ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘᴏᴠ

𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴

♛♛♛

Having entered the restaurant, her eyes scanned the premises.

The restaurant was dimly lit, and the tables and bar at the back were mostly occupied.

She deemed the restaurant to be one of the more sophisticated restaurants. The ones where a lot of the wealthy attend and where you'd have to reserve a table three months in advance just to secure a table.

Though, her aunt or parents had managed to get a spot for four.

Hazel moved her gaze across the room, attempting to figure out where her parents were. She soon discovered them sitting at a table off to the side, near the windows.

To get to her table, she moved around and in between tables, her bag tucked further up her arm.

Her mother was the first to catch her gaze and she stood from her seat with a smile. "Hazel, you made it. Was the drive okay?"

Hazel smiled and greeted her mother with a quick hug while patting her father on the shoulder. "It was okay," She cast a glance across the table to her Aunt, who stood and smiled, her dad's features resonating with her.

"It's great to see you, Hazel." Hazel received a whiff of her Chanel N°5 as her aunt hugged her, and almost coughed from the strong scent.

Pulling away, she took the only other open seat next to her mother.

As they settled in, the topic of conversation quickly shifted to Hazel, which was never a good thing for her.

"How was work? I've heard about your job at this Medical Centre, is it giving you good experience?"

A waiter approached them just as the question was spoken and it was a sigh of relief.

"What can I get you all tonight?" The waiter had the slightest hint of a French accent, which furthermore convinced Hazel it was a bougie restaurant.

The adults around her spoke their alcoholic drinks, she glanced at her parents knowingly as they ordered their particular go to's.

"And for you?" The waiter looked away from the iPad in his arm and gave her a comforting smile.

"Just a Sprite." She said but then quickly added, "And with extra ice please." The waiter looked up at her with an amused glint before nodding and placing the iPad under his arm.

"We'll be back with your drinks shortly."

Everyone nodded and her mother thanked him as he strode off.

Thankfully, her father switched topics, and everyone seemed to forget about Hazel and concentrate solely on themselves.

Hazel was more than ready to order her food by the time their beverages arrived, having only eaten the chocolate chips from her half-finished muffin.

The adults placed their orders before Hazel, and as she placed her order for the Mushroom Risotto she so dearly desired, the waiter left and the talk shifted to her parents again.

Hazel leant back in her seat, her half-sprite half-ice drink filling her with boredom. Her glance wandered around the restaurant in a curious manner.

Rich families, wealthy old couples, and wealthy older-looking men were all around. However, Hazel's gaze was drawn to a specific table, more specifically a table of wealthy men. Just as she was to look away, her eyes did a double-take when she crossed over the youngest looking.

She couldn't believe it. In utter shock, she stared at the male wide-eyed. Out of all places to coincidentally meet, it had to be here.

Julius was dressed in all black attire, one extremely similar to the outfit he wore when they first met outside the club.

The first few buttons of his black dress shirt were undone, displaying his silver chain, which glistened in the low lighting and revealed the beginnings of his tattoos.

She couldn't see his bottom half, but she assumed it was black slacks that hung low on his waist, rather attractively.

His hair was dangling over his forehead, and the dark brown mess looked pitch black in the dim light. He had his head moved to the side as if he was listening to the man beside him.

Julius' side profile was just as appealing as his front image. His jaw was razor-sharp, and his cheekbone was just as sharp as his jaw. In her peripheral vision, the diamond stud on his ear glimmered.

Only a few strands of his hair fell over his eyes, despite the fact that he was so attractive that Hazel couldn't imagine how they had become best friends in the first place.

And just as Hazel was about to turn away, maybe even take her phone and text, Julius, to tell him they were seated across from one other, Julius turned before she could act.

Piercing silver eyes found her frantic hazel ones. It was ideal. His emotionless gaze hadn't held shock, though they didn't make a single motion to gaze anywhere other than her.

Hazel felt her cheeks rise rosy, his gaze moved away from her own and lingered around her features before trailing down her work attire. Again, her cheeks flushed under his gaze.

Once he was done with his quick view, Hazel met his eyes again and lifted her hand in a wave motion. Julius watched with a different gaze, an amused one almost, and he didn't reply, instead he looked away.

Hazel let out a huff of air, her subconscious reminding her how much of a dork she could be and he probably just felt entirely embarrassed by her subtle greeting.

The phone on the table in front of her buzzed and shone with a notification, none of the adults seemed to notice so Hazel took her time at viewing the message.

Bathroom.

Her eyes snapped back over to him, only to see him already gone and disappeared. Hazel abruptly stood from the table, her chair screeching which had all the adults looking up at her.

"I'm just going to the bathroom," She smiled and quickly turned around on her sneakers, eyes looking up at the restroom sign in the far corner.

Her steps were taken steadily. Moving from table to table, passing by several of the waiters. She grew concerned as she approached the even darker hall where all the bathrooms were located.

It was dark, even darker than the rest of the restaurant, and she thought to herself how absurd it seemed to have such a darkened cuisine.

Taking a step forwards, she squinted her eyes to adjust to the dark and then took another step.

A figure emerged from beside the wall, his shadow and frame only shaping the darkness more. Julius was clearly present, however, he appeared intimidating at the moment, and Hazel was hesitant.

"Hazel." He took a step forward, not reaching her but still a step closer. The sound of his voice had reassured her that it was only him. She couldn't stop herself from grinning.

"Hi, Juls." She softened her voice, the darkness somewhat giving her the impression to be quieter.

The small girl approached, each step bringing her closer to his looming presence. The closer she approached him, the more clearly she could see his features. One of the only things that stood out was a pair of silver eyes.

"I can't believe you're here too." She whispered with a slight giggle. She was enthralled by the entire encounter, it reminded her of those movies where secret lovers meet in secret.

Julius smirked and extended his body closer, almost touching her chest to chest, prompting Hazel to take a step back against the wall.

Julius reappeared in front of her, a single feeble light above her, and she could make out the devious smirk on his lips and the pointed lines of him.

"Coincidence, hm?" He rested his hand alongside her head, almost levelling his head with hers, but not quite. His other tattooed hand moved to the base of her neck, where he brushed his finger along a lock of hair.

"It is." She breathed out, her voice coming out nearly breathless and that seemed to have caught his attention.

Hazel was flushed. Her skin was on fire, especially the spot he had just brushed.

"Is this the meeting you were talking about?" She asked him, curiously tilting her head to the side which gave Julius a sharp view of the recent bruise she'd developed.

He pressed his lips against it, urging himself not to lean down and kiss it directly—as if his kisses would heal her wounds.

"It is." He replied, looking straight into her eyes. Hazel could smell his scent, which was strong, but because they were so close, she could sense it right away as if it was lingering in the air already.

"The people you're with, they're the parents who kicked you out that night?"

She took a deep breath and nodded. Unexpectedly, her hand went to his shoulder and her fingers absently traced a random pattern on his shoulder.

"Yeah. I was sort of forced to come tonight, there's no use in me being here when all they're talking about is themselves."

Glancing up, she took note of his hardened expression. His jaw locked and his eyes cold with menace. "Are you okay?" Hazel asked him, removing her hand and placing it back to her sides.

"Are you." He tilted his head, leaning back slightly though still trapping her with his arm.

"Can I be honest?" She whispered, trailing her innocent eyes over his shadowed features. Her heart raced and thundered, his proximity made her more than nervous.

Nodding once, Julius placed all his attention on her and trailed his thumb along her bruise.

"I wasn't okay, but knowing you're here now made things better." She blushed at the words she spoke, it was nearly as cheesy as those romcoms but she meant them and he did say she could be honest.

Julius brushed his tongue over his bottom lip, looking away, embracing her words.

When he finally returned his gaze to her, he was overcome with a new sensation. It wasn't known, but it was there, and Hazel appeared to feel it as well.

"Can I be honest?" He rasped as he edged closer to her. Hazel held her breath as she suddenly felt his cool, minty one. She nodded whilst his lips turned up the slightest.

"Your presence makes everything better, Hazel."

Julius leant down and placed the lightest kiss against the bruise on her neck. His lips tipped into a light smirk once he felt her body shudder with goosebumps.

Swallowing, Hazel looked into his eyes and braced herself for the pools of silver. "You mean that?" She found herself leaning into him, their chests nearly touching.

"I never lie." He stated with firmness.

Slowly, Hazel began to smile. It was light and giddy, though extremely real.

She placed her arms around his neck, able to reach him because he was leaning down. Hazel buried her face in his neck, a hopeful smile on her face.

"Neither do I, Julius." She mumbled, "You are the best." She looked up at him, and his eyes met hers once more as if they were the only two humans in the world, and they owned it.

Julius' lips were moving closer to her every second, and it appeared that Hazel was doing the same.

He angled his head to a point where his lips were ready to take hers as his own. Hazel felt his cool breath against her lips, the mint mixing with his cologne.

The strands falling below his brow slightly grazed her forehead, Hazel felt that her heart was going to explode.

Just before their lips could meet, the bathroom door behind them slammed open, jolting Hazel in fright and making Julius roll his eyes.

Pushing back and away from her, Hazel was flushed red as she tried to process what was about to happen not less than 5 seconds ago.

Was he about to kiss her?

Was she going to kiss him?

Blinking once and then a few times more, she pushed off the wall and comes to stand still in front of Julius.

"I should head back now," She makes a move to walk around him, but the muscular arm that lands on her waist stops her from doing so.

Snapping her eyes to him, Julius inhaled a deep breath before pulling her a little closer and away from the light.

"When are you working next?" He rubbed his thumb over her clothed hip, Julius now in a deep stare with her eyes.

"Tomorrow night." Tilting her head up, her breathing halted for a few moments for her to muster up everything that was happening right now.

His touch, his eyes, voice...it was all so much yet so little.

Though her heart could only take bits at a time and her silly little crush on her best friend was most definitely heightened from all that's happened within a span of a few minutes.

"I'll come see you." He said, pulling her body aside as a person enters the hall. Hazel waits until the person vanishes to answer.

The hold on her waist was tight though soft. It was almost a protective hold, never did Hazel think she'd enjoy protection this much. Yet again, every time she was with him she felt safe.

Safer than what her own home could provide.

"Okay," She peered up at him and placed her hand on his that was now laying flat on her stomach. "Make sure to bring me some dinner." She giggled, twirling herself out of his hold and taking a wide step away from him.

She looked back into his eyes and started walking backwards. "And some chocolate if you don't mind." Biting her lip to contain her laughter, Julius leant back against the wall with his arms folded staring after her.

"See you tomorrow, Juls!" She smiled as she walked back out into the restaurant, her feet trailing over to her table.

Heat sprung to her cheeks and butterflies swarmed her tummy.

Julius, Julius, Julius.

That was all her mind thought of as she sat back down in front of her meal and parents and aunt.

Their talking didn't bother her anymore, only because her mind was occupied with the thoughts of him.

♛♛♛

"You didn't talk much Hazel." Her dad said as they enter their clean household.

Rolling her eyes behind her fathers back, she locked the door behind her.

"Leave it, Jeremy. There wasn't anything for her to talk about." Her mother hung her coat on the rack near the doorway, the black scarf around her neck landing on top.

Swiftly, her mother pins her a fake smile and raises her eyebrows. "Right Hazel?"

Gulping, she nods oddly and moved around her mother and up the stairs, taking two at a time.

"Hazel. Your father and I are going on a business trip, separate of course. Only for three days. We'll leave money on the counter in the morning before we head off."

Her steps halted. She turned her head over her shoulder, glancing between her mother and father and nodded again.

It was a relief. They were out of her hands for three days. No more anxiety, no more cleaning up broken glass, and most importantly, pure sleep.

Hazel couldn't wait to move out, have her own place. That's the whole reason why she was working so hard so she could save up enough to move and rent out an apartment.

At least this was a little taste for her.

Moving into her bedroom, she closed the door and dropped her body profoundly onto her plush mattress.

As she closed her eyes, memories of the night had arrived and took over all that was left of her tired and mush brain.

Blood rushes through her body, pulsing her cheeks and flesh amongst remembering the almost kiss.

Being in the moment, she didn't know if she was the first to move, though she was pretty sure he was.

Either way, he willingly hitched closer which gave her some sort of sign that he was interested in her more than a friend...right?

Hazel didn't have experience with any of this sort of stuff. Nothing.

Other than a few fictional crushes from Netflix shows and a few of her favourite books, she's never been as slightly interested in a boy other than that.

This also predicts the lack of experience with males. She's never even held a males hand other than her older cousin's and her fathers.

It was precisely new and exciting, yet dreadfully terrifying.

What would Hazel do if something like that happened again? She doesn't know how to kiss and she doesn't know how to bring that sort of thing up in conversation, which she would never do, it's rather embarrassing.

So, her resource for that sort of preparation was google.

Lying on her back, her phone was placed between her palms as her thumbs typed feverishly at the screen.

How to...kiss?

Shrugging, she searched those exact words into the search bar and watched as numerous results showed on her screen.

It seemed the further she scrolled, the deeper she went into the web. For example, right towards the bottom, she landed on a certain 'How To Kiss: For Beginners' on a Porn website.

Yeah, no.

Sighing, she dropped the phone onto her belly and arched her back as she stretched. Her chin tilted up to the ceiling and her eyes gazed over the smooth paint.

Her ceiling had patterns. It was odd per se, every time she looked up she'd always try to find something there, a letter, a thing, maybe even a word.

But it was all just a bunch of endless swirls of nothing.

Her mind drifted back into the depth of her childhood. How the movie Tangled inspired her to look at nearly every ceiling for that first week after watching it. Having some sort of false hope she'll find a hidden pattern that represented her being a lost princess.

Though she found nothing, yet always had hoped she'd someday find something interesting.

Liana always thought she was creative for doing it.

Having hope was something Liana loved Hazel to have. She would give her miniature lessons on what it means to have so much hope and how to savour it and never let false hope bring her down.

Because hope was enough to keep you going through life. It was enough to have you stay on the ground and keep your mind focused on what you dreamt of someday accomplishing.

Her older sister was always inspiring like that, always giving Hazel hope. But now, with her gone,

it only seemed like false hope.

At the memory of her sister, she toppled off of the bed and resumed over to the bathroom. She was to take a shower, after being at work and college all day and then dinner, she was bound to feel yuck.

The rest of the night was fairly boring, she ended it with reading a couple of chapters of the recent book she had purchased off of Amazon and then rested her eyes to sleep.

Consumed by darkness and her body tired with muscle aches and cramps, her head throbbed to be at rest from her consistent thoughts.

It seems that night Hazel hardly slept, her body tired but mind wide awake.

Because every time she happened to close her eyes, and for the possible third night in a row, she was thinking of Julius Santo. Her most recent friend—best friend, and hopeless crush.