Starry Eyed | Nalu Short Story

one

N.D.

He would always watch her from behind the counter, hoping she'd look at him in return. It wasn't as creepy as it sounded; the two knew each other, but were from very different social worlds. Him, someone that was only really known because everyone from school loved coming to the diner that his family owned in their down time.

And her. A beauty that could start wars. She was kind and beautiful...Natsu wished he could list more had he actually had the chance to have a conversation with her that didn't involve just asking her how the food was or if she wanted a refill on her drink.

He was a server at his father's diner, coincidentally always serving the blonde beauty whenever she stopped by. His friends thought he was crazy, thinking Lucy Heartfilia would ever look at him in a context unrelated to his job...let alone look at him ever. So he kept his distance.

L. H.

She always smiled politely, laughing every once in awhile from something her friend said when they hung out at the diner. It wasn't like she wasn't listening, but it was the same routine everyday. School, study, go to the diner after school, chicken out of talking to the cute boy she knew that worked there...

But she didn't mind it. She considered it a build up of courage to finally talk to him, the one with the pink hair. Natsu Dragneel.

But today was going to be the day she said more than "the food is really good," and "thank you" to him.

N. D.

Natsu stopped functioning when he realized she was walking toward him out of the corner of his eye.

Like the calm of a meadow, time slowed for him to bask in her light. Her shy smile could cause flowers to bloom. "Hi," she said.

"Hi," he answered. His hand laid on the back of his neck, trying to cool down his nerves and hoping his ears weren't turning red. "Did you finish your strawberry cheesecake slice?" Real smooth.

"Yes." Her response came out as about as rigid as she must've felt from standing in front of him. "I just wanted to pay the bill before my friend comes back from the bathroom."

"Cool." Natsu blankly went through the motions of inputting their orders into the machine before she could put her card in to pay. Say something before she leaves, idiot. "Hey."

L. H.

"Yeah?" She looked up at him, and as her eyes met his, her heart fluttered. Because apparently it can do that. She watched him intently, waiting for him to say something again. Her heartbeat picked up, seemingly pounding in her ears now.

"You'll be here again tomorrow, right?"

He notices when I'm here? Lucy bit back a giddy smile as she nodded. She briefly glanced over her shoulder to see her friend coming back from the bathroom and heading toward her. Damn it.

N. D.

Natsu bit back the grimace he started to make, embarrassed of himself. That's the best you could do? "Cool. I will also be here tomorrow." Oh my god. In no other moment than this one, Natsu no longer wanted to exist. Of course he would be here. Had he not, his dad would have his head as a special item on the menu.

Yet to his surprise, Lucy laughed. He was eager to memorize the way the corners of her eyes crinkled when she laughed, the way her smile became brighter and the way her nose scrunched up. A beauty as warm as the sun's rays, and as comforting as wading in the moonlight.

Lucy's friend beckoned her to go, so with a final sigh she said, "Save me another slice of cheesecake?"

Natsu grinned. "Of course."