The One

09

ZHENYA NEVER said that we were going out but he confessed and I somehow did also. He kissed me on my forehead that night and then took me home. Every day after school, he would drive me to the station which was only ten minutes away by foot.

Something changed between us, when we were alone, Zhenya would become touchy like he placing his hand on my back and it would send shivers down my spine, he would hold my hand and play with my fingers.

It was Friday and I always had two two-hour break for lunch. As always, I would spend my free time in the library to study or read random books if I am bored. I sat on a long table near the history books section and started flipping a world history book. I was in the middle of reading when I heard and felt someone sitting in front of me. The library wasn't busy so there were a lot of free seats but that student chose to take the seat against me.

I just ignored it as I resumed reading when I felt a tap on my shoe. I had to check how tall the legs of the other man in front of me behind the table with only my eyes moving and saw his sneakers near mine. Maybe it was only a mistake so I did not mind and resumed with the book I was reading but after a couple of minutes, he did it again making me glance up and was surprised to see Zhenya smiling at me.

He had no book, just sitting there with his elbows on the table and his head on top of the back of his hands and looking at me.

Was he staring at me like that ever since he arrived?

It made my face heat up.

"Continue reading." He said as if him sitting in the library and staring was normal.

I closed the book I was reading, feeling conscious. How could I continue reading when someone as handsome as him was looking and it was someone I like.

"Have you had lunch?" I asked, stacking the three books I had on the table.

"Yes, you?"

I could not help but feel embarrassed about how Zhenya was staring at me. "Already did. Should we go and grab something to drink?"

Zhenya smiled. "I'd love that."

We stood up and I walked to return the books with Zhenya in tow.

"Are you free tonight?" He suddenly asked as I was sliding the last book back to their shelves.

"I can make time."

I advanced studied our lessons anyway, I could skip tonight.

WE WENT to the nearest cafe shop from the library which was the one near the dorms and a coffee café. It had been an hour after lunch so the cafe was half full. I guess it was a mistake to suggest to grab a drink because I always wanted to avoid being seen with Zhenya. I did not want anyone to think that someone like Zhenya would hang out with a nobody like me.

My feet felt heavy with the stares of the girls there after entering the place. I glanced at Zhenya as we stopped in front of the counter and he looked as if being with me was normal, he even placed a hand on my back making me stand straight and stiff as a pole. His hand felt hot even on top of the shirt.

"Americano, please." Zhenya said to the counter lady then he glanced down at me. "What do you want?"

I blushed. All I could think was the hand on my back.

"I..." I looked at the menu. "Blended Vanilla Latte for me please." I said.

The counter lady nodded and I pulled my wallet only to see Zhenya handing over a card to the lady.

"Charge it all here." He said then leaned closer to my ear, "It's our first date, let me pay."

My hand stopped midair, I was about to grab the right amount of the coffee I ordered and pay Zhenya but the gentle pinch on my back and his low whisper made me gasp and my face heat up. Not in front of everyone there.

And did he say that it was our first date!?

Date!

I was glad our orders were done after a few minutes and was more than glad that it was to go. We were back at the parking lot and I was more comfortable sitting inside his car while sipping the coffee than back at the cafe with a lot of people. It was amazing how Zhenya could read me.

"Good?" He asked as he sipped on his coffee which had a strong scent but both of the coffees smelled good.

"Hmm." I nodded as I licked on my lower lip. Zhenya saw it and his eyes stared at my lips for a while making me unconsciously bit on my lower lip.

My heart was pounding. I imagined how it would feel like to be kissed but I could never know if I hadn't experienced it and never in my wildest dreams that my first kiss would be Zhenya.

"Let me taste." He said and I gestured my hand that was holding the coffee to him. Zhenya stared at it then looked back at me before he raised his hand and placed it around the back of my head and pulled me closer to him.

I almost let go of the hot cup when I felt Zhenya's lips on top of mine. I was even more surprised when he licked my lips and his soft tongue entered my parted lips. I felt dizzy as I held my breath while Zhenya was kissing me with his tongue in my mouth.

I was still frozen and finally remembered to breathe after Zhenya pulled back, licking his lips and smiling in satisfaction.

"Hmm, yes. It's good. Very good." He nodded in agreement.

I blushed so hard.

It was my first kiss and it was bitter because of the taste of his dark coffee yet sweet at the same time. I never knew it was true that a kiss would make you feel lightheaded and could forget everything. I wanted to try it again.

I pursed my lips as I glanced at Zhenya.

"Can you do it again?" I asked and Zhenya's smile slowly faded and it was amazing how his eyes darkened.

Zhenya grabbed the cup I was holding and placed it haphazardly down at the center of our seats not caring if it spilled and leaned his body towards me.

xxxxxx