Sevika (Speed Dating) ❆ WLW

A soft chime rang above Sevika's head as she walked inside her go-to café. The scent of warm coffee and freshly baked pastries greeting her nose the moment she stepped foot into the café. It was a small place, with exposed brick walls, wooden accents and fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed sunlight to light up the small space, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

Usually, the café would be crowded with customers, but today was different. The place is relatively empty aside from the speed dating participants and staffs. Sevika's gaze flickered from the clothed tables with colorful sticky notes on each table, to a small line of people in front of a booth that she's never seen before.

Taking a deep breath, Sevika finally stepped at the back of the line just before she could second guess herself and just leave the café with a cup of coffee in hand.

Normally, Sevika wouldn't participate in events like these. She has a hard time really connecting with people she's already known for years, how could she possibly connect with someone in only ten minutes? But alas, with everyone at the charity center egging on her, even rubbing on her face that they're already married, Sevika finally caved in and decided to give speed dating a try.

A small ringing sound came from the booth and a woman came forth, announcing that registrations are now open. The line moved pretty quick but slow enough for Sevika to notice the other participants. She had booked for the all-women event and spotted familiar faces here and there but still felt like a fish out of water since everyone else looked younger than her and she could feel her chances of having a date plummeting.

Just before her thoughts could put her in a sour mood, Sevika finally arrived at the front of the line where she's given a sheet of paper and a card to write her name and address on. While she was writing on the card, she was briefed by the previous woman of how speed dating works.

“So one round lasts for ten minutes before switching partners. You can use the paper to list partners that you'd like to see again and we'll contact them for you or you can take things into your own hands. You will hear a bell to indicate when it's time to switch partners but you're allowed to stick with them too until the end of the event. Any questions?” the woman muttered softly and gave Sevika a smile,

Sevika shook her head and slid the card back to the woman, “No, I got it from here, thank you.” Sevika replied with a polite smile and tucked the pen back into her pocket, taking the piece of paper and folding it in half.

Once everyone had been registered, Sevika picked a seat just by the window and waited, tapping the piece of paper on her table. The longer she sat there without a partner, made her feel even worse about herself.

“It's alright, Sevika. Even if you don't go back with a girl in your arms, you can at least go back home with a nice cup of coffee in hand.” Sevika mused to herself and was about to slip into another self deprecating thought when the soft creak of a chair being moved broke her out.

Sevika was not prepared when she tilted her head up and saw someone that she's never seen before. Sevika's heart practically jumped to her throat when she took in the way sunlight kissed their skin, how their eyes just shone with mirth, and how the corner of their lips curled up the moment as they sat down just across from her.

Quickly clearing her throat, Sevika held her hand out to the pretty stranger and gave them a smile,

“The name's Sevika. And you are?”