Sienna tucked a strand of damp hair behind her ear, feeling oddly self-conscious under Logan's steady gaze. It wasn't the kind of gaze that made her uncomfortable—it was one of quiet curiosity, like he was trying to solve a puzzle but didn't quite know where to start.
"Do you come here often?" he asked, wrapping his hands around the ceramic mug the barista had just set down.
Sienna shook her head. "Not really. My friend Olivia dragged me here. She said I needed to 'get out more.'" She added air quotes for emphasis, rolling her eyes. "I usually prefer my couch, a warm blanket, and a good book."
Logan chuckled, a low, rich sound that made something flutter in her chest. "Sounds like a solid plan. So, did Olivia abandon you to fend for yourself in this wild, unpredictable café?"
"She's in the restroom," Sienna said with a smirk. "But I'm starting to suspect she's taking extra long on purpose."
"Ah, the classic matchmaking trick," Logan mused, stirring his coffee absentmindedly. "Leave you alone just long enough to meet a handsome stranger."
Sienna raised an eyebrow, amused by his confidence. "Oh? And you're the handsome stranger in this scenario?"
He grinned, unbothered. "I mean, I'd like to think so."
She laughed, a sound she hadn't expected to come so easily. Something about him made it effortless. "And what about you? Do you come here often?"
"First time, actually," Logan admitted. "I was walking when the rain caught me off guard. Thought I'd duck in here to dry off." He took a sip of his coffee before adding, "Didn't expect to find something—or someone—worth staying for."
Sienna's fingers tightened around her own mug, warmth spreading up her arms. She wasn't usually one to fall for charming lines, but somehow, from him, it didn't feel forced. It felt... sincere.
"So, what were you doing out in the rain?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "You didn't seem like you were in a hurry to find shelter."
Logan exhaled, looking down into his coffee as if debating how much to share. "Thinking," he finally said. "You ever have one of those nights where your mind is just too loud?"
Sienna nodded, understanding all too well. "Yeah. And sometimes, silence just makes it worse."
His eyes flicked up to meet hers, something like surprise crossing his features before it softened into appreciation. "Exactly."
For a moment, the world outside seemed to fade—the rain, the other patrons, even the background noise of the café. It was just the two of them, caught in a moment neither had planned but neither wanted to break.
The bell above the door jingled, snapping them out of it.
Sienna glanced over to see Olivia returning, her eyes immediately locking onto Logan. A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips as she slid into the seat beside Sienna.
"Well, well," Olivia teased. "I leave you alone for ten minutes, and you've already made a friend?"
Sienna rolled her eyes, but Logan, completely unfazed, extended his hand. "Logan," he introduced himself smoothly.
"Olivia," she replied, shaking his hand before shooting Sienna a look that practically screamed, he's cute—explain later.
Sienna ignored her.
"So," Olivia continued, leaning her chin on her hand, clearly enjoying this far too much, "how did you two meet? Was it a romantic 'eyes locking across the room' moment?"
Sienna opened her mouth to brush it off, but Logan beat her to it. "Actually," he said with an easy grin, "it was more of a 'she was staring at me through the window' moment."
Sienna's eyes widened. "I was not staring."
Logan lifted an eyebrow, mischief dancing in his expression. "Oh, so you just happened to be looking exactly where I was standing for an extended period of time?"
Olivia snorted, clearly enjoying this way too much.
Sienna groaned, covering her face with one hand. "Great. Now I sound like a creep."
Logan laughed. "If it helps, I was staring too."
That got her attention. She peeked at him through her fingers. "Really?"
He nodded. "Something about you just... caught my eye."
Olivia let out a dramatic sigh. "Okay, that's officially the cutest thing I've heard all week."
Sienna shot her a glare. "Can you not?"
Olivia just grinned. "No promises."
Sienna exhaled, shaking her head in exasperation before turning back to Logan. "You're awfully smooth for someone caught in the rain."
Logan smirked. "Maybe the rain brings out my best lines."
"Or maybe you just like making people blush," she shot back before she could think better of it.
His gaze flickered to her cheeks—now slightly warm, much to her annoyance—and his smirk deepened. "Maybe."
Before Sienna could respond, Olivia stretched, grabbing her bag. "Well, as much as I'd love to third-wheel this adorable little moment, I should get going. Early morning tomorrow."
Sienna frowned. "You dragged me out here and now you're leaving?"
Olivia smirked. "Looks like you don't need me anymore."
Sienna groaned, but before she could protest further, Olivia had already thrown some cash on the table for her coffee. "Nice meeting you, Logan," she said with a wink. "Don't break my girl's heart, or I'll find you."
Logan chuckled. "Noted."
With one final knowing glance at Sienna, Olivia walked out, leaving her alone with Logan once more.
Sienna sighed, shaking her head. "She's impossible."
Logan smiled, swirling his coffee. "She's a good friend."
Sienna nodded. "Yeah, she is."
A comfortable silence settled between them, the rain still tapping against the window, the café still humming with quiet conversations. Logan leaned back slightly, studying her.
"So, Sienna," he said, voice softer now. "Tell me something about yourself."
She raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
He shrugged. "Anything. Something no one else knows."
Sienna hesitated, caught off guard. It wasn't often someone asked her a question like that—not in a way that made her feel like they genuinely wanted to know.
Finally, she exhaled, glancing out the window before admitting, "I always imagine stories about people I see on the street. I make up lives for them, wonder what their world is like."
Logan tilted his head. "That's... fascinating."
She smiled, a little embarrassed. "It's silly."
"No," he said quickly. "Not at all. It means you see people. Really see them."
His words sent a strange warmth through her chest. "What about you?" she asked, turning the question on him. "Tell me something no one knows."
Logan hesitated, tapping his fingers against his cup. Then, with a small, almost shy smile, he said, "I write poetry."
Sienna blinked. That, she hadn't expected. "Really?"
He nodded. "Not the kind I'd ever share. But yeah. Late at night, when my thoughts get too loud."
Sienna studied him, seeing him in a new light. "I'd love to read one someday."
Logan let out a soft chuckle. "Maybe."
Their eyes met again, and something unspoken passed between them. Something fragile yet undeniable.
Maybe this really was the start of something.
And for the first time in a long while, Sienna found herself wanting to see where the story would go.