Invisible String

Chapter 16: a root canal, without anesthesia.

“Then I’m sure he has nothing to worry about.” She said, finally looking away from me.

A small smile made its way onto my face and I didn’t try to stop it. “So, I guess we’ll call it a night. Can’t wait to see you on our date, my majesty.” I bowed slightly and didn’t wait for her answer, instead I just turned and walked away, the smile still present on my face.

Samaira's POV

I rummaged through my closet in search of that one black turtleneck I had planned to wear for the "date" today. My hands moved clothes back and forth, frustration mounting with each passing second. Finally, I threw my hands up in exasperation. I decided it wasn't worth stressing over this one piece of clothing, but everything about this date was stressful to me. I've always been the overthinking type. If only I hadn’t asked him out the other day. I still didn’t know where that burst of adrenaline had come from to ask that 6'3" tower out on a date.

With a sigh, I sat on my bed and decided to go with my usual outfit instead of continuing the futile search for the elusive turtleneck. My mind drifted to Kabir. He wasn’t someone I wanted to judge too quickly, which was ironic because I had hated him the moment I saw his face. That chiseled jaw, those deep honey-brown eyes, and his dimples that were slightly visible whenever he smiled. Gosh, as cute and approachable as he looked, it was the complete opposite. Kabir and I had nothing in common, and having coffee with him felt like it would be twice as painful as a root canal, without anesthesia.

I dashed out of my room, dressed in a white tank top and dark blue jeans paired with a simple cotton blue shirt draped over my exposed shoulders. Just as I was about to dial for Kabir, I realized we had never exchanged numbers. I called Naina, hoping to get Kabir's number through Aditya but then I remembered her and Aditya were not on speaking terms and she would kill me if I told her to ask him. That’s when a loud honk outside my window distracted me. I peeked through the curtains and saw Kabir in a car. What timing, Kabir.

With my heart pounding, I hurried downstairs and stepped outside. There he was, leaning casually against his car, looking effortlessly handsome and calm, as if this date were the most natural thing in the world.

"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.
I nodded, trying to hide the mix of nerves inside me. "Yeah, let's go."
As I climbed into the car, I couldn't help but wonder how this date would unfold. Despite my earlier doubts, a small part of me was curious—curious to see if we could find any common ground, if there was more to Kabir than the distant, enigmatic persona he often showed. The journey ahead seemed uncertain, but for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, this could lead to something more than just a formality.

"Nice car," I said, breaking the silence in an attempt to ease the tension between us.
"Thanks," he replied, his focus returning to the road.

Awkward silence stretched between us, but it ended as we arrived at the nearest Starbucks, not even ten minutes away from my place. I wondered if he knew I wasn't a big fan of coffee. I couldn't say no when he suggested Starbucks because I didn't know what else to say.

Leading the way, Kabir opened the door to the car and then the store. Cute.
"What would you like to order?" he asked.
How do I tell him I have no knowledge of coffee yet order something from Starbucks' complicated menu?

"I'll have whatever you're having," I said as we walked towards the counter, Kabir following closely behind me.
"Hello sir, what would you like to have?" the employee asked.

"Two Caffe Americano," he said coldly, still standing behind me but closer. I could feel his breath on my shoulder as he spoke even smell his cologne, my hair probably brushing past his buff chest.