Alessia's newly furnished house exuded an air of anticipation as Lotte and her teammates gathered, ready to tackle the final stage of their furniture assembly. The room hummed with a blend of weariness and determination, each member eager to transform the space into a cozy haven for their newest team member.
Lotte, physically exhausted but mentally resolute, took charge of orchestrating the assembly process. She skillfully assigned tasks to each teammate, ensuring that everyone had a vital role in bringing the room to life. As the others delved into unpacking boxes and sorting through various components, Lotte grabbed her tools and immersed herself in the task.
The physical exertion provided her with a much-needed respite from the emotional turmoil that had plagued her throughout the day. With each turn of the screwdriver and each rhythmic tightening of bolts, she found solace in the tangible progress she was making. It granted her a temporary escape from the complexities of her relationship with Alessia, allowing her to focus on the task at hand.
As Lotte dedicated herself to the meticulous task of assembling the furniture, she couldn't escape the gentle pull of Alessia's presence. Throughout the day, Lotte had been acutely aware of Alessia's subtle attempts to bridge the emotional chasm between them. Whether it was offering a helping hand, reaching for the same tool, or attempting to spark a light-hearted conversation, Alessia's gestures were undeniable.
However, Lotte found herself unable to fully reciprocate Alessia's efforts. The emotional distance that she had materialized between them stood as a protective fortress Lotte had conscientiously constructed. It served as a shield, shielding her vulnerable heart from the potential pain that rekindling their connection might bring.
Still, as the evening wore on, Lotte couldn't shake the feeling of Alessia's eyes on her constantly, the other woman's yearning evident in her glances. It tugged at her heartstrings, igniting a longing within her that she desperately tried to suppress. But Lotte knew that succumbing to those emotions would only reopen old wounds, so she ignored that within the depths of her being, there existed an ardent longing for the comfort and familiarity they once shared.
The echoes of their laughter and the warmth of their friendship, relationships, situationship or whatever they were years ago, beckoned to her, whispering promises of what could be between them. Yet, Lotte couldn't ignore the scars etched upon her heart, remnants of past heartaches that warned of the inherent risks Alessia carried.
And so, Lotte focused her energy on the task at hand instead, maintaining a steadfast resolve to keep her emotions in check. The furniture assembly became a symbol of her determination to guard her heart and preserve her own well-being. It was an act of self-preservation, a conscious decision to shield herself from the risks and uncertainties that lay in reconnecting with Alessia.
A few hours later, as Lotte and her teammates settled into the comforting embrace of their newly furnished living room, an atmosphere of warmth enveloped the space. The soft glow of the carefully positioned lamps cast a gentle, cozy light, as if the room itself was offering a soothing hug. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air, painting a picture of togetherness.
Amidst this joyful symphony, a sudden ring at the door shattered the tranquility. "The food is here!" Alessia exclaimed, prompting the others to erupt in cheers and excitement. Startled, Lotte realized that she had been so engrossed in the lively atmosphere that she hadn't noticed her teammates placing an order for food. Perplexed, she voiced her confusion, "When did you all order food?"
Leah, already making her way towards the kitchen, responded, "Less came by while we were setting up her furniture and asked us what we wanted from the Indian restaurant." Suddenly Lotte couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as she muttered to herself, "Well, it seems like I was forgotten then."
She obviously couldn't understand why Alessia hadn't asked her what she wanted to eat. Despite their strained relationship, Lotte had expected at least a gesture of courtesy. After all, she assumed Alessia wouldn't want others to suspect that their dynamic was not as harmonious as it appeared either.
But before Lotte had a chance to contemplate how to navigate this situation, she heard a soft clearing of the throat next to her. An enticing aroma of naan bread and a dish she hadn't had in a long time filled the air. In fact, it had been since that one night in July when Alessia and she were together.
The room around her seemed to have emptied out as all her teammates appeared to have gone to the kitchen to get their food. But Lotte was certain of who stood beside her even before the person uttered a word.
"I hope this is still your favorite dish to get from an Indian restaurant," a voice broke the silence that now enveloped the room, as the voices of her teammates faded into the background. "However, I took the liberty of ordering you a chicken biryani," she added, extending the plate towards Lotte.
Honestly surprised that Alessia still remembered in first place, Lotte didn't expect her to do something like that in second place. "Thank you," she managed to say, looking at the plate instead of the woman beside her. "But I only eat it without..." "Onions, I know, that's how I ordered it," Alessia gently interjected.
Completely bewildered, Lotte now looked up, the fact that Alessia even remembered that detail throwing her completely off balance. She realized that for a brief moment, she had suddenly let her guard down and looked at Alessia through her true feelings instead of the protective shield.
"As I said, I hope it still tastes good to you," Alessia said with a sweet smile that pierced directly into Lotte's now vulnerable heart. All she managed to utter, before the others loudly reentered the living room, was a whispered "Thank you," and Alessia nodded gently before turning around and walking towards the kitchen.
As the team gathered in the living room, each with their food and utensils on their laps, Lotte took her first bite, and in that moment, she felt her sense of surprise to Alessia's action slowly transform into a profound sense of gratitude. Her heart suddenly swelled with appreciation for the other woman's thoughtfulness.
It was as if a sudden wave of warmth washed over her, reminding her of the deep connection they once shared - and despite the recent difficulties they had faced, Lotte realized that Alessia seemed to apparently still hold a special place for her in her heart.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, Alessia's laughter, which intermittently filled the room, especially fueled by Beth's silliness, resonated deeply with Lotte. The combination of hearing this soft sound of laughter and the taste of the food brought her back to the very first of countless times they had dined together at that Indian restaurant on their college campus. Lotte's mind drifted off and wandered back to that one particular evening, etched in her memory like a precious gem.
On that evening, Lotte and Alessia had planned to meet up with their teammates at the Indian restaurant on campus. Lotte had a class from the university just before their get-together, so she just quickly glanced at her phone while getting ready. Alessia seemed to have already headed to the restaurant, as she was no longer in their shared room.
What Lotte failed to notice was that all the messages on her phone were cancellations for the evening from their teammates, so it came as a surprise when she walked into the restaurant and saw Alessia sitting alone at one of the tables. A table for two, much to Lotte's surprise.
However, just seeing Alessia sitting there nearly left Lotte speechless. Her long, flowing hair cascaded in gentle waves over her shoulders, she wore a floral summer dress, and her lips were adorned with lipstick. Lotte instantly felt underdressed, with her hair in a messy bun and an unbuttoned summer shirt.
As she approached, the other woman quickly stood up and greeted her with a warm hug. Enveloped in Alessia's scent, Lotte could barely hear the words that unconsciously stumbled out of her mouth, "Where is everyone else?"
"It's just the two of us, as the others had to cancel," Alessia explained, gesturing towards the elegantly set table for two where she sat. Two crystal-clear glasses, nicely arranged plates and cutlery, and a softly flickering candle at the center - all of it perfectly complemented the captivating presence of the woman standing in front of Lotte.
In that moment, Lotte couldn't discern if this unexpected intimacy was a blessing or a curse for her already muddled emotions. Ever since that revelatory game of truth or dare, where Alessia confessed her hypothetical interest in pursuing something with Lotte if she were attracted to women, a strange sensation had taken residence in Lotte's stomach whenever she was around Alessia.
Truth be told, even the mere act of gazing into Alessia's eyes was enough to stir her inner world. And lately, Lotte had found herself doing that more frequently - perhaps too frequently for it just being appreciative of Alessia's undoubtedly beautiful looks.
As the other woman apparently attempted to decipher the meaning behind Lotte's silence, her questioning gaze met Lotte's. "Is this alright? Or should we reschedule and come back with the others?" Alessia inquired, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and something that looked like...hope?
However, before Lotte could muster any resistance, she already instinctively shook her head and moved towards the inviting seat. A radiant smile blossomed on Alessia's face, casting a warm glow upon the room and on their table for two.
"But then you've dressed up in vain if no one else gets to see you like this," Lotte playfully remarked, her heart racing within her chest. The ambiance created by their secluded togetherness felt utterly distinct from the times they spent alone in their shared room.
"Oh, nonsense. I thoroughly enjoy dressing up for you very much," Alessia responded, her voice carrying a hint of excitement and shyness at the same time as her gaze locked with Lotte's.
Blushing, Lotte managed to utter a simple "Thank you" before Alessia effortlessly derailed her train of thought with a casual yet impactful statement: "By the way, you look exceptionally stunning tonight, Lotte."
If there were still any doubts lingering within Lotte's heart, they were extinguished in that very moment. Suddenly it became abundantly clear to Lotte that she herself desired this evening to hold a significance beyond their ordinary get-together as friends.
The restaurant hummed with aromatic spices, while soft music wove an enchanting atmosphere for their conversation. Lotte found herself captivated by the ambiance, as if the universe had orchestrated this perfect setting exclusively for her and Alessia.
Their conversations took them on a journey across a spectrum of topics, ranging from profound and heartfelt to the simple joys of everyday life. They delved into nostalgic recollections of friends and loved ones, their shared yearning for spending time with their families back home, and the trials and triumphs of their recent internships.
And, of course, the ever-present topic of football, which sparked animated exchanges and shared enthusiasm. Though these topics might have seemed mundane in other circumstances, amidst the scent of chicken biryani, each word exchanged felt imbued with an intangible magic.
Lotte couldn't help but notice how different it felt, being in this moment with Alessia. The mundane transformed into something extraordinary, as their conversation danced effortlessly between laughter, deep contemplation, and a profound sense of connection.
The gentle touches as they reached for the same dish, the way their eyes locked when one spoke and the other listened intently - Lotte cherished this time with Alessia more than ever before, and she wondered if Alessia felt the same. It was so much more than an evening with their teammates, it held an inexplicable romantic allure. This is what a perfect date must feel like, Lotte thought to herself, drawing inspiration from the pages of love novels.
As the evening neared its end, a slip of the tongue betrayed Lotte's true emotions, causing an immediate pang of unease. "That was a wonderful evening, much better than with the team," she inadvertently revealed, regretting her momentary lapse of control. She couldn't afford to expose her inner turmoil to her roommate and teammate, it would only complicate matters and potentially disrupt the harmonious bond they had cultivated.
Still, much to Lotte's amazement, Alessia's response was filled with genuine warmth and understanding, accompanied by a captivating smile. "I couldn't agree more, Lotte," she expressed, her hand reaching out to hold Lotte's, causing a surge of butterflies to take flight in Lotte's stomach. Encouraged by the connection between them, Lotte mustered the courage to propose, "Let's do this again," her voice infused with both anticipation and the intoxicating effects of Alessia's touch.
And so, the two women continued to meet more frequently at the campus Indian restaurant, indulging in Lotte's favorite dish, chicken biryani without onions, and basking in the warm glow of candlelight. They didn't broadcast their regular outings to the other teammates and even though Lotte didn't really know why they kept it that way, she secretly enjoyed how both of them obviously put in extra effort to dress up for those occasions. While they never talked about a specific label to these evenings, Lotte couldn't help but feel that they resembled wonderful dates, filled with the enchantment and connection she shared with Alessia.
Lotte was suddenly jolted back to reality as a hand gently landed on her upper arm, pulling her out of her daydream in Alessia's newly furnished living room. "Earth to Lotte, where were you just now?" Leah asked with a hint of concern. However, instead of meeting Leah's gaze, Lotte found herself locking eyes with Alessia, who sat across from her, also wearing a worried expression.
In a somewhat disconnected manner, Lotte suddenly spoke up, "Thank you, Alessia. I appreciate you remembering that." She cleared her throat and gestured towards her plate of chicken biryani. It was clear that the others in the room couldn't follow Lotte's train of thought, but Alessia's features softened into a gentle smile, perhaps understanding the memories that this meal had brought to Lotte's mind. "Of course, Lotte. I remember that and so much more from our time in college together!"