“Very much so,” I tell him with a grin. Leo stares at me for a long moment before his features all soften.
“Then yes, I’ll come visit you.”
“Great! I’m looking forward to it! Thank you for coming with me into the candy store,” I tell him before turning around and walking in the opposite direction so I can start making my way back home.
Today feels like a whiplash of ups and downs. First I find out I don’t have a soulmate because whyelsewould my tattoo be my own wings other than the universe spelling it out for me that I’m destined to just be me, myself, and I? Now I’ve met someone who makes my heart fill with emotions I was unprepared for. Is thislonging? Or am I just happy to be meeting new people?
Instead of trying to analyze things, I simply slip my hand into my bag of candy and pull some out, eating it on my way back to my home.
Chapter Four
Leo
I park my carin the mall parking area. My hands tighten around my steering wheel. Did he really mean what he said? Did Jin really want me to come visit him at work?
This feels so silly. I’ve known the guy for like a second and now I'm in my car with my heart leaping into my throat because I’m about to go inside the mall and see him? Really? Fuck, I need to get a grip.
I’m being ridiculous. Jin obviously likes meeting new people. I saw the way he talked to all those vendors, I saw the way he was with the triplets. He’s probably just new in town and trying to make new friends. Why the hell am I reading into things?
As much as I tell myself to stop freaking out, it only makes me freak out even more. There was a spark. At least on my end.
It was undeniable. Something about Jin made me feel things I’ve never felt before. Sure, I’ve found people attractive. I’ve wanted to get to know people. But with Jin, it’sdifferent. It’s like there’s a pull in my gut, leading me towards him. It feels like my instincts are doing everything they can to draw the two of us together.
I’ve learned a long time ago to trust that feeling in my gut.
I get out of my car, straightening my tie back down before heading towards the entrance of the mall. The parking garage is pretty busy. A lot of people are doing exactly what I’m doing; coming here on their lunch break to get some quick shopping in or grabbing some food from the food court.
Normally, I would just pack myself a lunch for my lunch break and eat in the break room or even at my desk. Some sort of sandwich, a bag of crisps, a yogurt, and a Pepsi. Then I have whatever fruit and vegetable I have at home as a snack through the rest of the day.
Maybe Bren is right, maybe my life isboring. I pack myself the same thing every day. I have the same routine. There’s no spark, no adventure. This is how I like things, or at least, I thought this is how I prefer things. Lately, I’m not so sure.
There’s comfort that comes with routine. There’s safety in knowing what to expect. I know my lunch will be good because I have it every day. There’s no guesswork, no surprises, no disappointment. At the same time, it means life is rather gray. If everything is the same, how will I ever be excited? If there’s no adventure, that means there’s never anything new.
New can be exciting but it’s alsoscary.
I’m a jumbled mess of nerves as I make my way up the stairs and into the main part of the mall. I walk down the way, passing The Devil’s Sweet Tooth as I head towards the food court area.
As soon as I see that shocking red hair, I feel myself smiling, my stomach swooping pleasantly. Jesus fucking Christ. I metthis manonceand I somehow already have a crush? Really? Maybe Bren is right, maybe I really do need to get out more, or maybe finally get laid.
Nah, I wouldn’t give Bren the satisfaction of being right.
Jin has his back to me and I can just see the back of his head over the coffee stand. He’s wearing his yellow headband again, keeping his messy hair out of his face. My heart flutters in my chest as I slowly walk around the counter, finding my way to the front.
Jin is looking down at the woman training him, I think her name is Brenda. He’s nodding along as she shows him how to use the espresso machine. His eyes are wide, taking it all in.
Gods, he’s so fucking cute I want to bury my face in my tie and scream.
Once Brenda is done with her demonstration, they both turn around. As soon as Jin notices me, his entire face lights up. My insides feel like they’re turning into lava and slowly dripping down onto the floor. Oh my gods, he can’t just look at me like that! Like he’s so fucking happy to see me!
“Leo!” Jin says, stepping over to the counter, looking at me with a grin so wide I’m sure it must make his cheeks hurt. I feel my face heat against my permission and I nervously fiddle with my tie. “I was starting to wonder if you would come see me!”
I rub the back of my neck. “I’m sure you’ve been so busy you’ve barely even thought of it.”
“That’s not true at all,” he says, putting his hands on his hips. I finally chance a glance up at him, just taking him in.
Jin is wearing black slacks, a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a light green turtleneck under that. Over top of everything is an apron. He’s wearing a name tag with his name on it and a little button that says he’s in training. He’s so effortlessly handsome. I just barely keep myself from letting out a wistful sigh.
Jesus, I need to get myself together!
