Awkward
809 Words
Another man opened the door for me, and the moment I stepped inside, I realized—
It was a private room.
God help me.
My grip tightened on my bag for a second as I walked in.
And then I saw him.
David.
He was already there, seated like he owned the space itself. A tailored suit, perfectly fitted, dark fabric catching the soft lighting in a way that made him look even more composed… more untouchable.
My breath caught slightly, but I forced a smile.
“Hello, David,” I said, walking closer. “Did I make you wait?”
His eyes lifted to mine.
Not rushed. Not distracted.
Just… watching.
“You didn’t,” he replied calmly.
Then, after a brief pause—
“You actually look good.”
The words landed heavier than they should have.
I blinked once, caught off guard, but tried to recover quickly.
“Oh—thank you,” I said softly.
He tilted his head slightly. “Come. Have a seat.”
He gestured toward the table.
“Thank you,” I replied, lowering myself into the chair across from him.
Silence followed.
Not uncomfortable exactly… but aware.
Too aware.
My mind started racing immediately.
Should I talk? Or wait? What do people even do in this kind of place? Why is the air like this?
I cleared my throat slightly.
“This is so elegant,” I blurted out.
Of all things I could’ve said.
Of course that’s what came out.
A low laugh escaped David before he could stop it.
And strangely… it eased something in my chest.
A little.
“Why?” I asked quickly, a bit too innocent. “Do I look funny?”
His smile lingered, subtle but real this time.
“No,” he said, leaning back slightly. “Not funny.”
His gaze stayed on me for a moment longer than necessary.
“Just… unexpected.”
“I’m really not used to this kind of place. This is my first time,” I admitted, letting out a small, awkward laugh. “I’m kinda… flabbergasted.”
David watched me quietly for a moment, as if processing my words more than just hearing them.
“I see,” he said finally. “Don’t worry. It’s fine. You can act however you want.”
I hesitated, then glanced around the room again before looking back at him.
“Do you really think I don’t look weird?” I asked, tugging lightly at my clothes. “This is all I had. I didn’t exactly prepare for… this.”
His eyes flicked over me once—quick, calm, unreadable.
“You’re fine,” he said simply. “Don’t overthink it.”
“…You say that like it’s easy,” I muttered under my breath.
“It is,” he replied, leaning slightly back in his chair. “For most things.”
That made me pause.
“Most things?” I echoed.
A faint smirk appeared at the corner of his lips. “You talk a lot when you’re nervous.”
I froze.
“I do not,” I immediately denied.
He didn’t argue. He just looked mildly amused, like he’d already proven his point without needing to push it further.
Silence settled again—but this time it wasn’t as heavy.
I exhaled slowly, fiddling with my fingers under the table.
“…I still feel like I don’t belong here,” I admitted more quietly.
David’s gaze stayed on me.
“You’re sitting here, aren’t you?” he said.
I blinked. “Yeah…?”
“Then you belong here for tonight.”
That made my chest tighten a little in a way I didn’t fully understand.
Before I could think of what to say next, a waiter entered the room quietly, carrying trays.
I straightened immediately.
“Oh—food is here,” I said quickly, a little too relieved for my own good.
But the waiter didn’t set down menus.
Just plates.
One by one.
Perfectly arranged dishes.
I frowned slightly and turned back to David.
“…Wait,” I said slowly. “We didn’t even order yet.”
David picked up his glass of water calmly.
“I already did,” he said.
My eyes widened. “You did?”
He nodded once. “I assumed you’d be overwhelmed deciding.”
I stared at him.
“That’s… actually kind of—”
“Efficient?” he offered.
I shook my head. “Controlling.”
A pause.
Then he let out a quiet chuckle.
“Call it what you want,” he said. “Eat first.”
I looked down at the food again, still slightly stunned.
“…You really don’t do anything halfway, do you?” I muttered.
“Not when it matters,” he replied simply.
And somehow, that made the whole room feel even smaller.
- Writer
