𝓤𝓝𝓕𝓞𝓡𝓣𝓤𝓝𝓐𝓣𝓔, 𝓣𝓗𝓔 𝓞𝓡𝓘𝓖𝓘𝓝𝓐𝓛𝓢

CHAPTER 5

Riya wakes up, the sunlight streaming through her window. She rubs her eyes and stretches, still processing everything she learned the previous day. She glances at her phone, and a text from Josh reminds her of their planned meet-up. With a sigh, she gets out of bed.

Riya steps into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her. She closes her eyes, her mind swirling with thoughts about the supernatural world she now knows exists. After her shower, she wraps herself in a towel and gets ready for the day.

Riya pours herself a bowl of cereal, absentmindedly stirring the milk as she thinks about her conversation with Marcel the previous night. The reality of her lineage is still settling in, but she knows she needs to move forward.

Riya walks into a charming, bustling café, spotting Josh already seated at a table near the window. He waves her over with a smile. She grins and joins him, dropping her bag on the chair next to her.

"So, how are you holding up? I mean, finding out you're part of this crazy supernatural world..." Josh asked, his tone both concerned and curious.

"Honestly?" Riya pauses, taking a sip of her coffee. "I'm fine, I guess. But it's still so surreal. I keep expecting to wake up and find out it's all some weird dream," Riya replied, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

Their conversation is interrupted when a strikingly handsome guy walks into the café. Both Riya and Josh turn to look, their eyes widening as they take in his chiseled features and confident stride.

"Whoa... Check him out," Riya said, her tone filled with admiration.

"I'm checking, trust me," Josh replied with a playful smirk.

They both watch as the guy sits down at a nearby table, only to be joined by his girlfriend moments later. Disappointment washes over both Riya and Josh, and they let out identical sighs of defeat.

They glance at each other, then burst into laughter.

"Well, that was a letdown," Riya said, shaking her head.

Josh chuckles, but Riya suddenly pauses, her eyes narrowing as she looks at Josh with a funny, shocked expression.

"Wait a second... Are you...?" Riya started, her voice trailing off in disbelief.

Josh gives her a knowing look, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Yup, I'm gay," Josh told her, the amusement clear in his voice.

Riya's eyes widen in surprise, then she bursts out laughing, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Well, that explains a lot!" Riya exclaimed, her laughter contagious.

Josh joins in, both of them laughing so hard that a few other patrons glance their way. The moment is light, full of genuine humor and camaraderie. Their laughter gradually subsides, and they exchange warm smiles.

"Thanks for the laugh, Josh. I really needed that," Riya said, her tone sincere.

"Anytime, Riya. Anytime," Josh replied, giving her a playful wink.

As they settle back into their conversation, Riya's phone buzzes with a text. She glances down, her smile fading slightly as she reads the message.

"It's Klaus. He wants to meet," Riya told Josh, her tone a bit more serious.

"Sounds important. Are you gonna be okay?" Josh asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Riya replied, standing up and grabbing her bag.

She gives Josh a quick hug before heading for the door. As she steps out of the café, she takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever comes next.