Strangers▪ Matei Covaci imagine

Twenty one

"So anyway, I messaged him last night to ask if we're a thing, but he hasn't replied."

"Maybe he's busy, or-"

"Oh, don't bother. I've seen his type before.". Katrina tosses her phone aside and lays her head on the counter. Her long blonde locks fall onto my leather jacket, which I carefully snatch away as I stroke her hair pitifully. 

"I swear I'm doomed to be single forever." she moans, "Everyone around me is in relationships now, even you!"

"Huh?"

"You and Matei" She explains, lifting her head up and gesturing towards Matei, whose sat in the corner, on his phone.

"I don't think were in a relationship, Katrina." 

She rolls her eyes, turning around to the coffee machine. "Honey, when you've been in as many car crash relationships as I have, you can spot when a guy is seriously into a girl. Trust me, you should hang onto him."

I laugh uneasily, partly because Katrina has made me realise I have no clue where Matei and I stand.

"Here, drinks are on the house." she says, handing me two mugs, "Get back to your man."

"Thanks Katrina" I say, grinning. 

I sit opposite Matei and hand him the hot chocolate. He beams at me and I almost slide off the chair.

"Thanks. what's that?

"Black coffee. I'm exhausted." I say, taking a large sip.

"Did TJ's mum have you running laps of the garden?"

"Garden? More like jungle. I must have run at least a marathon last night, and that was only to get to the garage and back." I reply, a yawn escaping my mouth. "All that space to run around in, and poor TJ can't appreciate it".

Matei smiles, a little more sadly this time. 

"...I'm sorry that I doubted TJ. Last night I realised just how great a friend he is. You're lucky to have him."

Now, his usual heart-stoppping smile returns, and I imagine he's relieved TJ and I are finally at peace. 

"I know."

-------------------

After the sun sets and the Kafe is shut, we follow the gravel path which runs around the bottom of the fort. From here, I can see the looming stones of the ruins on top of the hill. I think about the last time I was up there, with Matei. Looking back at him, his face, his lips, all I want to do is recreate that moment.

I'm so mesmerised, I don't sense a pair of cyclists rapidly approaching , and Matei pulls me gently by the arm to the edge of the path. His hand slides down to meet mine, and they interlace as we continue. He squeezes softly, as if to ask is this ok?.  I return the squeeze, feeling myself blush a little.

"I was going to ask you something" He begins cautiously.

"What?". I think about what Katrina said earlier. Is this when I find out if we're in a relationship?

"Well, now that you and TJ are ok, I was wondering if you'd spend a full moon with us."

"Really? Where?" I ask.

"Here. It's usually abandoned at night, but we'd still have to be careful."

"Let me guess, this was TJ's idea"

Matei shrugs. "He's dying to spend his first full moon on the hills. He's convinced its going to be soon."

"What are you going to tell your foster parents?"