Mm?" he said.
"Sir," the waiter interrupted, "here is your coffee," and placed the coffee gently on the table. "Enjoy your coffee, sir, madam," the waiter said with a polite smile and bowed before leaving.
"It smells so good," she breathed coffee aroma and sipped her coffee. "Yeah... it tastes delicious; it's relaxing my mind," she said, closing her eyes and feeling the aroma.
Aaron nodded and sipped his coffee, his eyes meeting hers. "Who's that guy? I don't think I've seen him around."
With a wide smile, Evangeline replied, "Oh, he's new. But that's not the issue." Her expression shifted, annoyance flashing across her face.
She flounced, rolling her eyes. "He thinks of himself as high." She sipped her coffee. "He's showing far too much attitude," she continued, her tone sharper. Venting her annoyance about Nate.
Aaron listened, but the mention of Nate's name again, quiet frustration increased within him, and he squeezed his hand shut... He hid his anger behind a polite smile, though the tightening grip on his coffee cup betrayed his emotions.
Aaron's gaze moved to her upper lip, where a faint trace of coffee lingered. He could stop himself; he leaned forward, without thinking, leaned closer to her face, and gently lifted her chin upward with his hand. "You've got coffee here," he said softly. He murmured, his thumb brushing away the stain with a soft touch.
Evangeline froze in shock at his touch; her pupil size increased, her breath caught in her throat, and their eyes locked. The world seemed to blur around them, and the soft music faded away, leaving only the intensity of their gaze.
Realizing the situation, Aaron quickly stepped back to his seat, smiling to hide the tension. "You always drink coffee like a kiddo, but it's okay; it is also cute."
After hearing, cute Evangeline blinked continuously, skipping his eye contact, her cheeks warming and blushing. "Um, sorry," she muttered, her toes slowly tapping the floor as she was unsure how to react.
Aaron chuckled softly and didn't show his true inner feelings. "It's okay, Eve... Carry on."
Silence remains, glancing at each other, but no words come out, just enjoying the coffee.
After a brief silence, "We're already late," Evangeline said, glancing at her watch.
"Yeah, then... let's get going," Aaron replied, his voice calm.
She nodded without looking at him and was watching her phone because she felt shy.
They left the coffee bar warm coffee bar, and Aaron opened the car door for her. Evangeline moved smoothly into the passenger seat, and he got in on the other side. A comfortable silence settled between them.
OMG, what a day. I got blushed by two men; shit!!!!!!!!!! This is insane, Evangeline thought, exhaling a relieved breath as she leaned back in her seat.
No one spoke in the car, and Evangeline watched outside the view, her mind racing with today's moments.
"We've arrived at your house; if there's any problem, call me, okay? Don't put anything on my mind," Aaron's voice broke the silence.
However, Evangeline remained submerged in her thoughts.
Aaron softly placed his hand on Eve's shoulder, shook her gently, and called her, "Eve... Eve... Evangeline."
She blinked, snapping back into reality. "Um. what?"
"Is everything okay?" he said, his voice filled with anxiety.
Evangeline nodded immediately, her mind still a little foggy. "Yeah… yeah... I am fine."
She unlocked the door and stepped outside, turning to give him a quick smile. "Goodbye, Aaron. Go safe."
Aaron watched her walk away, a small grin across his lips. His eyes sparkle with something more, and his smile hints at a deeper satisfaction he doesn't need to express.
Evangeline, her heels echoing in the hall, bounced into her room, her cheeks flushed.
Chris and Michael were standing in the hallway, watching her act all weird and exchanging confused looks.
Ignoring them, Evangeline closed the door behind her, tossed her bag on the table, and slumped onto her bed, spreading her arms out like flying birds. She took a deep exhale, a happy sigh, and wrinkled her nose, a shy smile creeping onto her face.
With her eyes closed, it was like she went off into her little world.
The next morning, Nate stood in front of the larger dressing mirror, adjusting his shirt and combing his hair neatly, looking just like any other student.
Kim leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching him. "Dawg...., you're not a CEO; you're just a student. Sometimes, you forget your role."
Nate paused, still focused on his reflection, and raised an eyebrow. "What... I am a CEO."
Before he could continue, Kim reached over and tousled Nate's perfectly styled hair, transforming it into a rebellious look. "Of course, you, but not now. There. Now you look cool."
Nate stared at his reflection, his expression shifting into a dramatic, bombastic glare. "Really?"
Kim smirked. "Sometimes, you act like an old man."
Nate cleared his throat. "I'm four years younger than you, just for your information!" he teased, feeling proud.
Kim waved a hand dismissively. "Arasoo, araso... Don't focus on her like she's a target—just go with the flow. Girls like casual guys, not a perfect man."
Nate chuckled and adjusted his hair. "Alright. Watch me," he said with a wink.
Kim grinned. "That's my man."
Kim grabbed his car keys from the table and twisted them between his fingers. The two of them then left the room and headed to the car park, but Nate's thoughts went back to yesterday's lecture.
When Nate entered the finance lecture hall, it was filled with chatter and laughter as students waited for their professor. He settled near Mike and checked his phone.
A girl with wavy brown hair walked to Nate's desk. "Hey, new guy," she began. "I'm Lisa. I'm hosting a party at my house this weekend, and I'd like to invite you. You should come, handsome! and bring your friends too." She said this in a flirty tone and winked at him.
Nate nodded sweetly and smiled back at her, but his mind was elsewhere. Is that necessary for me right now? he enquired. Then, a second thought struck him. What if Evangeline shows up at the party?
Mike's friend, Jake, said, "Lisa organizes those popular monthly parties. Everyone loves her cheerful bearing, and she can make people feel comfortable, which is why her parties are so successful." He then shared some memorable incidents from her events.
Nate heard, glancing at everyone, resting his palm on his strong jawline for support. The energy in the room was noticeable; everyone eagerly anticipated discussing his dress code for their first party of the year.