A Lost Hope
By: Rëy Fahira
Tags: Relationships, Romance Story, Fiction Writing, Short Story, Lovestory

“What are we doing here?” asks me. He glared. “Don’t you see the name of this place? This is a coffee shop. What a dumb question you have.” He retorted. “Don’t you remember? I don’t like coffee, and I’m sure you already know that.” I responded fiercely. “Yes, I know. I know that you don’t like coffee.” “Then, why did you bring me here if you already knew?” I gasped.

He didn’t answer my question but his hand still held my wrist. Then, he pulled out one of the chairs, asked me to sit down.

“Come on, Kalea. Don’t be mad at me. Smile a little. For me.” He said in a whisper in my ear. “I just don’t want to go anywhere. Besides, this is not my typical place to go to. I just don’t like coffee, Jafar. You know me.” I said while lowering my head. “Kalea, I know you very well. I know every little thing about you. I know the reason you don’t like coffee — it’s because the coffee tastes bitter, and you like the sweetness. You don’t like experiencing deep bitterness; that is why you only want sweetness in your life.” He said as he looked me in the eye. “Kalea, life has to be a balance between sweet and sour. You can’t expect your life to go well according to your expectations. You have to get out of your comfort zone and try new things — like drinking coffee. You will feel the sensation.” He continued.

He still remembers my words at that time. Certainly, he knows me best.

After the small talk, he called the waiter to order. As usual, if he stopped by a coffee shop, he would definitely order an Americano. Indeed, it’s his favorite coffee flavor, and he doesn’t want to try any other flavors. Since I don’t like coffee, as a result, I have to order hot chocolate because the weather is quite cold today, and I need warmth.

Shortly after we finished ordering our orders, the drinks we ordered finally arrived.

“Here, you have to try Americano. You’ll love it.” He said as he handed me his drink. “No thanks. I have my hot chocolate.” I replied concisely. “Kalea, you should try to like what I like.” He said, looking at me deeply. “I’m sorry. You can’t force me to like what you like by telling me to like things that I don’t like. Please, don’t force me. I hope you understand because I don’t want to repeat my words next time.” I said firmly while continuing to drink my hot chocolate. I don’t care about his responses.

He was breathing heavily.

There was a long silence between us. When he suddenly said, “I don’t like you when you are mad because your face looks sour. Your smile is adorable and that’s the reason why I prefer to see you smile.” I saw his face as he was busy stirring his Americano with a spoon.

“I want you to be happy, Kalea. I’m ready to be the first person to listen to your complaints and always be there for you.” Okay Jafar, enough for this sweet talk that doesn’t interest me. “Why are you being so nice to me? What is your goal?” I demand an answer. “Don’t ask too many questions. Just drink your hot chocolate, spoiled girl!” He said while tidying up the tablecloth that was not messy at all. “You are a careless human. You’re only drinking a glass of hot chocolate but there’s chocolate on the corners of your lips.” He said, wiping the corners of my lips with a tissue. “Thank you,” I said beaming. “What? Don’t say thanks and then smile at me like that. I’m not comfortable with you smiling like that at me. It’s intimidating.” Like I said at the beginning, he is the most annoying creature in my life.

Look at your face now, Jafar. Your face turns red. What you say is true, you are easily embarrassed, even in front of your own closest friend who I don’t even know we are just friends or so.