The Heart's Quite Beginning

Chapter 10: An Unexpected Dinner

I had just finished closing up the cafe for the night. The soft hum of the streetlights filled the quiet street, and the warm scent of coffee still lingered in the air. I locked the door behind me, feeling the day's weight slowly ease off my shoulders. It had been a long day, but one of those good long days where you felt accomplished, even if exhausted.

As I turned to head home, I spotted Ethan coming out of his shop across the street. My heart fluttered in a way that was becoming all too familiar. I tried to ignore it, but the moment his eyes met mine, that same warm, nervous feeling crept into my chest. It wasn't like I hadn't seen Ethan countless times before, but lately, every encounter felt... different.

He smiled as he reached me, that easy, confident smile that seemed to come naturally to him. "Closing up late?" he asked, his voice soft and casual, but with that spark of warmth that always made me feel... something.

I nodded, feeling a little shy under his gaze. "Yeah. Busier than usual," I replied, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear. It was a small gesture, but one I found myself doing often when I was around him—like my body was trying to do something to deal with the little flutters inside.

"Busy is good," he said, standing in front of me, his presence making the quiet street feel smaller, more intimate. "Means people like what you're doing."

I smiled, feeling a little lighter at his words. "I guess so," I said softly. "Though I wouldn't mind a slow day every once in a while."

Ethan chuckled, and that sound—it was like music. A low, easy laugh that made my heart beat just a little faster. "Careful what you wish for. You'll be bored out of your mind in no time."

I laughed lightly, rolling my eyes in mock exasperation. "Maybe. But I'd like to be bored for at least one day. Just one."

He tilted his head, a playful smile on his face. "You? Bored? I don't buy it. You seem like the type who'd find a way to make even boredom exciting."

I scoffed, feeling a bit more relaxed now. "Exciting? Please. I'd probably just spend it reorganizing the cafe... again."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, pretending to be impressed. "Reorganizing, huh? Wow, wild times."

I nudged him lightly with my elbow, a smile tugging at my lips. "Shut up."

We stood there for a moment, just enjoying the quiet. The air between us felt different somehow—heavier but in a good way. It was like we both knew there was something there, something more than just the casual conversations and friendly smiles we'd shared up until now. And yet, neither of us was saying it. We were just... waiting.

Just as I opened my mouth to break the silence, my stomach growled. Loudly.

I froze, mortified, while Ethan's eyes widened in surprise before he burst into laughter. And not just any laugh—it was a full, hearty laugh, the kind that made me both want to hide in embarrassment and laugh along with him.

"Well," he said between laughs, "someone's hungry."

I covered my face with my hands, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Oh my God," I mumbled. "That's so embarrassing."

Ethan just grinned, his laughter subsiding but his smile still wide and playful. "Don't be. It's kind of cute."

I peeked at him through my fingers, trying to figure out if he was teasing me or if he really meant that. Either way, it made me smile. "Cute?" I asked, lowering my hands. "I think you mean mortifying."

He shook his head, still smiling. "Nope. Definitely cute." He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "But also a sign that you haven't eaten. Let me order us something."