The cold from the steps hadn’t left Yeshin’s skin, but the tears had dried.
Inside, the café had already closed. The chairs were up on the tables, the lights dimmed. Yeshin stood by the door, arms crossed, waiting for the ache in her chest to ease.
Xavio was still outside—waiting like he always did now.
“You done?” he asked when she stepped out.
She gave a small nod, her voice hoarse. “Yeah.”
“Come on. I’m not letting you go home like that.”
Before she could ask what he meant, he was already walking. She followed, too tired to argue.
Minutes later, they sat on a bench at a quiet corner of the city, each holding a cone of ice cream. Her favorite—salted caramel with sprinkles. His—cookies and cream, melting a little too fast.
“Seriously?” she muttered, staring at the scoop.
“What?” he smirked. “Ice cream fixes everything. It’s a universal truth.”
She shook her head but took a bite anyway. Sweet, cold comfort.
“It won’t bring him back,” she said quietly.
“I know.”
“But thanks.”
He looked at her. “You’re not meant to cry on coffee shop steps, Yeshin.”
She glanced at him, surprised by the softness in his voice.
He added, “You’re supposed to laugh so hard your stomach hurts. You deserve peace.”
And for the first time in what felt like days, she gave a tiny, real smile.
---
The next morning, Yeshin stood in front of the mirror, tying her hair into a low ponytail. Her eyes were still a little puffy, but the heaviness had lightened just a bit.
Her phone buzzed.
Xavio: Don’t go to the café today. You’re off. I told your manager.
Yeshin: What? Why??
Xavio: Because I’m kidnapping you. Be ready in 20.
Before she could argue, her doorbell rang. Fast as ever.
When she opened it, Xavio stood there, casual in a hoodie and Baggy jeans, holding a helmet.
She raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
He grinned. “We’re going somewhere. Just trust me.”
And for some reason… she did.
---
They rode through the open highway, wind tugging at her hair, the sun warming her cheeks. He took her to a quiet cliffside, where the sea stretched out endlessly below, glittering under the afternoon light.
It felt like breathing for the first time in days.
They sat on the edge, sharing snacks, watching the waves crash.
No pressure. No tears.
Just the two of them… in silence that didn’t hurt.
“Thank you,” Yeshin said, eyes on the ocean.
Xavio glanced at her. “For what?”
“For reminding me that it’s okay to feel free again.”
He smiled.
But somewhere behind that smile… was a flicker of something else.
A secret.
A crack.
Something he hoped she wouldn’t see.
Yet.
YOU ARE READING
The Red String Theory
RomanceThis story is about a female college student. Her mother told her about the Red String Theory but she doesn't believe it, because she doesn't believe in any theories or beliefs. Now, will she believes that the Red String Theory happens in life, when...
