met by accident

The restaurant was bustling with customers with sounds of laughter and chatter emitting from almost every corner. With servers running back and forth with a variety of dishes, the ambrosial and fresh aroma of each dish wafted into my nose and lingered for a moment longer before it found it’s owners table. 

Despite the boisterous environment, Coral and the man seated in front of her were engaged in a long, awkward silence. Coral looked up when she heard a familiar song playing, to face the man. He had ash brown hair that reached his enticing copper blue eyes. 

Right then, a server broke off the rising tension. “ I sincerely apologise for the mistake that my colleague made. As a compensation for mixing up your reservations, we would like to offer you complimentary dessert. Have a pleasant evening. “ The server then went to the kitchen, leaving Coral and the man to be engulfed in yet another strained silence. 

“Hey, looks like we’re gonna be stuck with each other for a while. “ the man said with a slight smile, rubbing his nape. “ I’m Ethan. Nice to meet you.. “ 

“ Coral. “ Coral added nervously. “ A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. “ Coral’s cheeks started burning up upon his remark. She muttered a quick ‘ thank you ‘ before lowering her head down to hide her flushed face. 

“ Do you have a favourite food ? “ Ethan queried. 

“ I’m actually very fond of ice cream. How about you ? “ Coral asked, fiddling with her fingers. 

“ Oh, me too ! My comfort food is ice cream too- “ 

“ Here’s your dessert. Enjoy. “ the server interrupted, placing a bowl with different flavoured scoops of ice creams and two bowls of chocolate which is being melted my the fire underneath the bowl. 

Both Coral and Ethan’s mouths watered as the rich, sweet smell of chocolate reached their feeble nose. They looked at each other with a knowing smile and wasted no time to dive in. Coral moaned as she devoured a spoon of the creamy, luscious ice cream. Ethan looked up at her with amusement written all over his face. She realised her action and hid her face behind the bowl in embarrassment. 

“ No, hey, don’t be embarrassed. With ice cream, it happens. Really. I won’t judge. “ Ethan reassured, holding back his laughter. 

The rest of dinner was spent in laughter, amusement and just, two people getting to know each other better and enjoying one another’s presence. 

…

Weeks passed and not a day went by where Ethan and Coral hadn’t talked. They started getting closer and comfortable with each other. 

“ Where are we going ? “ Coral asked Ethan for seventh time. 

“ Now it won’t be a surprise if i told you, now would it ? “ He smiled. 

“ Oh fine, I’ll stop asking. “ She put her hands up in exasperation but Ethan could have sworn he saw her smile for a second.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a hill, filled with california lilacs, periwinkle and many more flowers that made the hill look lively and beautiful. Coral gasped as she saw the scenery in front of her and did not waste a moment before engaging Ethan in a short and sudden hug. 

“ This place is so beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here. “ Coral beamed at Ethan. 

Unable to contain her excitement any longer, she started running around the hill whilst giggling. Ethan gazed at her in awe before clearing his throat nervously and settling down with a picnic basket. Coral too joined him soon after, and clapped her hands enthusiastically as he took out a box of sushi and sandwiches, her favourite dishes. 

Coral opened the box of sushi and stuffed her mouth with sushi and groaned in delight. 

“ Oh god, this tastes so much better than the last time I ate it. I guess the view makes it even better. “ she breathed. 

“I’m glad you like it. “ Ethan sighed in relief. 

“ Like it ? I love it ! This is such a great place. Thank you, for all of this. “ she exclaimed, signalling her hand towards the hill and the picnic basket. She smiled warmly at him as they held each other gazes. 

“ We should eat fast and leave before sun down. It’s gonna take quite some time to go back down. “ He broke their eye contact, clearing his throat. Coral looked away flustered, stuffing food in her mouth hoping that Ethan hadn’t noticed. 

…

It’s been a week since Ethan and Coral went on a picnic. Since that day, Coral could not put her smile away whenever her and Ethan talked. Coral was falling for Ethan more and more each day, she had only hoped he felt the same way about her.

While Coral was watching the television, her phone chimed. She picked up her phone an her lips moved upwards, forming a smile. Ethan had messaged her, asking her to meet up for dinner that night. Coral had been smiling too hard at her phone that her cheeks started to ache. She quickly replied him saying ‘yes‘ and ran to her room to get ready. 

An hour later, Coral arrived at the restaurant that Ethan said to meet at. She was hit with realisation when she remembered that the restaurant Ethan wanted meet her was where they first met. She brushed that thought away, thinking it was merely a coincidence. 

She saw Ethan sitting at the same table as they did before with roses on the table. Her eyes widened as she stood still beside the table. Suddenly Ethan stood up and walked next to her. 

“ Coral, meeting you was the best thing that has happened to me. Since you walked into my life, I have been happy everyday and even during tiring and tough days, you have been there to support me. Coral, will you be my girlfriend ? “ Ethan looked at Coral nervously. 

Coral was shocked at Ethan’s sudden confession. Excitement built up within her as her lips formed a warm smile. 

“ Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend. “ she answered enthusiastically. 

Ethan’s once nervous expression changed into a delighted one as he hugged her and spun her around in joy. Coral giggled as he put her down with his smile plastered to his face. Once they settled down, they ordered their food and ate in comfortable silence.

And so, there they were. Having dinner at the exact same table of the same restaurant that they first met as strangers, to a couple, months later.