A shaky sigh falls from my lips when my fingertip hits send; not wanting to see Xena's response, I pocket my phone into my jacket. I hike my side bag onto my shoulder and gently push open the door to the café, situated at the corner of my street. I find myself coming here often, choosing to sit right next to the window-the best spot for studying-away from the clamorous mob ahead.

I expect today would be like any other normal day. I'd go in, settle down in one of the seats before placing my order, but alas, fate had other plans.

Because what I wanted, I couldn't have.

My eyes slide from the minimalist interior, eyeing the dark oak tables, to my usual spot. I should've expected it, I should've. I should've known that the possibility of running into the one man that has been doing laps in my head all day were low, but as Taylor Swift said, never zero.

Judah sits next to the window, eyebrows furrowed as he furiously taps at his screen; I almost want to coo at the sight, but then I remember why I'm here. He's accompanied by two little guests flanking either side, Jesmyn and Kenji. Jesmyn sits on her brothers left, whilst Kenji sits on Judah's right.

Perhaps this is a bad idea-scratch that, it is a bad idea-but my feet drag me in their direction, and maybe it's the sound of my boots that catch their attention, but as soon as I stop in front of the trio, all three heads lift up in surprise. My heart pounds erratically against my chest, palms of my hands going clammy as I stand idly at the side.

I shouldn't be here.

And as I find the right words to say-if any at all-it's Judah that meets my nervous gaze.

I take the moment to revel in his presence; from the way his cloudy eyes droop tiredly, to the tip of his sharp nose and the dip of his Cupid's bow and full lips, to the stubble that has grown out, clean and trimmed. And though I'm barely two feet away, I can still make out his rich fragrance, nose twitching at the scent-I have to refrain from sneezing.

His eyes widen in surprise, shoulders dropping when he realises it's only me. My lips quip up into a small, shy smile, ducking my head as I do so. This feels like a repeat of last night and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it.

Is, um... this seat- Can I sit here, please?I mumble out quietly, tucking a strand of fallen hair behind my ear.

Judah only stares in bafflement and it isn't until Kenji nudges his brother's side that he snaps out of his daydream, mindlessly nodding. Jesmyn's eyes flash in recognition, flashing me an adorable grin. She's curled into Judah's side, head tucked under his arm. Kenji, on the other hand, is withdrawn, attempting to observe me discreetly.

No, no... you're good. Take a seat,his deep voice sends a shiver down my spine, and I almost forget exactly how much I've missed the sound of his beautiful voice.

I hesitantly slip into the seat before him, my knees accidentally knocking against; his first instinct is to drop his hand under the table, settling it on my thigh. My skin burns at his touch, relishing the feel of his callused skin against my own and when he notices his exact move, he's quick to retract his hand-though I miss the sudden loss of his warmth-until we're both mumbling 'sorry'.

Hi!A chirpy voice sounds out, garnering my attention. I rip my eyes away from Judah's and direct it to the little girl at his side. I remember you! You're the girl on Judah's desk! ...You're really pretty,she giggles, glancing up at her brother in approval.

Kenji snickers at her comment, adding, He has like ten hundred photos of you and him on his-

Judah slaps his palm over Kenji's and releases a strained laugh; the colour of roses flitter across his cheeks, ducking his head in embarrassment. Sorry,he mutters under his breath, passing me a small smile-though I can sense some sadness behind it-and it makes me want to do nothing more than reach over the table and pull him into a warm hug. This isn't how I expected our first meeting to go.

I shake my head and return his smile with my own, It's fine, Judah. How, um... how have you been holding up?

He shrugs in response, waving a hand in the air. Same old, same old. I have these two gremlins-he gestures to his youngest siblings, on my hands now... And I guess, I guess I'm content.

I release a breath I don't know I'm holding and nod. That's great to hear. I... I'm really happy-

Are you Judah's girlfriend?Jesmyn interrupts, delivering her question ever-so-innocently. My throat grows dry at her question and I find myself choking on air, patting my chest gently to regain some composure. Judah says you're not, but I don't believe him.

Yeah,Kenji butts in, He's always talking about the pretty, kind girl that has his heart. I'm only ten, but I think he's in love, but he doesn't admit it.

Kenji,Judah says sharply, glowering at the young boy.

My cheeks flame at Kenji's words, gripping my bag tighter to my chest. I can't bare to look at Judah, because I know if I do, I'll break. I know if I do, I'll pour my heart out to him and tell him exactly what he means to me. I'll tell him just how much I yearn for him. I'll tell him that he's taught me so much about love, and that there's no one else I want to experience that with-I want to love Judah, only Judah.

Because if he isn't for me, then no-one else is.

No-one else will be.

So instead, I slip out of my seat and kneel in front of Jesmyn. I can feel Judah drilling holes into the side of my face, before I slip a twenty-pound note into her small palm. I gesture for her to lean forward.

She scoots away from Judah's side, pigtails swinging as she does so before whispering in my ear, Judah thinks you hate him.

I frown at her words, noticing Judah's curious stare from my peripherals. His gaze remains unwavering when I say, I don't hate your brother, honey. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Tell your stupid brother I think I want him in my life for a very long time... Forever, even. Only if he'll have me.

He hears me loud and clear.

omg this is actually terrible and incredibly anti-climactic. sorry not sorry.

hope the aidah content was enuff tho <3

but what did we thinkkkk??