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Our schedules happened to align where we both got a day off. What’s a better way than to hang out on this singular day of freedom?
…
I texted him eagerly, nearly misspelling every word as I typed, thank goodness for auto correct.
“That was a lot easier than I expected..” I mumbled, I didn’t expect Zayne to actually accept my invitation so easily.
I quickly send him the address of the diner.. restaurant? Whatever, I gotta get ready.
…
“It’s time, wonder when he’ll show up..” I mumbled, sitting on my couch as I scrolled through the Linkon news page. Wanderers are unusually on an all time low recently, that’s probably not good.
I had decided to pick out the dress Zayne picked out for me when I went to that exhibition with him as his plus one. I thought it’d be nice and it really did suit me, who knew Zayne had a good fashion sense..
A knock on my apartment door interrupts my train of thought. As I quickly get up from my couch and make my way towards the door.
And of course, as I open that door. I see that all to familiar face.
“Hi Zayne! Your on time, as per usual.” I greet him cheerfully, happy he made it.
I didn’t get an immediate response, instead, he stared at me silently. Probably taking in the fact I’m wearing the dress he had picked out for me from so long ago.
“You look stunning.” He finally says nonchalantly, but I can tell he means it. And I can’t help but feel a bit giddy.
“Thank you! You look quite handsome yourself.” I reply, returning the compliment as I step out of my apartment. “Let’s go quickly before there’s no more spots left!” I grab his wrist to follow me but he stands unmoving.
I turn around, looking at him confused as he stared at me with those prehnite eyes.
“I’ve already made a reservation, there will be plenty of room.”
“Wait, you did?”
“Of course. After all, we both know you wouldn’t have.”
“..Zayne! Ugh..”
He had me on that one.
…
We finally arrive after a bit of playful bickering in the car, with Zayne silently letting me enter first. What a gentlemen.
“Ahh! It’s so pretty in here!” I exclaim, but not too loud to disturb anyone else in the establishment. “Quick! Let’s go sit down!” I urge him towards the counter to hurry up the process so we can eat.
After a few minutes, we get seated at a table near a window, with a perfect view of Linkon city.
“Somebody’s rather impatient, what’s the hurry?” He asked, staring at me from across the table we shared.
“Oh, it’s nothing really! It’s just.. we haven’t been able to meet up like this in a while.” I began, realizing I was indeed rushing into this. “And, I don’t wanna waste time not doing something together. I wanna make this day count.”
All I get is a small hint of a smile, before he spoke again.
“Well, you’re making quite good time then already.” He gently held my hand in his from across the table. They’re a lot warmer than I expected. “So there’s no need to stress. In fact, stress can cause several issues to your health including your mental health and..”
“Zayne.!”
…
“Here is your order Miss!” A kind waitress placed down a large bowl of freshly cooked noodles in front of me with a side plate of fried rice and some sushi. “Enjoy your meal” she gave a polite bow before leaving to deliver Zayne’s order.
I admire my food in all its glory, each dish looking equally delicious, before realizing something.
There’s no fork.
Oh no.
And I guess Zayne picked up on my sudden behavioral change too.
“You seem conflicted, is there an issue with your food?” He asked, despite his face showing little to no emotion. His eyes showed genuine concern.
“No, it isn’t the food.. it’s just, uh..” I stumble on my words as I eye the two chopsticks that lay on a napkin. “That..”
“Is there an issue with the chopsticks they offer?” He asked, cocking a brow.
“No! It’s just, uh…” I could feel the embarrassment making its way towards my face as I blush.
“I… don’t actually know how to use chopsticks…” I admit with a sheepish smile, as a small yet embarrassed laugh leaves my lips.
“You can fight perfectly with a blade, yet you cannot grip two sticks within a single hand?”
“Don’t make fun of me!”
“I’m not.” He says that but I can see a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Perhaps you should ask for a fork instead?”
“Oh, why didn’t I think of that?!” I sigh and sulk silently at my own stupidity.
…
“I’m sorry Miss, the shipment for our forks has been delayed today.” The waitress explained, bowing apologetically. “I’m not sure why, but if you’d like we could provide you a refund for the trouble!” The waitress quickly added.
“No it’s okay! I’ll just.. uh” I glance back at the chopsticks, not actually knowing what I’ll do.
“I’ll help teach her.” Zayne interrupted our conversation with such ease, glancing at the waitress and then at me.
“Ah okay! Well, if you any other issues then please let us know.” She bowed again before leaving just as swiftly as she appeared.
“Zayne..! You really don’t have to!” I insisted on learning on my own, it should be easy, right?
It was in fact not easy.
The chopsticks kept slipping out of my fingers as I attempted to grip them. Seeing my upturning frustration, Zayne decided to finally help.
“Here.” He stood up from his spot before walking over toward me, eventually standing behind me on my side as I stayed sat. “Like this.” He picked up the fallen chopsticks with one hand and placed them gently in my hand.
“Wait Zayne wont this be uncomfortable?”
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“No but-“
“Okay.”
I silently pouted but allowed Zayne to teach me.
“Use your thumb to stabilize this one.” He spoke quietly next to my ear, his breath just barely scraping my earlobe as he held each of my fingertips and placed them in the correct spot, using his other hand to stabilize my wrist. “And use your middle finger to guide this one..” he massaged my finger slightly while he spoke, but only for a moment.
“Ah, like this then?” I test the chopsticks in my hand, trembling slightly in nervousness.
“Mhm.” He nodded, his hand still gently gripping my wrist. “You’re a quick learner.” He finally let go of my wrist and hand after a bit of hesitation and returned to his own seat.
“Thanks Zayne, I’ll be sure to master the art of chopsticks!” She nodded enthusiastically, before picking up her noodles gently with her new found skill.
He smiled quietly, happy to see her at peace as the waitress finally arrived with his dish.
Maybe this night won’t be so bad.