FALLING IN LOVE AT A COFFEE SHOP | D.H [✓]

Fifteen

(Aria's POV)

This is the third time I'm meeting Dan for coffee, and though I feel nervous, it's a different kind of nervous. I wasn't afraid to scare him off anymore. He has seen how awkward I can be and it hasn't changed anything. Maybe I was nervous because I wanted him to see me as more than just a girl who's a friend. That probably sounds ridiculous but I wanted him to know I could be more than a friend, if he wanted that of course.

I wanted to show him that I was ready to break down the walls I spent so long building up. I wanted to fall in love if that's what he wanted. Whatever happened would happen. I wasn't going to let another opportunity pass me by. Too many of those had been lost already. I was ready to take a risk and follow my heart.

First step in doing that today however was finding something to wear. That was going to prove difficult considering my current wardrobe state. I needed help.

"Grace?!"

"Yesssss?"

"Wardrobe emergency!"

"Your fairy godmother has arrived! What's the occasion?" she says after bounding up the stairs.

"Coffee with Dan again, but I want to wear something a little nicer. Still me but not as... Blah?"

"My bestie wants to dress to impress but still be herself?! I think I know just the thing! It doesn't reside in your closest though, so I shall be back!"

She bounds down the stairs and barely gives me time to wonder what I've gotten myself into before she comes back. She holds up a light pink cashmere sweater.

"I know pink isn't really your colour of choice but it's form fitting and will still keep you warm in this blustery November weather."

"Oh Grace, it's lovely."

"A lovely sweater for a lovely girl. Now try it on!"

I do just that and pair it with my black skinnies so I still wear something comfortable and familiar.

"Aria! You look gorgeous! Let me braid your hair? Pleeassseee?!"

"Go for it." I say while shrugging my shoulders.

She puts my hair into a fishtail braid and I have to admit that I look cute. Hopefully, Dan thinks the same way.

I put on a few of my rose gold rings and my converse and soon I'm on my way to meet Dan with Grace chatting my ear off. She seems so much happier lately and that made me happy as well. Everything seemed brighter lately and it made me enjoy waking up in the morning. These were the days that I have been waiting for.

Today was already a perfect day. The sun was out, evaporating any existing puddles leftover from yesterday's downpour. It was chilly, but the kind of chilly that was tolerable because of the sunlight. I'm moved to believe that today will be one of the last somewhat warm days before the winter comes full force.

Soon Takk comes into view and my day instantly becomes brighter when I see Dan waiting by our usual table. Our? Did I just say our? Maybe the sun was melting my brain. Or it was his smile. Lately it's been hard finding a difference.

"Have fun my love struck friend." Grace says to me while smirking.

"Yeah, yeah my irritating, loveable friend."

I take a deep breath and tell myself to just be me. Don't panic and try too hard, you'll be fine without trying. He'll like you for you, and if he doesn't, it'll be better to just get it over with. Just don't overthink.

I walk into the coffee shop and smile at Dan. He smiles at me in return, everything is starting off well. But heaven forbid things work out in favour for me. My toe catches on an overlapping floorboard and I trip. At least I'm able to style it out and prevent myself from falling. My arms had flailed however and gained the attention of a few customers. Well, I might as well make the most out of this. I turn to the people who saw and take a bow before turning back to Dan and sitting down.