Nolan, the sunshine boy, is a senior. 1 year ago, I met with him at a cafe where I used to crash in whenever I felt stressed. I found him there, sitting alone, holding a flower bouquet in his hands. I basically went to him to ask from where he got the sunflowers, as they were my favorite. But I grew closer to him as I learned those flowers were for his late mother, with whom he used to drink latte here every weekend. I easily grow fond of sadness in people, so I could see the other side of that boy. Often, I could see a hint of pain in his sparkling eyes, which would disappear as suddenly as it emerged. His face had that faraway look in it, which cannot be described in words.
The side I always ignored was the one that every girl saw, he had that appearance which could make him stand out in the crowd. But nowadays, I can't ignore this side too. He's handsome, not perhaps in the conventional way. His eyes are as deep and expressive, where I can get lost if I stare long enough. I genuinely think his character can't be described in words. He's a sunshine to many people, but a moonlight in the pitch black to me.
I cannot stop thinking about how we met, as we're sitting at the cafe Roseville, our regular crash in place. We both skipped three classes today and I didn't even call Siya to tell her that I was going to bunk. I feel a lot guilty but Nolan wanted to be alone with me today. I'm holding the sunflowers he bought as it's his mother's 4th death anniversary today.
"Nolan, I think I should call Siya before she calls my mom. She's gonna freak out."
"Do you think Siya likes me?"
"There's nothing unlikable about you, Nolan!"
"I mean, romantically. Someone tipped me today."
"Really? Well, that might be true. Girls are always obsessing over you."
"You are a lot like my mother, Tari. So cold, yet so comforting."
"Thanks. But I should head home now. And you should put those flowers on your moms grave, not give them to me. I'm not dead yet. Don't jinx me please!" I say these in one breath.
"Why are you so stressed out today? Did that guy in the Library say something to you? He did look fishy to me," he says looking at me with his curious eyes.
"How many times do I need to tell you that I don't know him? Why you and Siya try so much to act like my guardian?" I stomp on the table and storm out of the cafe and regret it immediately.
"Oh God what's wrong with me?" I scream with disgust. Then I head back into the cafe, hold his hands, and say, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I was being unnecessarily nosy. I'm heading to the graveyard. Should I drop you off home?" he says looking the other way.
"No, I'll be coming with you."
His eyes are sparking as the looks back at me.
"And I'm also calling Siya to come. You should confront her about the tip."
"Okay, ma'am. As you wish".