Taste of him

⊹ ࣪ ˖ //

The beach bar hummed with music as the waves rolled onto the shore.

Kzaint stepped inside with his usual unreadable expression, hands in his pockets. He wasn't looking for anyone—at least, that's what he always told himself.

"You're gonna keep staring at the menu," a woman beside him said, "or actually order something?"

He glanced at her, one brow lifting. "Depends. What's better—the drinks or the company?"

She smirked. "You use that line often?"

"Only when it works."

She laughed, shaking her head. "So you're that kind of guy."

"I've been called worse."

The conversation flowed as effortlessly as the tide outside. He was calm, confident, and always seemed to have another teasing remark ready, while she never hesitated to challenge him.

When the bartender called for last orders, Kzaint stood and offered a hand.

"So," he said with a faint grin, "want to walk the beach, or should we pretend this was just another random conversation?"

She looked at him for a moment before taking his hand.

"I guess we'll find out."

The night breeze carried the scent of salt and distant bonfires as they wandered along the shoreline.

"So," she asked, nudging his shoulder, "do you flirt with every stranger you meet?"

Kzaint let out a quiet chuckle. "Only the ones who can keep up."

"And if they can't?"

"I finish my drink and leave."

She folded her arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "Confident."

"I prefer honesty."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The crashing waves filled the silence as they watched the moon shimmer across the water.

"You know," she finally said, "I thought you were just another guy trying to impress someone."

"And now?"

"I think you're just good at hiding what you're actually thinking."

Kzaint looked out toward the sea before a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Maybe."

She laughed softly. "That's the most honest answer you've given me all night."

He shrugged. "Mystery keeps conversations interesting."

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "Or maybe you're just impossible to read."

"That's worked out pretty well so far."

She shook her head, still smiling.

"I should probably go."

"Probably," Kzaint agreed.

Neither of them moved.

After a few quiet seconds, she pulled a small receipt from her pocket and scribbled something on the back.

"If fate wants another round," she said, handing it to him, "you know what to do."

Kzaint looked at the number, then back at her.

"I usually don't believe in fate."

"No?"

He slipped the paper into his pocket.

"But tonight... I'll make an exception."

She smiled one last time before walking away into the crowd, leaving Kzaint standing by the water with a grin that hadn't been there when the night began.