Whisper of Fate: A Quiet Love Story

Chapter 12: Unexpected encounters

Song for this Chapter : Heartbeat - Childish Gambino
Love me harder - Ariana Grande and The Weeknd                                                   

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"June, I love you, but no. This color doesn't fit the vibe of your apartment," Iris says, scrunching her nose as I hold up a vibrant grass-green paint sample.

I let out a sigh, glancing at the color palette again. She's right, it doesn't quite work. It looks more suitable for a rainforest than a cozy bedroom.

"You're right. I guess I'll just leave the walls bare and focus on hanging my photos up," I say, holding back the urge to overthink.

"Stop overthinking! We came here for kitchen supplies, remember? So you can finally stop ordering takeout every night."

I nod, following her down the aisles at Ikea. My apartment's been a work in progress since I moved in a few months ago, and so far, cooking at home hasn't made it onto the agenda. As we load up a cart with pans, utensils, and a couple of mismatched dishes, I feel my excitement build. Soon, I'll actually have everything I need to cook something decent.

After checking out, we head to my car, our conversation flowing freely as we laugh and reminisce. Just as I settle into the driver's seat, I notice Iris chatting with a guy standing by her side of the car. He's smiling down at her, and from the look on her face, he's definitely flirting.

When she finally climbs into the passenger seat, she's grinning. "Wasn't he cute?" she says, practically beaming. "He complimented my outfit, then asked for my number to 'take me out sometime'!"

"He was cute," I say with a smile. "You should go for it. If he treats you well and makes you happy, why not?"

We talk and sing along to our favorite songs for the next hour, making a quick stop at a pizza place. Afterward, I drop her off at her friend's place. I mock-sulk as she exits the car.

"She cheats on me with other friends!" I shout, and she laughs, blowing me a kiss before disappearing inside.

I continue my route, and shortly after, I arrive at my apartment. I carry all the items I bought to the elevator.

"Do you need help, darling?" I turn around to see a woman with blonde curly hair, probably in her mid-thirties. She's gorgeous. Wow. "I just moved in here, and I'm trying to get all this stuff to my apartment on the eighth floor," I say, a little out of breath from carrying everything.

"Well then, welcome! My name is Annie. My husband and I live on the ninth floor," she smiles.

"I'm June, nice to meet you," I smile back at her, her warm aura making me feel less nervous than I normally would.

"Well, let me help you," she says, walking over and taking one of the bags from me. She walks into the elevator, and I follow shortly after. The doors close, and we stand in silence; surprisingly, it's not awkward.

The elevator dings, and I walk out, taking the bag from her. "Thank you so much for your help, Annie. I'll push them the rest of the way; it's not that far," I say, smiling at her.

"No problem, June. If you ever need help again, don't be shy to ask. We're on the floor above, on the left side," I nod at her just as the doors close.

I take a deep breath and start pushing the bags to my front door. I put my keys in and enter my apartment. I leave the bags at the entry and make a beeline for the bathroom.

After a quick shower, I get to work unpacking everything in my kitchen. Once it's all organized, I step back, admiring my work. Everything is finally coming together. Just as I'm about to settle in for a quiet evening, my phone buzzes with a message from my dad.