The Gold and the Forest

IV

Chapter 4: Coffee?

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He was running late. Vivi bit her lip, pulling her cardigan tighter around her body, looking around for a sign of a certain hoodie-wearing figure. She sighed, checking her phone, realizing that she did not have his phone number.

Why did I even bother coming. And dressing up.

She looked around, hoping he would show up soon, since three guys have already walked up to her in the past half an hour to ask her if she was "free".

She felt a sudden hand touching her shoulder and jumped around, her eyes meeting green.

"I'm late. Sorry."

She took in his appearance and suddenly didn't feel bad about dressing up. "What...?" She couldn't help giggling. "What is this?"

His hair was a mess, like he had been running his hand through it constantly. He was wearing a button-down, and he had thrown a hoodie over it. He made a noise in his throat, looking mad.

"That..." She bursts out laughing. "That is adorable!"

"My... stepbrother..." He mumbles, looking like he wanted to get lost and melt into a wall.

She was already snapping pictures, ready to send them to Min, before quickly realizing her situation. She cleared her throat, quickly losing the humor.

"Let's go, then. Movie, movie!"

She ushered them into the theater, hoping that the dark room would prevent him from seeing the expression she had on her face.

---

They watched the movie in utter silence, neither of them making any move to make contact.

This is such a platonic date. Vivi thought to herself, before realizing that it wasn't a date. She was basically babysitting him to the movies.

She glanced over at him.

Is he... asleep?

She stared at him intently, unconsciously moving closer. His eyes fluttered open when a sudden crash came from the movie, and he caught her staring at him.

"Bathroom!" She squeaked, quickly getting up and clambering over his legs. He looked baffled and could only watch as she made her way to the exit.

"Oh my gosh." She uttered to herself. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh."

She was staring at herself in the bathroom mirror. She patted her cheeks. "This can't be happening." She whispered to herself. "Instead of going on an actual, probably nice date with a charming, friendly guy, I am going to the movies with..."

"And he's sleeping through it!" She breathes. "And he was late!"

She sighed into her hands. "I need coffee."

Heading out to the food area, she bought herself a Frappuccino and sipped on the drink absentmindedly at one of the seats.

"What's wrong?" The area was empty except for a few customers, so the guy at the register was making a pass at her. He was cute. "Date not going well?"

"No, no, no. It's not even a date." Vivi fanned that thought away.

The guy smiled. "I could take you on one ten times better. What do you say?"

She glanced at his name tag. Brandon. Not bad.

She sighed. "I'll think about it. I might have to escort someone back before I go anywhere else."

"Well, here's my number if you do consider it." He handed her another drink, this time with a phone number written with a little "call me" under it. She laughed politely, taking the drink and heading back towards the theater.

She was greeted with a crowd filing out, the movie had ended.

I was supposed to get to know him better. She thought to herself. This is not what I expected, he's completely closed off.

She felt a hand on her shoulder again, and she jumped. It was him again.

"Stop doing that!" She complained.

"Sorry."

She frowned. It's that word. He always uses that word.

"Whatever." She muttered, shoving the free coffee that the guy earlier gave her. "I'm going home."

She walked away from him, feeling disappointment flood her. She knew what was going to happen, he was going to let her walk off, and work will be awkward. She'll eventually give up and change her schedule, so she would not have to see him. Work would be easy and boring. Maybe she could call Brandon and go on a date.

"Vivien."

She stopped at his voice.

Forrest.

She spun around, meeting his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I—"

She poured the rest of her Frappuccino over his head.

---

He felt the liquid before he registered what happened, then, he saw her eyes fill with shock.

"I'm sorry." She blurted out. "Oh—"

He closed his eyes, and her responses instantly increased in panic.

She was dabbing his face with something, profusely shooting out apologies.

He opened his eyes. "Go home."

She stopped, her eyes first flashing with anger, then defeat.

He wiped his face with his sleeve, turning away.

He knew he made mistakes, he was late, he was unresponsive. Maybe, he deserved that. But he didn't know what to do, except walk away. It's likely he won't see her at work, or she won't approach him anymore.

There was a tug at the end of his hoodie.

"Forrest."

He stiffened.

"How could you..." Her voice was shaky.

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The plot thickens. ;)