"COFFEE DATE"

"Oh, why are you smiling?”

I hadn’t realized that Marius caught my reaction, so I was taken aback when he spoke.

“Huh?” I asked, trying to ignore the warmth spreading across my cheeks.

I wasn’t sure if Marius sensed that I didn’t want to answer his question, but deep down, I was relieved that he didn’t push further.

As I had hoped, it was a coffee date. I didn’t know what we were supposed to talk about, as he had suggested, or maybe he had something to confess. I couldn’t be certain. So, I chose to remain silent.

“Now tell me, what happened when you left me? Why did things end up this way?” Marius asked, his tone and expression serious as he locked eyes with me. My calm facade wavered slightly at the intensity of his gaze.

I knew Marius and I would eventually have this conversation. I accepted that and expected it. But I wasn’t prepared for the rush of emotions his question brought. Perhaps because I hadn’t anticipated him bringing it up now.

“M-Marius, can we talk about this another day?” I replied, trying to sound pleading.

“There’s nothing wrong with discussing it now, is there?” Marius insisted, determination evident in his tone.

His insistence on discussing the matter made it clear that he wanted to address it. Meanwhile, I contemplated whether now was indeed the right time to delve into a topic that had caused so much turmoil between us.

His  determination shone through as he insisted on addressing the issue at hand. His unwavering gaze held mine, urging me to confront the past.

“I wouldn’t even consider it if I hadn’t learned about you,” I stated formally, although each word felt like a stab of pain in my heart.

Marius let out a sigh, a mixture of hesitation and longing evident in his eyes as he reached for my hand, which I didn’t pull away.

His plea echoed in the quiet cafe, a plea tinged with vulnerability and hope.” Let’s try again, please?” he said softly.

I remained silent for a moment, contemplating his words. I kept my eyes lowered, focusing on the coffee cup in front of me. I wanted to agree to what he was suggesting, but I was afraid of taking another risk. It wasn’t easy.

“You know, Marius, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from all this, it’s that trust is like a mirror. Once broken, it can never be the same,” I spoke softly yet meaningfully, meeting Marius’s gaze to convey what I wanted to say. And I believed he understood.

Marius’s eyes reflected a myriad of emotions—determination, longing, and a hint of fear. His silent plea begged for a second chance, a chance to mend what was broken.

“Sam, please,” he urged, his eyes pleading with me.

Our eyes locked, conveying unspoken words and silent promises. The weight of our shared history hung in the air, urging us to bridge the gap between us.

At that moment, I decided to withdraw my hand from his. But Marius didn’t release it; instead, he held on tighter, his grip firm.

“I don’t think so. I mean, it hasn’t even been a month since I arrived here, right?” I blurted out, unsure why I said that. But maybe—well, I thought it was the right thing to say. So, I didn’t take it back, even though I realized I had inadvertently given Marius a glimmer of hope.

We continued to gaze at each other, the small distance between us allowing me to see the myriad of emotions in his eyes.

The air between us crackled with unspoken desires and unresolved tensions. We remained locked in a silent exchange, each of us grappling with our emotions.

Marius’s eyes never failed to stir up complex feelings within me. In a way I couldn’t explain, his gaze always made me feel a certain way, something I only experienced with him.

“Sam,” he said softly.

There was only a small distance between us. So, it wasn’t difficult for Marius to bridge that gap and kiss me. I felt a familiar yet exhilarating sensation as his lips met mine, though I had to admit, no matter how many times I experienced it, I could never get used to it.

Marius’s kisses were gentle, but they conveyed a depth of emotion, making me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. I felt fortunate. Just like before. Just like when I was unaware of the plans he was making.

I pulled away after a moment, realizing where my thoughts were going. But Marius didn’t seem deterred; he kissed me again, unfazed by the possibility of being seen by others.

I wasn’t sure if this was part of Marius’s plan—to kiss me and make me feel a kind of longing only he could evoke. But in the end, I didn’t dwell on that.

Marius’s kiss was so intoxicating that it transported me to another dimension. It was as though I returned to the present when he pulled away, only to hear him speak.

“Let’s go to your house?” he suggested, his eyes locked on mine, sparks of fire evident in them. And I liked that. So, I nodded. Eventually, I found myself inside Marius’s car. We exchanged passionate kisses without restraint. Luckily, his car had heavy tinted windows; no one could see us.

“Oh, Sam, I’m so hot for you,” he murmured, biting my lower lip, causing me to gasp.

I took Marius’s hand and placed it on my left breast. We both felt the same desire. I was burning up, too. After doing that, I leaned in and kissed his neck, initiating another round of fervent kisses.

“Come on, please,” I whispered as he released my lips.

Marius nodded and started to drive the car which had been on since earlier. In truth, inside the vehicle was already cold, but because we both missed each other so much, it felt like a blazing fire was consuming the entire vehicle.

Throughout the drive, Marius and I remained silent. If it weren’t for me having to give him directions to my house, we might have sat in silence the whole way. But despite that, I knew why there was a silent treatment. And I couldn’t wait because I was truly excited to be reunited with the man I loved. And this time, I would do everything to show him what I’m capable of.