Underneath A Canopy Of Cherry Blossoms (Nalu AU)

{10} The Coffee Shoppe

I walked through the heavy wooden doors of the school with a slight skip in my step. I dressed myself in a pleated maroon skirt, with a pair of black pantyhose and ankle boots to match. I also had on a black and grey striped bodysuit, which was layered underneath. Because it was April, the slight chill in the air forced me to add a black cardigan over the top, which managed to keep some of the leftover warmth from the school trapped inside, keeping me a little less cold than I would be if I were just in my t-shirt. My hair was styled in a half-up messy bun, with the ends of my hair curled.

I was holding onto the straps of my backpack as I approached Natsu, who was leaning against one of the many barren sakura trees that were scattered around the school's property. His onyx eyes were scanning the wave of students exiting the building until they fell upon me. His body instantly perked up as I came closer, and we smiled at each other as he stepped into stride with me.

There was a cute little cafe located just a few blocks away from the school called 'The Coffee Shoppe' that Natsu suggested we go to last night while we were texting. I was excited to try it because I haven't really gone out to explore the neighbourhood since I moved here.

"How was your day Luce?" He asked, breaking the silence that had grown between us.

"Same old, same old, I spent half of it with you anyways so you already know that nothing exciting happened." I laughed lightly as I stared down at my feet. All of a sudden, I began to feel really nervous and I think it's because we still haven't discussed the kiss. The longer that we wait, the more meaningless it feels. I peered up again from the ground to see the cozy little coffee shop. He held the door open for me when we arrived at the cafe and I thanked him, I could instantly smell the aroma of coffee and it put me at ease from all my worries.

We walked towards the front counter to place our orders. Natsu ordered first - a latte. I stood a few steps behind him as I waited so that I could place my order. He turned around and smiled at me, "What do you want?" He said softly.

"Oh I can pay for my own don't worry" I smiled back but he shook his head and chuckled.

"This is my treat, now order." I nodded my head, whispered a quick thank you, and then shyly stepped forward to place my order - a chai tea latte.

We grabbed our drinks when the lady called out our names and found a cozy two person seat in the back of the cafe by the window. He held the chair out for me so that I could sit down, and was being really gentlemanly and sweet. The butterflies in my stomach were flapping their wings frantically, and the nervousness rose up into my throat. The sunlight that shone through the window was hitting his face in all the right places, showing off his natural contours, and making me weak at the knees. How could one guy be so handsome?

We sat at the table until our drinks were empty making small talk and laughing with each other. We shared stories about our childhood and I learned that he was a really reckless kid, always getting in trouble and breaking things.

"We should probably head out now I think that we are annoying the workers" I giggled as I gazed towards one of the employees who was cleaning tables and glaring at us every few seconds.

"You're right, let's head out now" He smiled and grabbed both of our coffee cups, tossing them into the garbage on the way out. He held the door open for me once again, making me wonder who taught him all of these manners.

As we were walking along the streets continuing to talk about the employee who was staring us down, He guided me towards a little park with two swings, where we sat.

"What are we doing here?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Well we left the cafe but I feel like there is one thing that we haven't really talked about since it happened, and I thought we should mention it before it gets forgotten." He stated bluntly, which caught me off guard since he spoke so casually. I tensed up in my swing and stared at the ground since I wasn't sure how to respond.

The first thing to come out of my mouth was a hesitant "yeah"

"Well," he paused, "are you upset about it?" He questioned, and I could feel his eyes on me.

"No" I answered simply, which was probably making him nervous but I just don't know what to do in this situation. I have never experienced anything like this before.

"That's good" was all he responded, which made me look over at him. Now it was his turn to stare at his shoes.

"Why did you do it?" The words slipped out of my mouth, I finally asked the question that has been nagging at my brain for the last few days. I looked down at my own shoes as well, awaiting an answer as he sat silently in his swing.

"Isn't it obvious?" He responded and we both looked up at each other simultaneously, he smiled sheepishly,

"I like you Luce"