Chapter Text
Your parents were cheerful for the whole holidays. You never saw them smile that much. Your mom hugged you at least 20 times before your departure.
Your weekly schedule was weird. You barely had work hours. Your boss said your presence wasn’t so necessary this week because they’re preparing papers for the new year. At first you were happy, but you had the bad idea of telling that to your dad.
“Oh so we can organize the dates this week?”
Oh no.
You didn’t even question how they got their contacts. You didn’t even know why they would agree to this but apparently they did. You had two reservations this week.
One with the doctor at a fancy bakery. How weird for a first date.
The other with the colonel at a restaurant on top of a building. Super cliché.
You weren’t so excited to go. You were more excited about the idea of your parents finally giving up on seeing you with someone.
The first date day approached. What were you supposed to wear? You never went to a date.
You called Tara, your best friend to get some advice. She squealed when she learned you were going on two dates. No one was ever going to help you stay single.
Eventually, you both went shopping. She chose clothes for you and you tried them on. It took three hours. She always picked the sexiest, fanciest outfits she could found. Especially what you didn’t want.
For the first date you agreed on a cute blouse with a long skirt, lots of jewelry. She also told you to ABSOLUTELY curl your hair so it’d look perfect.
For the second date, you picked a black dress with a small slit, not too revealing but gorgeous. You also bought a new glittery eyeshadow which would “complete the look”.
You were ready to go. It was 3pm. You were all dolled up and you were grimacing at your reflection. Can a man really handle all of that?
You took your bag and went out, no need to overthink, you just had to go and see.
As you were walking, you spotted a tall figure in the distance. Right in front of the cafe you were having your date.
You approached, uncertain. He turned his head.
“Good afternoon.”
His tone was calm, too calm for a first date.
“Good afternoon.” You replied simply
“Shall we?” He held the door opened for you.
Without asking any further questions you entered to the café. A sweet scent filled your nostrils as soon as you stepped in.
“You have quite an amazing taste to choose a place”
He said that quietly but you still heard him.
You sat at your designated table. Zayne started looking at the menu, he was VERY concentrated.
It’s like you were a ghost for a few minutes. You chose the pastry you wanted in like 10 seconds.
After those minutes he finally looked up to you.
“What would make you happy?”
“I’m really craving a carrot cake right now.”
“A… carrot cake?”
He gave me a confusing stare. As if I said the strangest thing in the world.
“Out of all the pastries, are you sure…?”
“…yeah?”
He nodded, that look still on his face.
The waitress arrives and I placed my order. Zayne flipped through the menu again.
“I’ll take the strawberry shortcake, the apple pie, the blueberry muffin.”
As the waitress was about to leave he flipped through the pages again.
“Also I’d like to have a selection of 5 macaroons. And maybe…hm… the cupcake of the week. Thank you.”
He smiles politely at the waitress while handing her the menu. You both were in shock. Who ordered that many desserts?? Did he have three stomachs? Did he bring desserts to his patients? He was a doctor so maybe-
You just had to ask.
“Will you eat all of these?”
He took a second before answering :
“Probably, yes.”
His answers were short, concise but straightforward. After seeing my confusion he added.
“I skipped lunch today. I had two serious surgeries this morning. I couldn’t take a break.”
For a doctor, he didnt seem really aware of healthy food diet. But fine, everyone had their own problem.
“So…. Uhm…”
What were you exactly supposed to say on a date? With a total stranger you hadn’t even chosen?
“I am here for the same reason as you.”
He said that without even looking at you, like a statement.
“W-what do you mean?”
“My parents are very persuasive about finding the ideal partner for me. I couldn’t refuse yet another time.”
Your jaw almost dropped. So your parents weren’t the only crazy ones out there? How reassuring.
“Oh. So. There’s no need to like…. uhm. Make a good impression?”
“You already failed in that matter.”
“I’m sorry, WHAT?”
You said that maybe a bit too loudly because some customers turned their head at you. You took a breath slowly. That bastard was now smirking ever so slightly.
“You already failed too. Who orders that many desserts? Do you wish to make yourself sick?”
His eyes opened a bit wider. He probably didn’t expect you to talk back like that.
“I’ve never had problems before but thanks for your concern.”
Of course. Always calm answers, maybe with a hint of mockery behind.
Your mom was about to be disappointed about the outcome of this date.
The waitress was carrying three trays of pastries and was struggling to hold them all at once. When she arrived at your table she let out a sigh of relief and distributed the pastries to you.
You had never seen a man (or anyone) looking at pastries with such admiration before. Even your dad didn’t look at your mom like that. He inhaled deeply.
“Enjoy your…cake.”
He said that quite disgusted, as if only the mere sight of the little carrot decoration was too much to process for him.
You thanked him and you both ate. In silence. Talk about awkward.
After you finished your pastry, he was still savoring his. You wanted to break the ice, once and for all.
“Why did you accept to go with me?”
He looked at you again.
“By chance”
You gave him an interrogating look.
“You won’t ever see me again after this right? We both intend to continue our life and choose to focus on what’s important for us.”
“At least we have something in common.”
“It is true.”
“You could have at least said I was pretty or something.”
Without any more second he replies. “You’re indeed very pretty.”
You opened your eyes widely and your cheeks were slightly flushed. You tried to regain your composure as fast as possible before mumbling.
“Now that I told you to say it, it doesn’t mean the same!”
He lowered his head.
“I’m sorry.”
Then he looked up again.
“I was sincere though. Believe it or not.”
Yoi let out a sigh and tried to change the subject. Why would it even matter if he liked your appearance? It wasn’t like you were going to see each other ever again.
The rest of the dates went on like that. Some gentle teasing, his emotionless face, blushing sometimes and a lot of silence. It wasn’t as awkward as the beginning. You understood quick enough that he was one of a kind, a little weird maybe but somehow endearing.
After an hour and a half you both decided to leave. Zayne didn’t let you pay.
“I’m not going to make you pay when I ate the majority of our bill.”
I mean, he was right. And I also agreed to these dates to have a good time and eat good food for free.
Was it a good time? You weren’t so sure but it was unique.
He helped you to put your coat back on. A simple gesture yet very appreciated.
You stepped outside and faced each other.
“Farewell.”
“Good luck with your work!”
You waved your hand. He nodded and you swore you could see a little smile on his lips.
That’s how the date ended. No one turned around like in the movies. No one asked for the other’s phone number. It was a mutual agreement. Your parents planned this for you. You had more important priorities in your life.
At least for now.