She was early. They were supposed to meet at 6 o’clock and it was now 5:45. Today was a stormy day, the rain hit the windows and pavement like it had some kind of vendetta against them. People were running around, looking for a place to hide from the anger of the clouds. Just a few people were still outside. They were laughing and jumping in puddles, knowing damn well that they were going to suffer the consequences later. Later yes, but as for now, everything seemed perfect. Shay looked at a couple of kids, dipping their toes in puddles to check how deep they were. Their friends stood nearby, looking at their friends and shaking their head while trying to cover their heads with their hands. Glowing, that’s what they were doing. Even in this rainy weather the sun hadn’t disappeared. It was there, in the form of joy and freedom and happiness in those kids’ faces. It was in their laughter as they ran around while their parents tried to catch them. A small smile crept up her face as she looked at them. It amazed her how some people managed to find joy in things other people only saw as a burden. How they saw beauty in things that other people viewed as hideous. A wonder, it was.

She threw a glance at her watch, 5:55. However, she didn’t think he would make it in time under the weather circumstances. It was fine, she was enjoying herself. Wrapping her hands around the still steaming hot cup, she leaned back in her chair. A soft melody, coming from the small radio in the corner, filled the entire coffeeshop. Violins and pianos and just pure magic. Shay felt herself fall slip in a daydream.

Just then, she heard the bell of the door ring. Didn’t separate her from her daydream though. It wasn’t until she heard a chair being pulled back that she opened her eyes. Brown eyes looked at her with such amusement that she felt her cheeks heat up. His hair was soaked and his coat was slightly wet. A small smile was playing on his lips, his hands were tugged into his pockets and he looked like a little boy who had done something he shouldn’t have. He slumped into the chair facing her and threw his head back.

“Wow, did you walk all the way here?”

“Hah, you’re funny Shay. Walking is inefficient. That means no, by the way. I mean I walked from my car to here, which took me about ten seconds. But it’s raining so bad!”

He looked out of the window, his eyes scanning the nearly empty streets, before turning back to her. Pieces of wet hair hung in his face and his face was still slightly shiny from the rain. He looked vulnerable and yet so Ace at the same time. Even the thought of him made her become a nervous wreck, so to avoid looking like an idiot, she coughed indicating that she wanted to say something.

“You were just in time though. Not that I was surprised.”

The waitress handed Ace his drink and he smiled kindly at her when he took it from her hands. After taking a sip, he laughed. “Ah well, you know me. But the weather is not what I wanted to talk to you about.” He looked so serious all of the sudden, she started to become worried. “Okay well-Ah-How do I say this?” The nerves were radiating off of her, she was sure of it. “Just say it. You’re making me nervous.” A smile adorned his features, making her heart beat just a little faster. “Will you go out with me this Saturday? I mean, I have been meaning to ask you this for so long, but talked myself out of it every single time. I don’t know why I decided to do it now. I-” he stopped talking after seeing her shocked expression. Shay felt her entire body being set on fire, was this really happening? How many times had she dreamt of this moment? Or even considered asking him herself, but changed her mind last second? Ace looked a little embarrassed, his cheeks turning a soft shade of pink and he was fiddling with his fingers. “I mean, only if you want. Maybe this came a little too sudden? Is it me? I am sorry if I out you in a bad position now. We can just pretend-” Shay felt herself being slapped back to reality. “Huh? No! I would love to go! Out with you! I mean that’s great!” And after that they just sat there, looking at each other with red faces and embarrassed smiles.

“So what now?” He asked sheepishly. “We go out on Saturday? Eh, yeah.”  The color red was really beginning to grow on her. Suddenly his eyes lit up and she swore she could see an entire universe in them. “I had this whole thing planned, in case you did agree. But we could also do something else, if you want? I don’t mind,” he spoke sheepishly. She barely heard him as she was studying his face, taking in every feature and allowing herself to memorize the shape of his eyes and the spark in them. So she just nodded. “Eh, what does that mean? Shay?” “Oh, let’s do your idea. I want to know what you have planned.” The color rose to his cheeks again, making Shay giggle even though she probably was redder than him.

“Want to go for a walk? The rain stopped.” They had just finished their drinks in pleasant silence, both too deep in thoughts to talk. “Mhm, yeah let’s so,” Ace stood up grabbing his coat in the process. Shay placed the money on the table and waved Ace off when he tried to protest. Wrapping  her hands around his arm, she dragged him out. Even though it had stopped raining, there was still a chill in the air. Their breaths created tiny clouds, that faded as soon as they appeared. The pavement was still wet and kind of slippery as they walked on it.  Shay could see their reflection in the puddles they encountered along the way. She couldn’t have looked more flustered even if she tried. The more they walked, the less crowded the streets became, until they were alone in a quiet street. None of them had said a word since they left the coffeeshop, not that it bothered either. There was nothing wrong with the silence. But Shay had enough of it now.

Ace looked at Shay when she suddenly stopped walking, worried that she was feeling unwell. When she smiled at him, he felt all his worries melt away. There was so much he wanted to tell her, so much he wanted to let her know. But he was too scared to even try. The sound of Shay’s phone made her brake eye contact. She sent him an apologetic look, but he just smiled at her in reply. Taking this as an opportunity to take in his surroundings, he looked around. He knew Shay lived near here. They were standing near the end of a street, there were a couple of teashops and a candle store just a bit further away. He stood near an alley, against the closed flower shop. Vines were reaching its roof and added with the drops of rain still dancing on the leaves, the scenario couldn’t have looked more magical. The dark clouds created a grim sphere, also indicating that it was going to rain soon. He breathed out softly, debating what he should do. His thoughts were cut short as Shay approached him again.

“Sorry, it was Payton asking about you-I mean…school” He couldn’t help the smile creeping up his face as he looked at her flushed cheeks and the way she tried to keep herself warm by sinking into her coat. “It’s fine, is everything okay now?” “Yes. But there is just one thing I need to do.” “What?”

She took in a deep breath, before she stepped closer to him. Every bit of her body was telling her to continue, but she couldn’t help her nerves. So she pressed her lips to his before she could change her mind. She could just make out his sharp intake of breath before her  lips met his. At first they both stood there, but he placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her closer to him. His back was still against the wall and she seemed to be pushing him more against it as she went. Moving her hand to his face, she deepened their kiss. His scent was nearly intoxicating, the faint musk and woodsy smell made her shake a little. He still tasted of coffee. When they broke apart to breathe, she saw so much in his expression. His lips were slightly swollen and their red color matched his cheeks. Was it from the cold or from their kiss? He kissed her again before she could think about it too much. She felt adrenaline rush through her body. She felt joy and excitement and fear. Finally  they pulled apart, their cheeks flushed and their eyes wide.