Lover

 “I want to kiss you”

She blinked and laughed, “What?”

It was a nice day in the cafe. The jazz music hummed in the background when this weird guy suddenly waltzed inside and blurted such an absurd claim.

First of all, what the fuck?

She frowned, looking at him up and down. It’s not like she doesn’t know this guy. She had known Eric almost her whole life. The first born son of the madam that lived next door when she was four. They grew up in the same neighborhood, going to the same kindergarten and primary school. Less to say, they were no stranger. But what the frick frack made him come and decide that it’s a good time to say such nonsense?

Eric didn’t blink. The smile stayed on his face as he repeated, “I want to kiss you, Jess”

She grimaced. What the hell?

“We are not that close, Eric” she said, “Don’t just blurt out things like that out of nowhere”

She glanced behind Eric. Trying to find some sort of camera, or people who seemed to be Eric’s friends. Maybe it was a stupid prank. Or it was some sort of Truth or Dare. But there is none. It was just Jess, Eric, and the empty cafe.

“Oh” Eric pushed himself off the counter, “So I can blurt out things like that not out of nowhere?”

Jess’ frown deepened. Well… maybe?

“Well, if we are… lovers, then yes, you can say things like that”

But we are not.

They are neighbors at best. When she was four at that. She moved out of that neighborhood when she was twelve and didn’t meet Eric again until… well, until some weeks ago? When they ran into each other when grabbing groceries. Apparently, they lived in the same city again this time after eight years of separation.

Eric chuckled, “Well, okay then” he nodded his head to the side, “Lovers only?”

“Lovers only.” Jess said, nodding.

Eric raised his eyebrows, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Alright. Lovers” he repeated again before stepping back, “Got it. See you later then, Jess”

Jess’ eyes followed as Eric stepped back and walked out of the coffee shop. Inherently confused. But as Eric’s figure finally out of her eyesight, she finally focused back on wiping the glasses.

What a weirdo…