Stargazing
You went in, gathered some blankets, a few pillows, a couple of candles and snacks and headed to the roof. You filled in an air-mattress and organized your snacks and pillows and lighted up the candles. The rooftop was rather dark so the candles were for safety and hell, you liked candles so why not! After a short moment you heard a noise coming from the fire escape. You stood up and went to look.
- Changed your mind? you asked when the man hopped on the roof. It was Steve.
- Yes. he said. You chuckled and turned to return to your camp. He did not follow you. You stopped and stretched your hand at him. After a moment of hesitation he walked to you, took your hand and followed you. You sat down and he sat down to the opposite side of the mattress.
- You really are camping. he said.
- Yes! Such a beautiful night like this... it would be a shame to waste it. you said and poured Steve a glass of white wine. Then you noticed that you did not have another glass and you excused yourself for a moment. You ran to your apartment, checked your face out, brushed your teeth "just in case" you thought and then returned to the rooftop. You did not see him when you got back.
- Steve? you said and hit your toe to something because you were not paying attention to your surroundings. "Shit" you sighed and bit your lip.
- Are you alright? What happened? Steve asked. He had been on the other side of the rooftop looking at the sleeping city.
- Just... hit my toe. you said and laughed. "This is exactly why I should had brought more than just 3 candles" you muttered to yourself.
- What was that?
- Nothing... it is not the first time this happens, so I decided to be wise and bring candles... and I still manage to hit my toe. you laughed as you sat down and poured yourself a glass of wine too. Steve came to raise a toast with you
- To the-uhm... you said and did not know how to finish the sentence.
- How about we drink to new friends and shooting stars?
"Friends" you thought. You had been friend-zoned. You felt bitterly disappointed but kept the happy, excited expression on your face like a pro. It was not the first time that someone that you liked did not like you... and you liked Steve. You looked down for a moment, nodded and then raised the glass.
- Friends. you said and drank a half of the glass instantly. You had sliced some fruits, bought a couple of different cheeses and crackers; that was the snack. You managed to see a couple of shooting stars.
- Oh, I saw one! you exclaimed and pointed at a spot on the night sky that was now black.
- I don't believe you. I was looking at the exact same place than you and I saw nothing. Steve said. You groaned.
- Now there! you said and pointed another spot.
- I guess you get to make a wish now.
- I guess I do... you said and smiled. You looked up silently and thought "I wish you unfriend-zoned me and asked me out".
- What did you wish for?
- I can't tell you!
- Why?
- It will not happen if I do. you chuckled.
- I did not know that there are rules like that.
- Yes... there are. And rules… they must be respected. you said and smiled. You dared to look into his eyes for a long moment. He had moved to sit next to you and although he did not touch you, he still sat so very close. You heard him breathing peacefully and you felt his warm breath on your skin, or maybe you were imagining. It was one of those moments where you wait the other person to make a move, the moment before the first kiss. There was a cold wind coming from the sea that made you shiver and blew your hair on your face. You tried to gather the runaway locks behind your ear but despite your efforts you did not manage to get them all.
- You still have... Steve said and smiled.
- Yeah... oh man, seriously? you said and tried to fix it but the next gush of wind messed up everything again.
- Allow me... he said and carefully tucked the lock behind your ear. He brushed the lock a couple of times "just to be sure" even though it was secured behind the ear at the first time. His fingers brushed "accidentally" your cheek and earlobe as he pulled his hand away. He was clearly nervous, which you found odd because you would had thought that surely a man of his looks dated a lot. You could not had been more wrong.
You poured him another glass of wine and filled your glass as well. You were getting a little tipsy but the alcohol did not seem to influence Steve at all, and it did not because his body burned the alcohol away before it had a change to affect him; he was a superhuman after all. You lay down and stared at the sky.
- Do you usually attend speed-dates? he asked suddenly. You chuckled.
- Gosh no! But I guess my friend would like me to find myself someone... She just says that she wants a "wingman" but I know she can handle speed-dating like a boss.
- Would you like to find someone then? he asked. You did not know what to think; was this just friendly chat or... flirting? Surely not flirting.
- Well... My friend thinks that I need someone strong and calm in my life...
- And what do you think?
- Well, maybe… sure… although I enjoy my life as it is. you said and felt like you had to explain yourself.
- I mean... I am happy as I am. Sure, I am slightly lonely sometimes... and I do want romance in my life and to meet that one special someone but... on the other hand... I am sorry to say... Gosh! Men these days! you stated and groaned playfully.
- What do you mean?
- No offence, but it seems that gentlemen have become extinct. I am not a damsel in distress and I do not expect to be looked after or anything... but a certain amount of politeness and courtesy... everybody seems to lack it these days. And I mean no offence, there are exceptions of course... I mean you seem to be an exception since you have not tried to grab my ass or anything. you said and burst into laughter. Yep! The wine was really kicking in and your tolerance was not that high anyway. Steve blushed. He did not know what to comment. He just listened you laughing and chuckled briefly.
- How about you? I guess you date a lot... you asked and then mumbled the last part.
- I actually don't.
- Let me guess, you usually do hookups?
- What is a... hookup? he asked. "Really?" you thought and tried to cover your surprise.
- It... is... when people just see each other to have... you said and hoped that he got the idea. It felt awkward to talk about the subject.
- Oh... I see... No... I don't do... hookups.
- Seriously?
- Yes. Seriously.
- Wow... you really are an exception. you said and sighed.
- What is your opinion about hookups?
- Well... Single adults are free to do what they want, in mutual understanding... but personally... not my cup of tea. you answered. Steve smiled slightly.
- When does the sun rise? you said in order to change the subject into something more general and less personal.
- Not for few hours.
- Oh no... really?
- Yes, why?
- I am getting sleepy but I don't want to miss the sunrise! Oh well, I guess I have to call it a day. you said and sat up. Steve stood up and helped you to stand up as well. He pulled you up with such a force that you stumbled and almost fell. He grabbed you putting his arm under your arm and held you basically against his body.
- Sorry... I am... slightly... clumsy... when I'm... tired. you stumbled with words as you looked into his eyes. "Friend-zone" you thought and continued by saying
- Alright... I am now well-balanced. Thank you. and broke free from his embrace. Steve sighed or maybe it was your hopeful mind playing tricks on you.
- Yes, right. I will help you to... clean this up. he said and took the pillows and blankets. You collected the candles, snacks and glasses while he emptied the mattress. After that he walked you to your door. He came to the hallway and closed the door so your conversation would not bother the neighbors. It was still nighttime.
- Thank you. you said as you took the pillows from his hands after you had emptied your hands.
- I had a wonderful night. you continued.
- Yes, likewise. he answered. Again there was a moment of silence in a small room making the distance between you two almost nonexistent. You broke the moment and offered your hand for a handshake.
- Goodnight. you said and shook his hand awkwardly as he took it. Then you let it go and he left. You were slightly disappointed that he had not asked your number but you thought that he knew where you lived so if he wanted to... be your friend... he would surely find you again.