Another day it had begun again, it was just like any other heavy pitter-patter of raindrops falling in the quiet town of Arcel. It was a peaceful town for the most part summer season and a lot of graduates from college were enthused about the arrival. This place had aspects of a decent mix of nightlife and tourist attractions. One young woman felt a mixture of relief to be within the spacious walls of the library.Yeah, it would be strange some on the cusp of life, all cooped up in the library instead of people she looked comfortable being surrounded by books.

She was curled up on an indigo bean bag in the back nook of the library, a young woman with beautiful ebony hair fell very loose and wavy down her back. Dark brown eyes were transfixed on the context of her very thick novel she was reading immersed in the fictional world of the book she read. He couldn’t help to find the most expressive thing about her was those pretty doe eyes engaging and smirking at each page of the book, as if she was trapped in the exciting plot she let herself get enveloped back in.

Her eyes danced along the page, lighting up whenever she found something new, it mirrored a child on Christmas who awaited to open their very first present. He found his gaze watching her with ocean eyes taking in the sight of this girl. The place was surprisingly empty, only sparing a few people either working or coming in place pickups for a book and others working in peace. He was there to get something for his sister whenever he first saw her.

Beautiful.

A thought came to his mind though he was never one to take in such things, he was different from most guys his age. He was wild, adventurous, and spirited which drew people to him on their own. This was the first time he found himself getting entrance by another person much less some girl. A smile that could only be described to him as soft which made him observe those sweet little dimples on her cheeks. The lighting above the girl made her warm sepia skin glow only to add to her beauty. Yasei has never seen her around; he would have recalled seeing a girl like this before.

Why was he intrigued like this? Damn it, he was usually able to handle himself better, the more he observed the girl. The more he felt his answer was the cause to make him feel such annoyance he couldn’t explain. In comparison to most, she was easily capable of being in the crowd, yet just from her appearance he got the feeling it was the opposite. His eyes dropped to watch plump lips softly painted soft red shined. That made his cheeks flush a bright red. It was strange for him to react this way; he couldn't help but silently curse his sister for this errand.

He needed to get out of this library, whatever else went through his mind needed to disappear. “Hana, she should have done this crap herself…” Yasei grumbled, a curse to himself though he always caved into those damned puppy dog eyes. The family tended to get him in those rare little moments to inconvenience his ***. To be honest, why was he feeling less irritated by this particular errand which was tasked upon him? Behind the desk who witnessed his predicament chuckled. “Ah, to be young and unaware..” The receptionist chuckled in amusement watching Yasei, who glanced at her slightly startled before walking up to hand her the book he needed to check out.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” A lame cover-up, he knew it besides he didn’t need to shift his gaze to the older woman who knew he was full of shit. The only response was a click of her tongue chastising him as his mother would do. Yasei found his gaze and drifted back over to see if the young woman was still there reading. The strange part about this situation was that he felt relieved to see her there, so invested in her book that he swore he heard a tiny little squeal. It was rather cute to watch her so invested in the book she read.

His ear perked up to hear the woman scanning his books speak up once more. “That girl’s one of a kind, sometimes I wonder if she’s lonely. She’s here every day mostly reading books, yet I feel that there is more she is missing out on.” Glancing back at her, a fraction of something more seemed solemn in the elder woman’s gaze.

What could or what did she mean by that?

For some reason, this made Yasei curious to learn more about who this girl was really.

“I worry about you interacting with her for some reason. I’ve known that child since she moved here—boy’s like you for a girl like that. Pure and simple, you're a rollercoaster.”

As if reading his thoughts, she openly answered his question though it made him feel some sort of uncertainty. Yasei was different from this girl. He knew that much though to the extent, this receptionist hit the nail on the head. He knew his personality was dangerous not in the sense of harm, yet was chaos itself though his life was good one. The tiny musings of his mind wondered why she was lonely, who made her stay in that protective bubble she had.

Oddly, Yasei's eyes studied her some more. He was observant despite his nature, other people enjoyed his charm and straight-laced characteristics. No, she would be guarded if anything. Blue eyes shined vibrantly, as if he found something precious that he wanted for himself. Clearly, he knew she was more than that he was assured in the reasons he made then.

His stomach grumbled for the need of food, it didn’t help, with across from the library was a bakery filling the room in the scent of cinna buns drizzled with fresh apricot and honeyed cream. Damn it, he felt anxious to dart off for food right now, the idea he, Yasei Honpō was caught off guard would shock his close knit friend group. All because of an interesting little bambi who caught his eyes of the things—his sister would certainly be invested and gush.

****, no. I am not letting her find out about this.

“Young man..” The receptionist or rather her named tag read Natasha Barnes, she seemed to know the girl he was for better word intrigued by. Maybe he could appeal of course, he wanted to get to know her. Highly unlikely as things stood. She knew what kind of person he was though not in the negative sense, okay maybe he was far too reckless.

“Sweetheart, I finished your books.” A sigh left her lips, a chuckle knowingly followed after, while she pressed the books down firmly she continued.”Look, here little wolf, I know she’s beautiful, but a sweet girl. I am sure you’ll see her again.”The receptionist hoped nothing came to complicated for the girl, and Yasei saw that sincere concern for the woman.

Fox, he was not that damn little, shit! He knew what she meant instantly and a cough escaped his cheeks shifting away again. Yes, this is why he felt annoyed even frustrated by how keen adults could be, his example was his very own mother. Everything would be in the tubes if she found this out, it would never end on meeting the girl.

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly glancing at the older woman.” I’ll keep it in mind Miss, but ya know about us foxes. We tend to find ourselves lost with the right kind of people.” A smile perched itself on his lips, he got a little sense of victory whenever she groaned in frustration. Hell, she must’ve had sons herself by that natural reaction.

Maybe they didn’t listen to her advice. Unlike him, he was always very clever to adhere to things that could help him in the future. For now, he felt those delicious pastries and chai spiced ginger latte call his name. Whatever energy he needed would have to be had in order to do what he considered to be his next plan. He looked forward to talking to his Bambi, once he returned texting his sister quickly about her books.

There was something gripping in his heart, a strange desire to keep his new found treasure for himself. A song played in the library which was missed on Yasei, if had listened to the music he would know there was a deeper meaning he’d understand.

Dangerous he’s someone you’ll never forget

Inviting desire and thrills you miss in life *

That boy is taking you for a wild ride.*

Be careful you don’t fall to the other side*

Rebel nature women can agree *

Temptation is a sin he will tempt thee*

As the darkness overcomes so will*

Never cross over to the wild side *

His love will make crash over and over *

This man will never set you free.*

Mr. wild, wild, side*

Neither he nor the young woman knew this song would be a clear truth. Yasei caught her in his sights though he felt positive this would be a good start of something between them. As the old school song played in the library both had different thoughts that day. What he didn’t know was her gaze had seen his back leaving the library for the cafe.

The door closed to a pastry cafe called MorningFix , and a sigh of relief left her. Elise couldn’t believe h e of all people had come here, it must have been for someone else. She knew his name was Yasei, but that was about it, due to her crippling need to stay away from other people. Her life was peaceful, and the social complexities that everyone else could handle had been a struggle for her. Brushing her hair to tuck it behind her ear, a soft sigh left her lips feeling frustrated.

How am I going to get those delicious blueberry muffins, and the lemon cream cheese now? She sighed a bit, she knew that she would have to walk in there.

They never kept those for long though she didn’t want to see him in there, yet she knew it would get crowded around this time. Because the cafe had another door to the plaza it was a hot spot in the city. She was better off going to read novels until he disappeared, and so did everyone else. Taking a deep breath, she couldn’t experience that emotion again, fear— being around people spiked up her anxiety.

It was bad enough that not even her parents could understand one of the main undisputed facts: their relationship was tattered. The mantra gave her that she learned from her Aunt helped Elise dissipate a pressure crippling her. Her embarrassment would go through the damn roof if she had an anxiety attack. Shaking her head to banish that thought, this was the place of solace and quiet no one bothered her.

She knew it was too soon for her to take a big step to socialize. Her gaze went to snap over to Ms. Barnes it was clear she was concerned. Yeah, she didn’t want to worry the kind woman, so she mouthed an ‘I’m fine.’ There was a skeptical look on her face though Elise was relieved the issue wasn’t pressed.

God, she needed to get a grip. Why did unknown and annoying variables disturb her peace?

Life hasn’t left her to deal with anything just yet. Relationships were too complicated, she knew well enough not to expect friendships to last. The real people she could depend on were her Aunt and Uncle. It’s not as shocking as most believed it to be, with others looking outside and only seeing one half.

Thinking about Elijah and Melody Woods, her hands gripped the book tightly, the typical damage of their relationship astounded her. They weren’t pleasant to be around throughout her childhood until now. A mother who wished she used her oval face, and almond eyes to let men swoon over those traits. She wasn’t going to go into the sordid details she made about her body.

Ha! I was graciously given by her. Oil and Water, it was what she and her mother were in terms of personality. And the fact that Elise dealt with her father, who complained though felt jealous every time her mother did something was laughable. Breaking down her confidence was what he wanted to do because his wife was not being faithful.

Sucks what she called her life back then. Pushing those troublesome thoughts and memories behind her. Who could ever completely wipe away those painful times? Elise knew it wouldn’t fade away though she figured the time was a good healer for her. Not entirely, she mused to herself a bit bitterly the fact she lived on her own was liberating enough. Closing her book, the series Condemned Love, this final chapter she would need to go back to later.

“Thank goodness..” She grabbed her book standing up, the rush was dying down. This spot was the best view in the library to see through the large glass windows. Her hand clenched the front of her shirt as a habit to steel herself a bit. All she had to work on was her breathing, maybe a lavender tea would be good too. Taking her steps slowly, it was her flight response kicking in not liking the eyes she thought about on her.

Focus, just take deep breaths.

Her arms clutched her book to her chest, with each step she took somehow felt heavier than the last. Hell, she passed the biggest hurdle of her life, if she pretended there was no one inside. It would be easy to do while walking in the doors slide apart for her. "Just a blueberry muffin and some lemon cream cheese."She glanced at the drink menu and added, "Raspberry sweet tea."

First thing finished she found that was easily grateful to be finished. Stepping away, she headed for a seat to wait until the despondent clerk, who could care less, gathered to call her for her order. Their eyes felt like they were on her right then, she could endure that until she would be able to leave.

“Hey…do you mind if I sit here, Bambi?” A deep rich voice that felt like rich honey echoed in her ears. Elise mentally cursed her though he left she wanted to groan loudly. Bambi? What kind of nickname was that?

She brushed it off her skepticism was expressed in dark brown eyes, as she watched him sit down across from her.This attempt to be charming was just making her unsure of why he approached her.

Now she could feel everyone else looking at her. This was so great. She thought to herself how unlucky she felt right now though she wanted to escape right then. “Why..there are other places…” Elise stated calmly as she could not look at Yasei, his response was a chuckle just taking a seat next to her. How could he not just leave? And grumble about how she was rude by this encounter. Yasei caught her gaze as he sighed, if anything she could not tell if it was maybe indiscernible she guessed.

She couldn’t tell why though his ocean eyes met her brown ones, they looked at her in a very observant way. Ugh, she wondered why her order was taking so long with that cashier. The way he gazed at her she felt under scrutiny even if it didn't seem that way.

“I wanted to sit with you, and you expected me to storm off, right?”He smirked whenever her eyes snapped up, it was what she wanted to happen. Elise figured he was a different breed right then and there. Wanting nothing more than to be away from Yasei, he threatened her comfortable life. Not to mention, like hell, she wanted to be seen with his crowd of friends.

*“What is it? What do you want from me*? And don’t give me any crap. ‘That I just want to get to know you’ , no one ever does.”

Yasei looked startled by her tone which she felt somewhat grateful for to get that smirk off his face. A slight shift in his posture leaning up to look at her. His light brown hair fell over his face, a hand brushed back his unique hairstyle choice. Cursing herself, for feeling it suited his name, and face was the only honest thought she would never say outright.

He pursed his lips for a second, biting his straw in thought as he took a drink.”Not everyone has an agenda..my only thought was ‘who is she?’” Elise was perplexed at this comment, with having no idea how to answer in a way she felt honest.

“I’m just me, that’s how I can answer that question.” She answered sincerely,tapping her nails against the book to distract herself. He shook his head at her statement which she could tell he wasn’t looking for.

Or so she thought.

Yasei took a chance to speak after he was silent for a while. “Underneath, a lonely girl who needs more in life. I don’t presume to know you but people aren’t always so scary.” He smiled at her, a flutter of her heart beat slightly quickened in looking into his. Elise wanted to say he was a fool of himself, it fell into silence as her name was called.

“Elise Woods, your order is up!”

Finally, she didn’t miss her chance to escape from this weird guy. The fact of running out of the cafe crossed her mind though she didn’t want to let Yasei see she was thrown off by him.

I'm glad that's over, I hope this isn't a common thing. Her relieved sigh came out, as she was glad the conversation between them wasn’t long and drawn out. Elise wasn’t one for socializing and if anything she was happy to cut it short.

She headed over to place a tip in the jar not sparing a glance at the brunette. It wasn't satisfaction or anything like that, it was her thoughts, a silly little hope maybe he was different. Wishing for Yasei to be more than a clever fox, that notion if she could believe him, was a stupid move.

“Elise, I hope to see you again, it looks like maybe I’ve got a chance at something real..”

His words as she stepped out of the cafe were unheard by her with another chuckle that escaped him. His eyes glowed a sky blue unaware by those around him, a grin was etched on his lips in excitement. There was something primal that fluttered within his body to claim that sweet little Bambi .

It had been a while after Elise’s meeting with Yasei. His last statement threw her for a loop, but she didn’t want to waste too much time on that. She wasn’t going to take his words as seriously; there was nothing they had in common. Let’s face facts, the circles they belonged to were completely different. She loved being away from the crowd.

While he was just the face which drew people in there was no way she’d ever become a trope of opposites attract. Besides, everything that was calm about her life kept focused on herself.She was not going to take his words seriously; there was no particular interest they had in common. Even if he tried to convince her otherwise she felt like it was as if something just didn't make sense.

The latter which was swirling around in her thoughts accurately could have been she lost her faith in people. The facts remained he was just in a different part of a social group she’d never mesh well with. She loved being away from the crowd, yet he was just someone who knew how to draw people in.

Elise never really enjoyed tropes, the opposite attracts tropes that felt ironic for this situation.

Her life, everything that made her comfortable was a calm peaceful nothing was disturbed about it. She didn't need a whole storm to flood her life. Besides, there was no reason for her to interact with Yasey Honpō again. It didn't make sense, he had to have wanted something from her because people were without their agendas.

Shaking her head from restless thoughts, her nerves felt like they were getting the best of her. Attachments and Relationships. Those always stirred up conflict in emotions inside her heart, the wish to imagine interacting with people normally would be like.

A dream was just as fictional as she read in her books. Life in her own term was full of dysfunctional parents, past trauma, and her anxiety creating her to fixate too much on things. Yeah, she wasn't considered normal even to get own parents, so why did she need to have friends when they would do the same to her.

After all she already had one horrible experience in trying to make a friend, but that event still made her feel like it was a never ending nightmare in itself. The silly childish part of Elise, she dreamed about being normal , or at least not a mental train wreck where people look at her like a circus animal. With her parents, she was never in a stable environment to be in a place to do so with moving around all the time.

Not to mention, the mental and emotional abuse she suffered as a child for having an anxious condition . As in her parents' own words, just let those silly ideas of social relationship fade away like a fog. Now, she was able to cope in her own way with being alone. But, lumping everyone in that category was foolish. She knew not every person was the same. Her Aunt and therapist would always tell her that, and she was aware of the fact.

Elise just got comfortable with being alone, it made it more manageable as she wouldn't be hurt. At least she kept her distance and maintained her little bubble. If keeping everyone out was so easy for her, yet she was thrown out of balance since Yasei talked to her. A wind chime bell perked her ears, she glanced down at her phone. She saw the notification. It was a text message from her Aunt, with her thumb right to open it while reading what it said.

Sweetheart, have you looked at the site I sent?

Elise read the text and it made her eyes avert gaze from her phone screen. Aunt Melaine, or Melaine Woods, she was a kind and compassionate woman, who had been what a real mother her own should have been to her.

She had two children, her cousin Eric, and Miles, her eldest son Eric was already married with his college sweetheart Vega Monte. While Miles was off traveling the world with his girlfriend, it was nice to be able to see what a real family looked like.

Yet, the very woman who helped her through life unlike her own parents. Aunt Melaine had sent her numerous links to social groups, which aided in understanding anxiety, and to get her to be more comfortable with socializing.

With her trauma, she just got too nervous and scared to even attempt.The woman was compassionate and patient with Elise, yet the fact of the social groups helped her social trauma. She wasn’t ready to do something like that which gave her apprehension for it. This woman was nurturing and kind like a mother she always wished to have growing up.

She would always get links from self help sites, and apps to help her handle or gradually overcome her issues. Sometimes, it was easy to lie and say, ‘ you’re fine.’ Elise couldn’t lie to her aunt even if there was a temptation to do so, yet she could feel that little voice enter her mind.

‘Lisse, it’s not gonna work out.’

Yeah, she was not the best liar if even anything she was just a humble goodie goodie, not that she felt bothered by it. So, she had to buckle up for the text she would send honestly. This was the truth. Begrudgingly, she didn’t want to mention Yasei, because she knew how her aunt would be. God, she could practically hear be soft and break out into supportive cheering of even the fraction of social steps forward. With a huff of breath, she resigned herself to texting her back with a simple message that read:

I have not been to them yet, Aunt Mel. But, I'll be sure to get to it. Been a little distracted lately.

At the quick press of the send button, Elsie sent the text hearing just a faint bell ping to signal it's been sent. Truthfully, college life had kept her focused, mainly making her grateful for no more distractions. Nothing but studying she has her day where she is in her element, and the one thing she could be relaxed with. No one bothered her for the typical label she was given in school as a loner nerd, a smile touched her lips at least it kept her away from trouble.

Inside her own mind, it was just so she could protect herself from other people. Or as her uncle liked to call it a wall to protect herself from the pain she experienced all her life. Parties and social gossip that passed from highschool to college. It just spelled a recipe for a tea room nightmare and drama. Both of which she didn't want to slip into like her peers. Two main goals for her future, sure, those people she called her parents thought her dreams of graduating early were foolish.

The fact she busted her \*\*\* off to leave behind

high school much more than it was sweet to get some sort of vindication. In a multitude of ways, she was finally free to get out of the toxic home life to have her own apartment. A job at her aunt and uncle’s bakery was a way for her to make money, yes, Morning Fix , a new business that has another chain in the avenue of success. There was a simple joy in baking and cooking she found giving her a reason to pursue a career in food.

Luckily, her college had some of the best pastry chefs which made her able to stay close to home. A lot of hours were spent studying sometimes, with a lot of caffeine to get extra time to go over her notes. Her mind went to thinking of the startling presence by Yasei. Shaking her head, a chuckle left her lips beside it was just a random occurrence she saw him there. One of the many descriptions that could be described about the guy, his eyes felt like the sea drawing someone into their depths.

Unknowingly if they would show there usually spark of excitement, mischief, or a deep indescribable guard for those who he gave good reason to keep away. Thinking about his was a free spirit, she chuckled slightly it most definitely showed with his hair. A pretty sandy sort of dark brown in shade, a chopped messily layered with long strands down his back, and parted down the middle to frame his chiseled features though sharp. Elise could admit he was handsome, a character rebel of a boy though as he looked wild he was clever like a fox.

Long lashes, unique one dimple smile \(Depending on if he was up to no good. A guess only on her part she had a hunch she was right.\) In short, he was a poster boy naturally for anything with slightly tawny skin, complimenting his roguish but youthful boyish aesthetic. The stories or gossip about him just said he was mysterious, she wasn’t one to fall into basic assumptions. Each gender wanted a piece of Yasei Honpō, not that she cared about that, her opinion of sexuality was love was just pure love regardless of gender.

Yes, his physique seemed to hit all the women in her class ideal type of build. Thankfully, she was happy that she had her music during the down time in lectures to enjoy. Her simple life without complications was something she wanted, if it was not shaken up by Yasei and those who fawned over him. Another text made buzz on her kitchen counter, she saw the nickname as Ric, Elise's older cousin whose wedding she had gone to last year. His husband Vega, he was a charming guy who drew people into a conversation.

Hell, she had no real explanation about how she was able to easily talk to her cousin’s husband. It had to do with more of how he understood her as they talked, and she wanted to make sure what kind of person he’d been. One thing led to them talking, it even surprised her because she never initiated a conversation willingly. She never understood why she was capable of doing so the first time she met him.

Truthfully, everyone was so shook with surprise about how she was talking with someone that wasn’t her cousin or her Aunt, whose jaw was literally dropping to the floor in shock. Her uncle did so right along with her. Maybe she sensed it was just how Vega was so in love with her cousin, not to mention the fact he had a sister himself who dealt with her on mentally kick backs like she did. Or well that was going to be a bit difficult to explain for Elise, as why she was just able to talk to him.

Who was the cute guy, Lisse? Are you finally making an attempt to be socially approached..? Because he seemed to like approaching you. ;3

Oh, god.

Her eyes went swiftly over the notification reading the text message about Yasei. Her mind scrambled in concern like she literally hoped he didn’t think, they were friends or making any weird assumptions. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she knew there would be questions asked about Yasei.

How did he even see him?

Damage control, this is all needed to do to correct things— she didn’t need his existence to mess with her life like this. Biting her lips, chewing it in thought as she typed to Eric. Mhm, this would be a perfectly good explanation to avoid any misunderstandings.

*Just someone who happened to be at the library. Nothing is going on, or ever will going on between us. You know I like being a little hermit, Riccy*.

All that said and sent, a little wind chime sound sent the text message that made her breath a bit easier. Eric was typing she could tell but he knew her inside and out. He pops into check up on her, his sage advice always seemed to make her life and other times he could be annoying as well. Why was this a concern? No one ever, ever willing came up to speak with her, so she felt nervous and afraid Yasei of all people came to do so.