Soft

twenty three ♡

By five-thirty, I'm pacing in front of my mirror. I settle on my favorite light-wash straight-leg jeans, the ones that make my ass look really good, and a soft, white square-neck top that hugs just right. I throw on my cropped black puffer. I add my jewellery and pull my curls into a slicked-back bun. White sneakers to keep it comfy. Cute and casual.

 I put my lip gloss in my purse and grab the book I got her, tucking it inside too.

At 5:57, I hear the knock.

When I open the door, Emilia's there, casual but gorgeous in a long black coat over a cream top and slacks, soft gold chain at her throat, and her dark hair flowing loosely over her shoulder. She has this half-smile on her face like she knows exactly what she's doing to me.

"Hi," she says.

"Hi," I breathe.

She hands me a single lily flower, deep purple. I don't say anything, I just pull her in by her coat lapel and kiss her softly, quick, but meaningful.

"Let's go," I whisper.

The local food and artisan market is bustling. Fairy lights are strung above the walkways, and the scent of spices, fresh dough, and something sweet drifts through the air. We walk side by side, fingers brushing, then eventually intertwining.

She buys me a fresh lemonade with muddled berries. We get one of those huge Turkish gozleme wraps. 

We stop to look at handmade jewellery, a stall with old books, and a vendor selling hand-poured candles that smell like sandalwood and cardamom.

I catch her watching me while I smell one.

"What?" I ask.

She just shakes her head, smiling. "Nothing. You're just cute."

I blush and roll my eyes, but I don't let go of her hand.

It's easy. That's the scariest part. Being with her feels like floating on a cloud.

We find a bench tucked behind a row of food trucks, semi-private but still open. I lean into her side, resting my head on her shoulder, her arms sliding around me tightly. 

But then-

"Amara?"

I freeze. Emilia stiffens next to me.

I look up and spot someone walking toward us, Damien. 

We had a group project together in the second year. Loud, chatty, always sniffing around people's business. 

My stomach tightens.

I shift away from Emilia quickly, hoping it doesn't look weird.

I quickly look at her, panic in my eyes. 

"I'm going to go to the bathroom," she says, squeezing my hand and hurrying off in the opposite direction.

"Hey!" I say, maybe too brightly.

Damien grins. "Wow, hey! I haven't seen you in forever. This place is amazing, huh?"

"Yeah, totally. I love it."

Damien glances in the direction Emilia went. 

"Hope I didn't interrupt you on a date? Damien laughs awkwardly. "She kinda looks familiar. I know her?"

I force a chuckle. "Nah, don't think so, but yeah, we were just chilling. Getting food." I gesture to the food in front of us. 

"Cool, cool. Anyway, good to see you! Hit me up if you're ever down for drinks with the old crew."