The sun was beautifully setting behind the skyscrapers that make up Summit City.
Its last rays shone down on glass buildings that reflected its dying light. The yellow and pinkish hues created a canvas in the sky that would have photographers snapping a few pictures.
It was a beautiful sight to behold if anyone took the time, but it was Summit City. Everyone was too busy running back home after a tiring day at work, only finding the strength to look at their shoes or right in front of them for the strongest. Others were maybe going to work; afterall, Summit City is a city that lives 24/7. Of course some people have to keep it running.
Kayla Pierce was among those going back home. Tired and with no energy left, she struggled with one hand holding her comfort hot chocolate -a necessity to mentally handle her ride home on the subway- and the other juggling the keys to the coffee shop, trying to close the door.
When she finally succeeded in her task, she sighed a breath of relief, all her muscles relaxing as she dropped the keys in her bag, her brain understanding that the day was truly over now. Regaining her composure, she stabilized her hold on the hot chocolate cup. Contrary to what someone witnessing her relief might believe, she actually loves her job. A lot. Working at a cat café, with more than reasonable hours thanks to the owner being mindful of the cats-me time-and a good enough pay, it is a dream really in the tough world of Summit City. In fact, she only landed the job by personally knowing the owner, Lady Florence Willow, when she would volunteer as a student at her animal shelter in town. She liked to call her Lady because of her French and British heritage. Her mother is French and her father British. They are both quite rich from what she gathered, owning a few properties in France and England. That's how Florence was able to open a shelter and a trendy cat café in the heart of Summit City.
So, yes, she really loves her job. Today was just a particularly tiring day, more so because she was alone; her friend and colleague Sarah Woods, also someone who used to volunteer at the shelter as a student, was sick, so she couldn't make it. Let's just say Kayla felt the absence of the extra pair of hands.
Fixing her bag more firmly on her shoulder, she turned around to start her walk toward the station. Kayla enjoyed a few sips here and there of her calming hot chocolate, already feeling it warming her inside, just like she wanted. As she turned the corner at the end of the lane, ready to step onto the bustling main street, she nearly collided with someone, drowning them both in her drink.
Kayla was ready to bury herself now and then, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks and reddening her ears, apologies ready to pour out of her.
"I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I should have been more careful walking into the street. I'm really sorry, please tell me you're not hurt?!"
Remembering her hot chocolate was still... well, quite hot, she couldn't help but ask that last question, hoping she wouldn't have a lawsuit on her ass for attempted assault.
A calming and serene laugh answered her "Please, stop apologizing, I'm at fault just as much, I should have been more careful. And no" he let out a small chuckle "don't worry, I'm not hurt. I believe our clothes protected us from the burn"
At his calm and friendly tone, Kayla finally dared to look up from where she had been staring -his ruined cardigan and her drenched cup- and when she did, she couldn't help but feel like the cute cardigan suited him. He had curly light brown hair, eyes the same color as honey and a golden tone to his otherwise pearly skin. The sunset definitely suited him. Kayla couldn't help but notice how his defined, chiseled jaw contrasted with his soft features, adding a little something to it.
It was safe to say that Kayla found him cute.
Since the moment she collided with him and drenched him in her drink, she had been staring at his fluffy baby blue cardigan sweater now ruined in hot chocolate. From looks alone she could tell that cardigan was probably expensive. She also couldn't help but notice how even in such cute clothes he still appeared massive next to the passing civilians. He was probably 6 foot tall and she could tell he had many muscles from the way you could still outline some of them under the oversized cardigan. With all that muscle, she figured she was lucky he was so kind.
Right before she decided it was rude to stare and she should stop, she noticed he had a silver necklace with a small pendant that looked like it was glowing. It must be a trick of the light.
"That's a relief... But still, I feel guilty for just barging in on you like that. Please, allow me to properly apologize by offering you anything you want from the cat café down the street, come by anytime it'll be my treat!"
At that point, Kayla didn't know if that offer was simply to apologize or if she had ulterior motives. She only knew she didn't want to let the opportunity to figure it out slip. The mysterious man sheepishly smiled, looking both taken aback but appreciative of the offer.
"I'm taking it you work there?" He got a smile and a nod as an answer. "Then I'll be more than happy to take you up on your offer for my daily dose of coffee tomorrow. I also work not far from here."
Kayla's face involuntarily lit up at that new piece of information.
"Oh really? That's perfect! I'll see you tomorrow then?"
He smiled just as brightly and Kayla noticed he had pointy canines, she found that detail cute. It actually reminded her of a certain -very famous- hero with a similar quirk that had the whole world swooning and fangirling over that small detail. Kayla herself fell victim to it.
"Yes, definitely! I've been looking for an excuse to finally check out that cat café, you've just given it to me"
He said that last sentence with a pointed stare directly into her eyes and Kayla felt her breath catch in her throat. Was there a double meaning to his last words? Was he flirting or was she just projecting and being delusional because he's cute? Anyway, it wouldn't do her well to overthink. She collected her thoughts, put the horny on hold and answered.
"Well, I'm happy to provide. I didn't quite catch your name by the way?
Still with his million dollar smile "I'm Ethan Cole, pleasure to meet you." Ethan extended his very big and veiny hands to poor Kayla who had to take a double look because damn- that man was bad news for her heart. She bet even with no power, he could still hear her heart dance in her chest.
"The pleasure is shared, I'm Kayla Pierce." Once her hand was held in his, she had never felt so small in her life. Even when his hold was so gentle.