A small café on the outskirts between the city and the slums of New Apple City. Despite the location of the small coffee shop, it's quite popular. The reputation of yummy goods and refreshing beverages; anything from coffee and doughnuts for mornings, to delicious sandwiches and tasty deserts. By glancing at the exterior, it didn't do the food justice. Chipped foundation, a run-down sign, dirty windows, along with broken sidewalks. The inside's a little bit better than the outside with a happy atmosphere and smiling faces; laughter filling up the place despite its dingy looks. All the money that's earned that doesn't go towards bills- it goes towards the needy and homeless.
The interior's cut into two levels; the lower floor has a small open area that was the sitting area- as soon as a customer walks in- the open space welcomes them. Directly in front of the door was an L-shape with an object that looks squarish, sits on top of the counter. Along the side of the counter lined up four stools that seem to be made out of 2022 material. Behind the stools has two sets of square tables that could only fit two people at one table- the tabletops were decorated with different types of tiny designs that overlap each other. Behind the tables- along the Eastside wall, sat two booths that could four people, The material of the booths seems to be made out of the same as the stools.
The second level couldn't be seen from the front of the coffee shop- the only way that locate it was by walking in the back, near the kitchen stood skinny set of stairs leading up to the upper half but no one's allowed to go up their unless they got permission from the owner himself. The handful of workers that help run the shop couldn't even go up there. Located on the other side of the thin 'hallway'- is the Boss's office and an archway that leads out to the shop. An old-looking door appeared off to the right side of the archway that has a bathroom sign hanging loosely on the door's face.
'Ding Ding', cried the alarm that was attached to the door, that swung violently open, imitating the sound of a bell. A small statue of a boy that's clutching his knees- trying to catch his breath. His porcelain skin seems to shine from the light bouncing off a thin sheet of sweat coats his skin- one could tell he ran a far distance. His cheeks have a rose color tint to them- as they puff in and out from the breathing exercises he's doing. Brown strands of wavy hair stuck to his forehead, his long feather-like eyelashes fluttered while his eyes were closed. His button nose was small but wasn't too small for his face- plump, red lips slightly cracked from dehydration, heaved in and out in slower motions as he finally seem to catch his breath.
Straightening his back as he took away his hands that disappeared in his lengthy sleeves- everything about him seems to be more delicate to the human eye; his lean frame smaller than most men, a small collar bone that popped out of his large, long-sleeve that's a size bigger than needed. Skinny jeans hugged his thin legs that came out of hiding from the knees down, escaping inside a pair of rundown sneakers.
His appearance is already better than most beauties in the world causing him to be breathing-taking grabbing everyone's attention that sat in the coffee shop. As soon as he opened his eyes, lashes fluttering underneath round eyebrows- everyone's hearts skipped a beat. Beautiful, jewel-like eyes that seem to contain the entire deep blue sky that doesn't have a single cloud in sight. Sparkling with different shades of blue once the light bounced off, as he glanced around in a panic.
Still hearing the loud 'thump!thump!' of his heart beating in his ears- a trickle of sweat slid down to the curve of his jawline once his eyes collided with a set of intense eyes.
As soon as they stared at each other for more than a second- it felt like something clicked for the both of them, as if a key's been turned unlocking sets of gears that started to turn. Both of their hearts beating the same rhythm connecting all of the puzzle pieces of an ancient puzzle that's been waiting to be finished. The pair of silver eyes seem to devour the blue ones- like the ground reaching up and pulling down the sky. Unable to take the pressure anymore- the young man shifted his delicate eyes but something in the back of his mind yelled at him to turn back his attention.
However, the silver grey eyes never took their attention off of the slim silhouette that stumbled over to the Owner- an older man, that's in his middle 40's, salt 'n' pepper, medium length hair that's combed back on the top and underneath was shaved.
A fine patch of stubble outlined a place where a beard could grow on but still showing off his sharp jaw. Bushy eyebrows overshadowing his clear eyes that seem like a very deep pit. The height of the owner is as intimidating as his bulky body that told others he still goes to the gym even at his age. The older gentleman just stood in front of the beauty for a split minute not saying anything as if he was lost in thought while he constantly smacked his shoulder with a cylinder. His large muscles kept flexing underneath the white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up- causing his admirers to swoon or gawk at him with no shame. His shirt's tucked in his black slacks that blends in with his shiny shoes. From glancing upon the owner- he carried himself good with his neat appearance. One couldn't tell that he was an owner of a mere coffee shop that doesn't even have a good name, 'The cafe' sounded like he didn't take much care in the name.
A strong smile broke out on his strong features, showing a pair of shiny white teeth, causing his left hand to halt its action- his other hand patted the beauty on his shoulder as they both talked a bit. Titling his head in a diagonal form towards the back- Giving a few more pats before something caught his attention. A very subtle movement of two fingers that no normal person would've caught.
The beauty felt his panic die down once the boss cracked a smile- a smile that isn't very often seen especially when Violet is around him. Doing as he was told, walking back to the small box lounge they had for employees before it led out into the back alley- he desperately needed to get out of his sweaty clothes and wash his face before handling people's food. He already had enough trouble serving the customers with his shaky hands- not wanting to add to that pressure.
Once the brown head disappeared into the back is when the silver eyes drifted to the owner that strolled his way over smacking his shoulder once again. The 'smack!smack!' sound of the object hitting his shoulder could be heard once the man halted in front of him.
"What do ya want, ya brat?" The 40 year old man didn't bother to show any worry about his tone as he addressed the younger man. Looking closely at the bare arms, scars could be seen from old battles. His clear eyes seem to flicker with a foreign gentleness.
A smile broke out on the young man's face causing his features to sine brighter. The man that sat in the chair that had the only window seat- it seems like he's the definition of handsome. His long legs seem to reach out to the other side of the table that seem to be a tad small under his weight, broad shoulders that lean back makes any man envious- his lengthy silhouette is dressed in a custom design suite that's roughly around 3,000 SubCoin, minimum. A strong neck that led up to the perfect masculine face, as if someone sculpted his out of marble- clean shaven with no signs of a shadow, showing off his jawline. Thin lips that accompanied the dazzling smile that stole the glances away from the owner. A strong, Greek nose that help drag the stares scanning his face- Strong arched eyebrows anchored down his powerful eyes. Even though the man was incredibly handsome- his stone eyes caused everyone to look away, not wanting to stare too long and possibly irritate the business man but still couldn't help themselves of stealing glances here and there.
The businessman leaned back in the chair that look's like it's about to break under his steel weight, crossing his arms over his chest causing his arms bulge- straining his suit.
A deep chuckle rumbles low in his throat, "Do you talk to all of your customers like this Ron?" His voice seem to rumble like gravel- deeply rich and strong holding a hint of humor. His silver eyes radiated the light- a little of golden color seem crack the surface.
The owner's hard features relaxed and a smile could also be seen, stretching his lips and crinkling his stubble. Crossing his arms in a similar manner, craning his head to the side- his clear eyes danced in a playful manner as he spoke- his tone less harsh than before.
"Aww, did I hurt li'l Matthew's feeli'ns?" Jabbing back at the youngster sitting in front of him.
The business man playfully shook his head slightly making raven-like strands of silk to fall down in front of his closed eyes. Long eyelashes fluttered in amusement as he rhetorical talked to himself than to Ron.
"How did this place become so popular?" In a swift, delicate motion- Matthew glanced up at Ron. "Old Man, who were you talking to a minute ago?"
Ron seem to be taken off guard- not because Matthew was asking about someone, let alone a boy; but because he was called old man. A frown instantly replaced the smile in a falling manner. Muttering to himself for a couple of minutes before talking in a stern tone- eyes hardening in the same instant his smile did.
"He's too good for you."
Silver eyes seem to shrink- sparks seem to shoot out both eyes and fought between the two of them. Matthew's tone also turned icy- not liking that sentence. It seem to scratch the surface of an itch that he didn't want scratched. Annoyance plainly shown on his strong features causing the room to tense.
"That isn't what I asked. I asked who he was."
"I know wha' ya said, I jus' ain't gonna tel' ya."
The sparks fought more violently but neither one was moving. The air around them became difficult to breath making some customers around them to hurry up and settle their bill and left. Matthew's brows seem to knit together feeling the irritation gnaw at him. Ever since he saw the beauty rush inside he felt something take hold of his senses causing- unable to look away from the slim figure. His skin etched in his memory especially how attractive the scene folded out but nothing prepared him to lock eyes with the beauty and feeling like he's obtained something as if he's found something he has lost long away. It caused his chest to feel stuffy and his heart rate to accelerate.
Ron watched Matthew drift his attention to his thoughts as if he was bored of the conversation.
"I'm leavin' ya brat." Leaving the business man without his reply, annoyance bubbling up within. Muttering to himself as he strolled to the back- smacking his shoulder once again but this time with more vigor.
"Doesn' even pay attention- rude bastard. Ol' man. Tsk."
Lex finally emerged from the back as he walked behind the counter but he wasn't alone. In the small space, was also a girl with purple hair as she laughed a deep laugh patting the beauty's shoulder- who was directly in front of her. The beauty also held a small, soft smile that his rose petal lips displayed causing Matthew's eyes to deep at the sight. He enjoyed the fact that he saw his beautiful smile but he didn't enjoy that the one who caused it was the loudmouth beside him.
Gears slightly rotating faster knocking more dust off of them. The young man felt the gaze as he turned his head to figure out where it came from. His instincts lead him as he subconsciously glanced at the individual that's been sitting at the window.
He felt something warm up his heart like he's never felt- the foreign feeling also felt nostalgic. A longing that he couldn't describe tickled his increasing heart- he couldn't put his finger on it or describe it but it felt like this person belonged to him. The young man seem to drown out the constant chatter that's beside his ear and his surroundings slowly drifted into darkness. The only two left was the business man and the beauty that were staring at one another not breaking eye contact. The longer it goes on, the more the locks are getting unlocked. Their heartbeats grew stronger together and their attention lost on one another as if the world doesn't matter.
"Lex- are you listening to me?" The purple haired co-worker nudged the beauty with her elbow drawing him out of his daydream and his attention away from Matthew. A pink hue slightly painted his cheeks- embarrassed that he wasn't paying attention but more so by openly staring at someone. Looking slightly up to the young woman's face. Her features weren't bad at all- some might even say she's a doll but the metal in her lip cause most pursuers to retract their gaze. His round peach eyes held dark makeup neatly around and to a point making her eyes look fierce. The pressure around her was sure intimidating but once one got to know her, they can tell her personality is descent. They both wore matching uniforms with similar looking tags on their chests.
"I'm sorry Violet- what did you say?" Lex sheepishly inquired, still side glancing at the gentleman at the window that hasn't retracted his eyes- not caring who sees.
"Jeez! I asked if you're going to the bonfire this Friday?" Her bouncy voice didn't match her gothic look. Her purple hair pulled up in a ponytail, drawing attention to the shaved underneath. Her nose flared as she talked causing the chain that hung from her piercing bounce.
"Bonfire?" Tilting his head to the side, wrinkling his soft brows slightly.
Sigh, "Ya know~ The annual bonfire that the university puts on- it's planned by the seniors so the underclassmen can mingle. Come on~ You're a Junior already- you need to get out more." Flashing a toothy smile to show she didn't mind if he knew or not- she just wanted to know one thing from him.
"Are you going? It's down at the lake this year. That means it's gong to be wild." Excitement lit up her eyes as the bonce back and forth from Lex's eyes.
"You should go with me!" Her smile fully broke out showing her pointy fangs that laid against her dark red lips. Opening his mouth to give his answer right as the kitchen light went off indicating some to-go orders are ready. Strolling back to the kitchen but not before he turned his head to look at Violet.
"I don't know." Disappearing into the back before Violet had time to stop him.
Matthew watched the entire scene as his eyes seem to darken causing the color to turn black. His face didn't hold an ounce of emotion but his insides were a mess. A strong desire of possessiveness clawed at his chest- watching Violet's arm poke Lex a couple of times, a thought casually popped in his head of killing the gothic woman. He defiantly didn't like how close she was. These feeling that come from deep within, as if they were sleeping- he has never felt like this before. Sure, he had exes and past flings but the three of them never caused these feelings.
Lost in thought again- drumming his index finger against the shiny surface of the table with the sound 'taptaptap' drumming out in a fast consistent movement. Brushing the black strands of silk out of his face as he combed back his hair once he stood up getting ready to pay the bill and leave. Glancing at the time to the side with a swift motion telling him it's time to go. His long strides carried him swiftly to the counter where the gothic woman was standing, looking bored out of her mind. Standing in front of the counter drawing Violet out of her daze. By this time Lex came out from the back with the to-go orders all ready to be sent on their way once the customers picked them up. His steps nearly halted almost causing him to trip over his own feet- clutching on the containers of food making sure they didn't fall as he steady himself; the whole time never breaking eye contacted from Matthew. Lex knew he was tall but he's taller than pictured.
"Sir!" Violet somewhat shouted as if she was trying to get his attention long ago, her voice held some irritation from him just standing there not saying a thing. Her instincts were telling her to run and it made the hair on the back of her neck to stand up. "Are you ready to pay?"
Matthew's eyes swiftly glided to Violet- they grew colder, just like how seasons change. Violet swallowed her salvia feeling her palms began to sweat- with a single word that came from the gentleman's throat sent Lex's whole body on fire as he felt the tip of his ears go warm. He never knew that a voice could make someone feel so weak as if his knees were going to give out on him and his bottom lip quivered a tiny bit.
Violet asked in a caution voice- her inner self was telling her to be careful and not piss him off.
"Name and SB Code?"
"Woolverton- 0084."
His voice etched itself into Lex's ears, sliding all the way down to his heart- ears fully pink that hid behind his hair only to be given away by a faint blush that's tainting his cheeks. Hearing the name in the cool voice, both Violet and Lex seem shocked as their eyes grew.
Woolverton- as in Wolverton Corp., one of the largest distribute company in the large city they lived in. They distribute a variety of good into the market with studies they do about society and what's popular among the civilians. A company that came out of nowhere- that was built up from the ground and was made into something grand.
A medium-sized blue screen appeared out of thin air, between customer and employee. His order was listed in bright lettering along with a small profile window that's located on the top of the screen. No picture was shown as it all had was, Wolverton .M. (V.I.P) S.B.0084.
Asking if all the information looked correct before sending it directly to him for him to give his personal D.N.A signature. As blue light shined in Matthew's left eye indicating that he received the payment and sent it off. Lex couldn't take his eyes off of him feeling his heart flutter- taking in Matthew's handsome features. Violet couldn't help but be antsy as a dangerous person was standing in front of her. Her street instincts are now fully clawing at her- needing her to get away from him.
Everything seem to go swiftly in motion as he paid and the payment was eagerly accepted by the system. Matthew turned his attention back on Lex that was surprised, blushing deeper- embarrassed that he was caught staring again but he couldn't tear is eyes away and he felt like that was alright, this man didn't mind. He in fact, accepted it very greedily. It seemed like a lifetime that they were staring at one another but in fact it only been two minutes. Violet defiantly caught wind of this, even though she wanted to step in his view and protect Lex- she saw how Lex also looked at him and all 3 years she's known him, she's never seen his 'brother' give anyone that sort of look especially a stranger.
Matthew was reluctant to leave as he wanted to scoop up the person that had the name tag the read 'Lex'- a possessive desire to put his arm around his waist- burrowing his head in the slim neck lifting up that tiny silhouette into a warm embrace. Flexing his jaw muscles as he turned around and left the coffee shop- Lex felt like his heart was stabbed by tiny needles as he saw the large body leave the building. Strangely enough, he didn't want this stranger to leave- he wanted him to stay by his side and to feel his warmth, to gaze in those strong silver eyes. Lex couldn't help but frown a bit at the loneliness he oddly felt before he stuffed it back down and got back to work wanting to keep his mind busy.