Wake Up, Reality's Calling

Chapter 15: Drink this

Rye and I met up at what had started to become our regular meeting spot. We both got something to drink, but this time he was the one to order. He placed the cup infront of me, and looked at me with a slight smirk in the corner of his mouth.

"Try this," He uttered as he slid it closer to me. "I think you'll like it."

"I won't try this drink until you tell me about this mission you were gonna tell me about," I replied. I wasn't going to be the one without answers this time.

He placed a blue plastic file on the table and sighed.

"There, in this file is everything you need to know for the mission," He looked at the cup and scooted it closer to me.

"Aren't you going to go through it with me?" I asked and stopped the cup.

He looked at me and narrowed his eyes.

"This is a simple mission where you are to help the person in the file. The problem is typical for beginners, you'll find out once you read it. I'll help you through this as you go along." He sped through his instructions in a voice that hinted at boredom. "Now will you drink it?"

I had gotten to know Rye better since we hang out quite often, and I had started to notice a pattern in him. He would get impatient at times and excited when it came to things he loved. I felt like I could trust him. I mean, he hasn't lied to me so far, has he?

I reached my hand further out on the table and saw Rye's eyes widen. I took amusement in this and instead of picking up the cup, I opened the file. I heard a deep sigh and I laughed in response.

"Sorry, sorry," I couldn't stop laughing, but I tried to quiet it down. I reached for the cup and smelled the liquid. It smelled like cinnamon, coffee, and something I couldn't figure out. "What is this anyway?"

"Something perfect for the season, and something off the typical menu. I know the barista, and this is his creation," He responded. He turned his head towards the register and the guy behind the counter waved slightly.

I quickly waved back and brought the cup to my lips. It was still warm, but it would have been fine if it was warmer. It tasted like apples, cotton candy, peppermint, and coffee. It was truly a peculiar combination, but it somehow worked together.

"So? What did you think?" He whispered with anticipation. "Something to vary up your choices?"

"What do you mean? I am perfectly fine with my black coffee. Though, it wouldn't hurt to order this one from time to time." I replied.

We both shared a laugh and he looked like he had won a prize of some competition. I took another sip of the drink and felt it warm me up and the chilly October weather didn't feel so harsh anymore.

"Hey... would you like to-" I stopped myself before I said or did something I would come to regret.

"What?" He asked, and looked into my eyes.

"No, no, it's nothing. Just forget it," I replied, scratching my neck.

"Tell me," He persisted. He touched ny hand and looked at me reassuringly.

I reached by jumping up in surprise, but calmed down quickly.

"I... this is probably stupid but... do you maybe want to go to watch a movie sometime?" I looked down and stared into my cup.

"Yeah, sure," He started. "I thought you'd never ask." He mocked me and gestured with his hands by putting them against his heart and swooning. I rolled my eyes and just laughed at the scene he was putting on.

I know I shouldn't have gotten so nervous about it, I mean we had been hanging out all week and gone out and done similar stuff before, but I couldn't help it. I think I have developed an interest for this guy. I mean, we've only known each other for a little bit over a week now, so I don't want to rush into things, but I can be interested, right?