Trying to get rid of a ra (1/1)

Your dress is pretty. Blue really suits you, especially at night.

You think so? She typed back, secretly darting her eyes back and forth across the coffee brewery. It was one of the very few public places they could sneak off to. They always showed up one after the other, her usually studying there earlier to wait. Other people were studying as well, consisting of a hodgepodge of foreign students from the Women's University and various elderly who wanted their evening tea.

Where are you, anyway?

You've looked everywhere but forward, sweetheart.

She dumbly looked up from her phone, only to meet the bright eyes of her boyfriend.  He was in the direct opposite corner of hers, but the shop was intimate enough that she could make out the crinkles in his white dress shirt. It didn't help that the warm fairy lights were illuminating the shop like Neverland, her stomach was doing backflips.

Hello, handsome. She texted, admiring the way the cut of his stage outfit accentuated his shoulders. She watched Vernon’s eyes bug out from her reply, highlighted by the screen of his phone. He looked up, cheeks pink, and smiled shyly. Should I come over this time?

No, I'll come.

The anticipation was well-hidden as he got up, and she drummed her fingers across her lap. He was about to move, until another individual from the shop stopped right in front of her table for two. He was a smartly dressed young man about her age, in a navy blazer and trousers.

"Do I mind if I ask you something?" He said kindly, putting his backpack down.

She side-eyed Vernon from the front, who shrugged and sat back down. Stifling her sigh, she forced a smile and offered the chair in front of her. "I guess so."

The guy didn't hesitate to take sit down, as if it were actually reserved for him. "Do you go to school here?"

"Yeah, actually. Do you?" "Yes, I'm in Statistics." Maybe he was one of those guys who needed surveys from other students.

"That's good." She lazily swiped across her phone, frowning at her latest text. Vernon had practice in a couple hours, which was not long for them at all.

"You look really good in that dress, by the way." The guy suddenly said, resting his elbows on the table top. “It really accentuates your figure.” he even made that stupid s-line gesture. She fought the urge to roll her eyes, Vernon said the exact same thing to her earlier, which coming from him was definitely way less creepy. “Ah.” finally realizing the weight of the situation and unwanted attraction, she clicked her phone off and gave him her full attention. He seemed incredibly happy by that, and it was all the more encouraging for her to cut this guy off as soon as possible. Folding her fingers together, she said in a very business-like tone, “I’m actually meeting up with someone, so if you could please leave I’d appreciate it.” “You’ve been studying alone for hours.” he didn’t miss a beat, and started toying with the rim of her tea plate. Her nose scrunched up not only at the indirect contact, but the fact that he had been watching her for hours. The only thing that she does wish for is that he could have bucked up the courage to talk to her sooner, instead of killing precious Vernon-time. “If you want to study that’s fine by me. Can I get your number, first?” She has heard of dating customs, guys and their forwardness, and it was definitely not something she enjoyed with strangers. He didn’t even ask for her name, or introduce himself! “No.” she said bluntly.His face fell like cinderblock, and he immediately retaliated with a “Why?” as if it wasn’t possible she’d say no.“You gave me a yes or no question, am I wrong?” she asked, her voice saccharine sweet. “So, there was a fifty percent chance I would decline. Actually, one hundred percent chance.” “Really?” the guy replied hotly, and she fought the urge to laugh at how riled up he was getting. “And why is that?” “Because I have a super amazing boyfriend, and he’s the only one I’ll be kissing tonight so, leave.” The guy stood up so quickly that the table shook and her tea shifted, as if she was the one being turned down. “Bitch.” he muttered, grabbing his backpack and storming out of the shop. This time she did laugh, a very contrastive giggle bubbling out of her lips, but her eyes were sparkling with mirth. And finally, finally Vernon was walking up to her. He looked just as relieved to see that guy gone as well, abandoning all pretense as he stuffed his phone away and jogged up to her. This time she didn’t bother to keep her cool, as she jumped off her seat to wrap her arms around his waist. She sighed in relief at his familiar scent, feeling his cheek nestle on the crown of her head. Forcing herself to push him away, otherwise they’d be hugging all evening, they both sat down. “Sorry you had to wait longer.” she said. “That guy looked like a jerk.” he scoffed, reaching over to grasp her hand. “As much as I would’ve loved to be your knight in shining armor, you don’t need one.” “Damn straight.” she grinned, squeezing his palm. “You should’ve seen the look on his face when I told him to get lost.”“Oh, I did.” he chuckled, his eyes lighting up like amber in the low light. “His head looked like a pimple about to pop.” “Good, he deserved it. He almost ruined my mood.” “Now that’s settled.” Vernon got straight to the point, and plucked the menu from the holder. “Would you like to share some chocolate cake with your super amazing boyfriend?”