Dawn Of Twilight

Chapter 8 : Until You (Part 4)

The two made their way to a nearby cafe that glowed warmly in the evening light. It had a cozy charm, with fairy lights draped around the entrance and soft music filtering through the open windows. Inside, couples filled the tables, chatting and laughing in the intimate ambiance. Dawn spotted a small corner table and pointed it out with a smile.

As they sat down, she gave his hand a light squeeze before standing. "I'll be right back," she said. "Just going to the washroom."

Erevin nodded and watched her walk away. Left alone at the table, he fiddled nervously with the edge of the napkin, unsure of what to do or where to look.

"Waiting for someone?" a warm voice asked, breaking through Erevin's thoughts.

Erevin looked up to see a tall, sharp-featured man with a confident yet easygoing air. He wore the cafe's apron over a casual button-down shirt and leaned slightly on the back of a nearby chair. Despite the apron, there was something strikingly out of place about him.

"Uh, yeah. My date," Erevin replied, his voice soft but steady. "She's in the washroom. She'll probably order."

The man raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into an amused smile. "First date?"

Erevin blinked, his face warming. "Is it that obvious?"

The man chuckled and pulled out the chair across from him, sitting down uninvited. "A little. You've got that mix of nerves and excitement. Relax, kid. You will do fine. Even if you don't there's always a second and third."

Erevin tilted his head slightly, curious despite himself. "Are you... the waiter here?"

The man laughed, leaning back in the chair. "Something like that. Name's Adam. My wife and I run this place. I like to check in with customers now and then. Especially young ones who look like they're about to faint from nerves."

Erevin's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I'm not that nervous."

Adam grinned. "Sure, sure. So, what's the story? How'd you land the date?"

Erevin hesitated, glancing toward the washroom as if expecting Dawn to appear any moment. "I... honestly don't know," he admitted. "She's amazing. Way out of my league. You wont believe it, but she asked me out!"

Adam's expression softened, and he nodded knowingly. "Listen, let me give you some advice. You don't need to impress her with anything fancy. Just be yourself. If she asked you out, she already sees something in you that's worth her time. Trust that."

Erevin studied him for a moment, the sincerity in Adam's voice calming his frayed nerves. "You say it like you've done this before."

Adam chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a hint of nostalgia. "Oh, you have no idea. I've been in your shoes. Messed up, got things right, and ended up with someone who changed my life. And trust me, you'll look back at today one day and laugh at how nervous you were."

Erevin couldn't help but smile, feeling a strange sense of ease. "Thanks. That actually helps."

Adam stood, patting Erevin on the shoulder as he rose. "Anytime. And hey, enjoy yourself. First dates only happen once."

Before Erevin could respond, Adam walked away, leaving him alone again just as Dawn returned to the table. She sat down, her eyes sparkling as she gave him a curious look.

"Who was that?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Adam.

Erevin, without missing a beat, leaned back and gave a small, playful smile. "A friend from work," he said casually.