Trust

Chapter 1

Pictured: Pain

Song of the Chapter: Walking the Wire by Imagine Dragons

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Pulling my book closer to me, I stretch my legs out under the table, leaning back in my chair. I sip my hot chocolate, never taking my eyes off my book, letting them devour the page. Voices fill the cafe around me, but I tune them out. It's completely packed in here, but I got here early and grabbed a booth by the window in the best cafe in the city.

"Is this seat taken?" I hear a deep voice ask and I look up to see a well dressed man wearing a mint button down and black pants with a cap and shades on. It's weird, not only because it's February, but we're also indoors. He removes his hat and sunglasses to reveal dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes staring at me expectantly.

Shaking my head, I watch as he sits down. I thought he was going to take the chair away. I kind of wanted this table to myself, but I guess I have to share since there're no other open spots. Pulling my legs back to me, I tuck my nose in my book, but I still feel his eyes on me. Glancing up, I see him staring at me. Offering a half hearted smile, I turn back to my book to ward him off, but to no avail.

He's still staring at me.

Creeper.

"May I help you?" I ask as sweetly as possible, which isn't much since he interrupted my reading, which I only allow myself once a week.

"Sorry, it's just...Hi, I'm Kxez," He smiles at me and offers a hand.

"I'm Sevvena," I shake his large, warm hand and ignore the odd feelings that flare in my stomach when I touch him.

"Do I know you?" I ask, staring at him.

I swear, I think I've seen him before.

"You don't know who I am?" he asks, confused.

I shake my head.

He hesitates before shaking his head.

"No, we've never met before."

I tap my chin, but shrug it off.

"What brings you here?" he asks and I look at him suspiciously.

Can I trust him?

No.

"Oh, you know, it's just the weekend," I say as vaguely as possible.

He nods and sips his drink.

Awkward.

Looking back down at my book, I continue reading, soon forgetting about him.

"That's adorable."

"Huh? What?" I ask, startled, looking up at him.

"Oh, uh...nothing. It's just that you bite your lip and play with your hair when you get to a good part," he points out.

Blushing, I drop my hand and look away.

"Oh, sorry for my rudeness. Um...what brings you here?" I ask.

"I love this cafe. I come here a lot because their tea is amazing."

"You're not a coffee drinker?"

"Oh, no. Too bitter for me. What about you?"

"I drink hot chocolate. I guess it's my way of holding onto the past. My family and I used to come here every Friday night and we'd all drink hot chocolate in this booth, actually," I blurt before realizing what I said. "I mean..." I mutter before trailing off.