Chapter 4
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the cobbled streets of Montmartre. Daria walked beside Kylian, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. They had met just days ago, yet it felt as if they were discovering not just the city but each other in a way that was intoxicating. Her thoughts were swirling with the magic of the city, when his voice broke through her trance
"Here," Kylian said, taking her out of her thoughts and pausing in front of a small café with a charming outdoor terrace. "The best coffee in Paris. You'll see." He flashed her that smile—playful, confident, and just a little mischievous—that made her stomach flutter.
Daria raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye. "And what makes you the expert on coffee?"
"Trust me," he replied, holding the door open for her. "I've had my fair share." As they settled into a cozy corner table, she couldn't help but notice how effortlessly he fit into this world, even though he was so ..... different from her.
As they sipped their coffee—rich and aromatic, just as he promised—Kylian shared snippets of his life. He talked about his training, the thrill of matches, and the closeness of his teammates. Daria listened intently, fascinated by the way he brought the stories to life.
"And what about you?" he asked, leaning in slightly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What brought you to Paris?"
"I just umm ..... wanted a fresh start," she confessed, playing with the edge of her cup. "I needed a change, a chance to explore my passion for art. Paris seemed like the perfect place to do that."
Kylian nodded, genuinely interested. "Art is beautiful. What do you like to create?"
"Photography mostly," she replied, her cheeks flushing. "I love capturing moments, emotions... It's like telling a story without words." She felt a rush of vulnerability but also excitement in sharing this part of herself with him.
"Can I see your work sometime?" he asked, his tone earnest.
"Sure," she replied, surprised by her own enthusiasm.
As their conversation flowed, they moved from topics of art to travel, sharing anecdotes about places they had been. Daria felt a warm connection building between them, something unspoken yet palpable.
Outside, the street lamps flickered on, casting a soft glow on the bustling life around them. A street musician began to play a lively tune, and Kylian, ever the charmer, jumped to his feet. "Come on, let's dance!"
Daria laughed, caught off guard by his spontaneity. "Dance? ....Here? Now?"
"Why not?" he grinned, pulling her up from her chair. Before she could protest, he twirled her around, his movements fluid and light, as if they were the only two people in the world. She followed his lead, feeling the music pulse through her veins, and for a moment, all her worries slipped away.
As they danced, she noticed the way his gaze held hers, how he leaned in just a bit closer, making the world feel even smaller. Her heart raced, caught between the thrill of the moment and a nagging uncertainty.
"See? You're a natural," he said, laughter lacing his words as they both breathlessly returned to their seats.
"Maybe," she said, still riding the wave of exhilaration. "But I think you just made me look good."
"Only because you already are," he replied, the sincerity in his voice making her blush.
They fell into a comfortable silence, watching the lively Parisian scene unfold. Daria's mind swirled with thoughts—of his charisma, the spark between them, and the fact that she still knew so little about the man sitting across from her.
"I should probably know more about you," she said, breaking the silence. "Like, how big of a deal are you exactly?"
Kylian chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I play football, but I'm just a guy who loves the game. The fame is... well, it can be overwhelming."
"I don't follow football much," she admitted. "So, you're safe with me."
He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Safe? How am I sure that's a good thing."
Daria shrugged, trying to keep the mood light, even as her heart raced at the thought of what this connection could mean. "Just means I can see you for you,"
"Then let's keep it that way," he replied softly, his gaze intense.
Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, everything felt suspended in time. She could feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air—words they weren't ready to voice just yet.
"Are you ready to leave?" Kylian finally suggested, breaking the silence
"Totally," Daria agreed, grateful for the chance to shift gears.
As they walked through the lively streets of Paris, each shared laugh and fleeting touch deepened the connection between them. The city sparkled under the night sky, a perfect backdrop for the beginnings of something beautiful, yet still undefined.
They wandered through narrow alleyways adorned with art, stopping occasionally to admire the work of street artists. Kylian surprised her by attempting to mimic one of the artists, sketching a quick caricature of Daria on a napkin, which made her burst into laughter.
"You're terrible!" she teased, swiping the napkin from his hands.
"Hey! not an artist!" he protested, feigning offense.
They spent hours like this—light-hearted banter, spontaneous adventures, and glances that lingered a moment too long. Daria felt a warmth blossoming within her, a thrill she hadn't experienced in a long time.
As they paused at the base of Sacré-Cœur, the city spread out beneath them, twinkling lights reflecting the stars above. Kylian looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "This moment... it feels special, doesn't it?"
Daria nodded, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "It really does."
But as their eyes met, an unspoken tension lingered. The acknowledgment of their connection was heavy, yet both were hesitant to cross that invisible line.
"Let's not ruin it by overthinking," she finally said, breaking the spell, trying to keep the mood light.
Kylian chuckled softly, his gaze softening. "Agreed. Just two friends enjoying Paris."
"Just two friends," Daria echoed, her heart both soaring and aching at the same time.
The warmth of the evening enveloped them, each step echoing with possibility—of what could be, but for now, remaining unsaid.
YOU ARE READING
Eternal Tears
Fanfiction**Description:** In the enchanting city of Paris, where art and passion intertwine, Daria, a gifted artist from New York, crosses paths with Kylian, a rising football star. What begins as a chance encounter soon blossoms into a deep and intense love...
