To Love Kris

Chapter 3

The late morning sun poured golden light over the cobblestone streets, creating a warm glow that seemed to welcome them into the bustling heart of the town. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of pastries from the bakery next door.

As they approached the shop, laughter and chatter spilled out from the open doors, where colourful flowers adorned the windowsills. They found a cosy corner table, nestled beside a window that offered a view of the square, where people meandered about, some with dogs, others cradling steaming mugs.

"Have you tried their cinnamon rolls?" Finn asked, a glint of excitement in her dark green eyes. Their muscular frame relaxed as they leaned back in their chair, the sunlight catching the hints of her tousled hair.

"No, but I've heard they're amazing," Kris replied, her voice bright with enthusiasm. She loved these little outings, where the world felt alive and full of possibilities. "We should definitely get one to share."

As they placed their order at the counter, Kris noticed a group of artists setting up their easels in the square, their canvas ready to capture the vibrant scene. "I love how everyone finds their inspiration in such different ways," she said, pointing them out.

"Yeah," Finn replied, watching the artists with interest. "It's like each of them sees the world through a unique lens. Makes you wonder what kind of story they'll tell through their art."

With steaming mugs of coffee and a plate piled high with cinnamon rolls in front of them, they settled into conversation, sharing dreams, aspirations, and favourite childhood memories. Kris found herself captivated by Finn's stories, the way their voice deepened when they spoke about their passions, painting a picture of who she was beneath the charming exterior and emotionless facade she kept during her lessons.

"So, if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?" Kris asked, taking a sip of her coffee, the warmth spreading through her.

"I think I'd love to see the Northern Lights," Finn mused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "There's something magical about them, don't you think? Like nature's own artwork."

"Definitely," Kris agreed, imagining the shimmering colours dancing across the night sky. "It's like the universe is showing off."

As they chatted, a gentle breeze drifted through the open window, ruffling their hair and bringing with it the distant sound of laughter. For that moment, everything felt perfect, as if the world had slowed down just for them. Kris couldn't help but smile, feeling a spark of something deeper blooming between them.

"Want to go for a walk after this?" Finn suggested, breaking her reverie. "I could use some fresh air, and I'd love to explore the square a bit more."

"Absolutely," she replied, her heart racing with anticipation. The day was still young, and so many adventures awaited them beyond the coffee shop.

After finishing their coffees and sharing the last bite of the gooey cinnamon roll, Kris and Finn rose from their table, the lively atmosphere of the coffee shop still buzzing in their minds. The sun was now high in the sky, casting playful shadows across the cobblestones as they stepped out into the square.

"Where to first?" Finn asked, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. She gestured toward a small fountain at the centre of the square, where children played and splashed in the water.

"Let's check out the fountain!" Kris suggested, her voice bright with excitement. As they approached, the sound of the water gushing into the basin created a soothing backdrop, contrasting with the lively chatter of the people around them.

As they reached the fountain, a little girl ran past, her laughter ringing out as she chased after a butterfly. Kris watched with a smile, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over her. "I used to do that," she said, looking up at Finn, who stood beside her, a warm expression on their face. "Chasing butterflies in the park, lost in my own little world."

"Me too," Finn replied, leaning against the fountain's edge. "It's funny how something so simple can bring so much joy."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, soaking in the vibrant energy of the square. Then, Kris spotted the same group of artists further down the square, each one lost in their work, capturing the scene around them. One artist was painting a vibrant mural on the side of a building, splashes of colour bringing the wall to life.

"Look at that! It's incredible!" Kris exclaimed, pointing. "I love how art can transform a space."

"Yeah, it's like they're telling a story without using words," Finn said, watching the artist's brush strokes with admiration. "I've always thought art has a way of connecting people. That's why I decided to teach it."

They moved closer to the mural, intrigued by the artists' process. As they watched, Kris felt a spark of inspiration stirring within her. "You know, I've always wanted to try painting," she confessed, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "But I've never had the courage to start."

"You should! I'd love to see what you create, and it's a good thing since you are in my art class innit?" Finn encouraged, her voice warm and supportive.

Kris' cheeks flushed at this compliment. "Maybe we could have an art day sometime. Just us, some canvases, and a whole lot of paint?"

"I'd be all in for that," they replied, a wide grin spreading across their face. "And I promise not to judge your masterpiece, no matter how abstract it turns out."

They shared a laugh, and Kris felt her heart flutter at the thought of spending more time with Finn, a chance of discovering new sides of them. A thought lingered in her mind though, should she really feel this way about her teacher? Sure they were 23 (It was on the class' art wall) but...there must be something that prohibited this right?

As they strolled along the square, hand in hand, the conversations flowed effortlessly.

After wandering through various stalls set up by local vendors—colourful handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and delicious snacks—they found themselves at a small art gallery tucked away in a corner. The sign above the door read "Local Voices," and the vibrant paintings in the window drew them inside.

As they stepped into the gallery, they were greeted by an array of colours and textures, each piece telling its own story. Kris wandered from painting to painting, absorbing the energy of each one. Finn stood back for a moment, watching her face light up with each new discovery.

"What do you think?" they asked, joining her in front of a striking piece featuring a sunset over a tranquil lake, hues of orange and pink swirling together.

"I love it. It feels so peaceful," Kris replied, lost in the imagery. "Like a perfect moment captured forever."

"Just like today," Finn said softly, leaning closer to her, their shoulders brushing together. "I feel like we're creating our own perfect moment right now."

Kris turned to them, her breath catching as their eyes locked. There was an intensity in their gaze that made her heart race, and for a brief second, it felt as if the world outside had faded away.

"Let's remember this day," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And maybe make it a tradition?"

"I'd love that," Finn replied, her smile genuine and warm. "Just you and me, exploring, creating, and savouring every moment."

With that promise hanging in the air between them, they continued to explore the gallery, and Kris felt the day becoming even more special than she had anticipated. As they moved from one masterpiece to the next, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

"I think we should head back right?" Asked Finn mindful that it was still a school day.

"Yeah I guess, I do have your assignment to do" Kris said.

"You've found your inspiration already?"

"That I have"

As the duo walked back to the Jeep, Kris couldn't help but reach for Finn's hand.

FINLEY

Warmth, that's what they felt in that instant. When they felt her hands slip into her own. As she tightened her grip on Kris' hands, she thought "I wish this could last forever, but she's my student and surely there is something that prohibits me from feeling like this towards her. But my GOSH it's hard not to feel something for her."