Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 24 | I Feel It

February 23rd, 2023 

I arrived at the restaurant a little earlier than planned, a nervous habit I couldn't quite shake. I found myself seated in a quiet, secluded corner away from the other diners, just like I'd requested. The manager had assured me that no photography was allowed, which helped me relax a bit, but only slightly. I still kept glancing around, checking for any familiar faces. I didn't want tonight to turn into a spectacle, not when I wanted it to be just us. 

I checked my watch for what must have been the third time in the past minute. Five minutes early. I adjusted my collar, trying to smooth it down, then ran my hand through my hair, wondering if I should have worn something more casual. Or maybe something nicer. Why was I overthinking this so much? 

My eyes darted to the entrance every time the door swung open, but it wasn't her yet. I could feel my pulse quickening, nerves creeping back in. I leaned back in my chair, taking a deep breath, forcing myself to relax. This was Aria, someone who had been there for me over the past few weeks. There was no reason to be this nervous. But still, something about tonight felt different, like it was the beginning of something... 

Suddenly, the door opened again, and this time, it was her. Aria stepped through, and it was as if the world slowed down for a moment. The soft evening sunlight poured in behind her, casting a golden glow around her. She looked radiant, angelic even, her presence somehow brightening the entire room as she walked in. My heart did this strange flip in my chest, and for a second, I couldn't do anything but stare. It was like everything else faded into the background. 

The low chatter of the restaurant, the clinking of glasses, it all disappeared, leaving just her. Her eyes scanned the room for a moment before they landed on me, and a smile tugged at her lips. I found myself smiling back before I even realized I was doing it. As she walked toward me, every step seemed to make the room feel warmer, more vibrant. I straightened up in my seat, trying to hide the fact that my hands were slightly trembling. I glanced down at the gift bag next to me, reminding myself to keep it together.

As soon as Aria reached the table, I instinctively stood up to greet her. My mind raced, debating whether or not I should go in for a hug. Was that too much? Too soon? I wasn't sure what the right move was. 

But before I could overthink it any further, Aria smiled and broke the ice, stepping toward me and wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug. I immediately felt myself relax, the tension I'd been carrying with me all day melting away. Her familiar scent, vanilla and honey, washed over me, comforting in a way I hadn't expected.

 It was like being wrapped in something safe, something familiar, and suddenly all my stress and anxiety disappeared. I found myself leaning into the hug, my arms gently closing around her as if it was the most natural thing in the world. 

For a moment, it was just the two of us, standing there in our own little bubble. The chaos of my thoughts faded, replaced by a calm sensation. When she pulled back, I almost missed the warmth of her embrace but managed to smile at her, feeling a little more grounded. 

"Hey. You...you look beautiful" I blurted out, my cheek reddening as soon as the words left my mouth.

 "Hey Charles, you look really handsome yourself" she replied, her eyes meeting mine with that same brightness that seemed to make everything around her glow. Whatever nervous energy I had before was gone. In that moment, I knew tonight was going to be okay.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

"So, Tokyo," I said with a grin, leaning back in my chair. "You never told me...did you end up having more sushi or ramen?"