In Between The Lies

Sweet Treet Zee

Hunched over his desk, Cyrus focussed on his video game. Strafe left, right, hold that angle. Honestly, it wasn't a fair round at this point. Cyrus' full five man team was alive and only one person left on the enemy team. Cyrus held his position watching, waiting for the enemy player to show up again. He was the only team member holding down this site, he would not let the enemy slip through. Just as Cyrus was about to leave his position from high, the enemy ran around the corner in plain view.

"Gotcha," Cyrus breathed as he fires the sniper. He laughed in victory—the enemy player was so sure nobody was left on site and stopping that determination felt glorious.

Cyrus ran his hand through his chocolate brown hair as he logged off for the day. Graduation had been a month ago and while this time to himself had been great, Cyrus felt something was missing. He had all day to do as he pleased, and yet he didn't feel fulfilled.

Cyrus sighed and rose from his chair. He was hungry and the day was still young; a late lunch never hurt anybody.

Cryrus strolled along the main street of his small town, his nose the only guide to delicious food. He loved sweets and was often teased for it during school. Cyrus didn't mind because he was too excited to taste the sugar to really pay attention. Many stores and cafés were along this strip, however Cyrus didn't find interest in them. His stomach was fickle which made food related decisions harder than they should be.

Cyrus passed by the chocolate store, slowly, convincing himself that he came out for lunch only and not to spend all his money on chocolate delights.

An odd smell crossed under Cyrus's nose, a mixture of coffee and dirt that piqued his curiosity. He followed the scent past more shops and stores until he reached the corner of the block. The smell had disappeared. Cyrus sighed as his stomach grumbled. He turned around, looking back along the bustling strip and weighed his options. He could traverse all the way back or he could take a chance on this corner side café. Cyrus glanced at his reflection in the window. Black baggy pants covered in straps and chains, red Nike shoes, and a black and white drop tee. Sure he looked stylish but his ocean blue eyes looked desperate. Desperate for food.

Cyrus looked past himself and through the window. The inside was small, cozy and warm with yellow lighting. Along the counter was displays full of cakes, tarts, buns and pastries. Cyrus drolled as he opened the glass door, a tinkling bell signaling his entrance. The smell was divine. Chocolate and coffee entwined with cinnamon and sugar, a heavenly scent that left him wanting more. After a minute of ogling the food, Cyrus ordered and was given a table number. He walked to the back corner of the café and slid into a cushioned chair. The corners were always the most coziest spot for Cyrus as it was more warm and offered slightly more privacy. Not that he needed it but he always felt as if he should stay hidden.

Cyrus played a few games on his phone while waiting for his food when the coffee and dirt scent from earlier swarmed him again. He looked up only to find someone sitting across from him.

"Hey, I'm Zephan," they said with a grin. Their black hair was short shaven on the sides but longer on the top with tight curls. Light danced across their silver eyes and joy made their caramel skin glow. They were beautiful in their yellow button down and dark jeans.

"Hello, I'm Cyrus," he breathed. A waitress came by with Cyrus' food and gently placed them down. A toasted ham and cheese croissant dusted in icing sugar, a forrest berry cheesecake and a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Cyrus was about to dig in when Zephan plucked the strawberry that adorned his cheesecake and popped it into their mouth.

"Anyway," they licked their lips, "You can call me Zee."