 

The mere mention of her name sent a pang of sorrow through me.

I averted my gaze, feeling a lump form in my throat. 

The silence between us was heavy, filled with unspoken emotions.

I quickly got up.

I found a relatively quiet corner outside the café, away from the main commotion.

I leaned against the cold stone wall, taking out my packet of cigarettes and lighting one up.

The first drag of smoke hit my lungs, the calming buzz of the nicotine barely taking the edge off my emotional turmoil.

I exhaled a cloud of smoke into the Parisian air, watching it disappear into the vast cityscape.

I stared down at my smoking cigarette, the red, orange glow reflecting in my eyes.

The city seemed indifferent to my pain, life continuing on around me as if nothing had happened.

People passed by without a care, going about their lives as I stood there, haunted by the memories of a love lost.

I took another drag, the smoke filling my lungs and dulling the edges of the pain.

The silence of the moment was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Even without looking up, I knew it was Isaac.

His footsteps were familiar, and now a sound I'd come to recognize.

He leaned beside me against the wall, watching me smoke.

"Those things will eventually kill you, you know," Isaac commented, his voice casual.