Chapter Text
The doorbell chimed as Eve pushed boxes of books into her bookstore. It was a Monday morning, and as usual, she struggled with the weight. Finally, she set the boxes down and let out a tired but satisfied smile. With her hands on her hips, she looked around the place she called home—shelves packed with books of all kinds, the familiar smell of paper and wood, with a faint hint of dust she could never fully clear.
But today, there was something new in the air. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered. "What’s that smell?" she murmured, frowning. And then she noticed what she had missed in her rush: the old building next door had transformed.
Right beside her bookstore was a newly opened cafe, with a sleek, modern sign that read “Villanelle’s Café.” Underneath, a small slogan was written: “Coffee for those hungry for more.” Instinctively, Eve smiled. It was an invitation she couldn’t resist.
Curious, Eve adjusted her glasses, gave her bookstore a quick last glance to make sure everything was in order, and stepped over to the café. The bell above the door rang as she entered, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere enveloped her. The café was cozy and stylish, with dark wooden furniture and plants in every corner. It felt like a hidden oasis.
And that’s when she saw her.
Behind the counter stood a woman with a confident posture and blonde hair that fell in effortless waves. Wearing a dark apron over a light shirt, her eyes—bright and piercing—focused on Eve with a certain interest. Villanelle didn’t try to hide her curiosity; her intense, direct gaze made Eve feel a bit self-conscious.
“You must be the bookshop owner,” the blonde said with a slight smile, one that almost felt like a tease. “I’m Villanelle.”
Eve felt her face warm up, something she hadn’t experienced in… well, she couldn’t remember when. “Oh, yes. Nice to meet you. I’m Eve,” she replied, fidgeting a little as she tried to figure out what to do with her hands. “I, um, smelled the coffee and… well, it seems great.”
Villanelle laughed. “I guess my marketing is already working.” Still holding her curious gaze, she gestured toward the counter. “So, Eve, what will it be? Plain coffee, something sweet, or maybe something… unusual?”
“I… I don’t know,” Eve stammered, feeling strangely vulnerable under Villanelle’s attentive stare. “Maybe a cappuccino?” She almost asked it like a question, hoping to hide her nervousness behind a shy smile.
“Cappuccino it is,” Villanelle said, moving gracefully as she prepared the drink. During the quiet moment, Eve watched the woman’s skilled hands, each motion precise and almost mesmerizing.
When the cappuccino was ready, Villanelle handed it to her, their fingers brushing ever so slightly. Eve felt a strange, unexpected chill run down her spine and quickly pulled her hand away, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“Thank you,” she said, trying to hide both her smile and the strange sensation building in her chest. What was this? She wasn’t used to this kind of attention—especially not from a woman.
“So, you have a bookshop full of stories,” Villanelle said, leaning casually against the counter with her arms crossed, clearly amused by Eve’s reaction. “I always wanted a spot next to a place like that. Maybe I’ll stop by for a visit.”
“Of course, that would be… that would be nice.” Eve replied, feeling unsure of what else to say. There was something about Villanelle that made her feel a little off-balance. She was direct, a bit mysterious, and, more than anything, had a way of making Eve feel things she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time.
That morning, Eve returned to her bookstore with her heart racing more than usual. Every time she remembered Villanelle’s confident smile, her cheeks grew warmer, making her feel like a teenager with a crush.
Something was about to change. And, deep down, she knew Villanelle had just brought a bit of chaos into her well-organized life—and maybe, just maybe, it was exactly what she needed