Rayne

Before the night was over for her...

An attractive young man walked her way. She had seen him with the loud group before he had left the bar (and came back). She couldn't tell if his smile was flirty or friendly. Or why he was walking her way.

However, from what she had overheard, she did want to talk to him. The only problem was her anxiety and fear of rejection.

Remember what Skylar told you. She braced herself as she watched him. His hair was very short, but she could see some curls developing, his skin was a nice tone of light brown, contrasting with his bright white teeth, that made for a gorgeous smile. Rayne was trying to figure out if his eyes were dark brown or black when he started talking.

He flirted with her, but she explained she wasn't interested in that. She went on to tell him why she wouldn't mind a friendly conversation, on the other hand. He raised his eyebrows hearing the blunt statement but said he didn't have the time to talk about that at the moment. Although, he asked for her phone number so that they'd be able to talk in less of a hurry another time.

The Japanese girl bit her lip, in hesitation but accepted. She blushed and he smiled as they said their goodbyes.

The following morning she was still anxious about the conversation that took place.

"It must have been a strong beer." She confessed to her cats. "I'm never that social!" She spoke as if it were a bad thing.

"He's going to think I'm so... Pitiful." She cringed, before running a hand through her dark, long, wavy hair and getting ready to start the day.

The look she chose was: a band t-shirt and distressed black jeans. In the bathroom, she put on her usual dark eye makeup and matte black lipstick. From a jewelry box, she picked her loyal ring and spider earrings.

Afterward, Rayne cooked herself some chocolate chip pancakes. She said goodbye to her black cats, Imp and Jade; while the orange one, Miss Purple stayed asleep in her bed. As she walked downstairs, she finished the look with a black leather jacket.

That Monday morning was sunny with a slight breeze; which felt odd to her because just the previous morning, it had been pouring. She looked down at her heavy boots and fidgeted with her ring, avoiding everyone's eyes as she walked down the crowded street.

While waiting in line at the diner, she pulled out her pink headphones.

Soon a waiter would be telling her:

“Have a seat, I’ll bring you the black tea in a minute.” With a smile.

It felt nice to receive a smile. Some boys felt intimidated by her style. Others fell in love with it, not knowing they were far from being her type…

A guy strutted into the coffee shop. The first thing Rayne noticed was the Rolling Stones logo on his hoodie because she had a similar shirt (she wasn't wearing it, though).

He saw her looking at him and smirked with a nod, before turning to the waiter and stating his order.

Oh no, Rayne thought, he’s coming this way. Just look busy.

Despite her efforts, the young man waved his hand in front of her. Much to her disdain, Rayne removed her headphones.

“About yesterday…” He started.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“But I thought-”

“I’m not interested.”

“I mean, friends. I thought we could be friends?”

She looked at the muscular, basically-stranger man, standing tall above her - not that it was hard to be taller than her - and hesitated:

“I was just thinking… Never mind.”

He looked around and then back to her:

“Uh…" He scratched his stubble. "Is something wrong…?”

“It’s just…” She inhaled as if to speak… Yet, hesitated once again. “No, nothing.”

He blinked in confusion but didn’t insist:

“All right then… I’ll see you around.”

No, come back talk to me! Why did I say that?!

She groaned silently and massaged her temple as the waiter brought her her beverage.