Between Two Gazes

Rayvan's POV 

I didn’t understand why—just for today—I had no desire to deal with Alera. I had sworn to make her life miserable, to make her leave Lycanridge once and for all. I was supposed to hate her. She was the reason I lost my dream of being the best player on campus' basketball team.

And yet... today, something inside me softened.

Just as I was heading back to class, a mysterious scent cut through my hesitation.

Lyra.

"Rayvan," she greeted me, her smile effortlessly captivating. Everyone knew Lyra as the kind girl, always friendly to anyone.

"Hi, Lyra. Nice seeing you too," I replied.

That smile stayed on her lips.

"I heard the basketball team is having a small celebration at a coffee shop. I got invited. Are you coming too?"

I nodded. Even though I hadn’t played in the last match, all team members had been invited.

"Yeah," I answered shortly.

"Um, do you know where Brew & Bloom is?"

I nodded again. "Yeah..." My words trailed off.

Was she asking me to pick her up? I’d never gone out with a girl before—never dated. Was this a sign? Or was she just asking for directions?

"Would you mind if we go together?"

I froze.

Plenty of girls had invited me out—lunches, movies, parties... Not once did I say yes.

But Lyra... there was something about her scent that pulled me in.

"Okay. I’ll pick you up."

Her smile widened. God, she looked so sweet. I’d never seen such a pretty face in Lycanridge.

"I’m staying at the girls’ dorm. You can meet me there."

I nodded once more. Was this what they called a date? No... it’s not just the two of us. We’ll meet others at the coffee shop.

I can’t risk dating anyone. I need to keep my heart reserved—for my mate.

*****

Alera's POV

There was something special about this weekend. The basketball team and the cheerleaders were having a small celebration at the coffee shop where I worked.

They probably didn’t know I worked here. But it didn’t matter. I would serve them anyway.

I just hoped today would be a lucky day—that no one would start trouble with me. Ever since the basketball cheating scandal got exposed, I felt like every player saw me as an enemy.

I brought their orders—lattes, espressos, Americanos, even some herbal tea.

"Wow, the nerd girl works here now? I thought a classy place like Brew & Bloom wouldn’t hire someone so... grungy," Lilian sneered.

I said nothing. There was no point in replying to someone who always tried to tear me down.

"What she did to the basketball team was horrible," Alex added, equally bitter. "She totally deserves to be a waitress forever."

I hesitated when I reached Rayvan’s table. He was sitting with Lyra.

I looked at them for a second—beauty and handsomeness side by side. A perfect match. Too perfect.

I placed the latte and herbal tea on their table.

"I didn’t order a latte. Bring me an Americano," Rayvan said, emotionless. Cold as ever.

"You ordered a latte," I answered, sure of myself. I remembered it clearly.

"I asked for an Americano. Not a latte," he insisted, his voice sharper now.

"I couldn’t have misheard, Rayvan." I held onto what I knew was true.

"Can’t you serve customers properly?" he snapped, eyes locked on mine—sharp enough to cut through my spine.

"Okay," I said through clenched teeth.

As I turned, something blocked my path. I stumbled. The latte spilled.

The glass mug shattered on the floor.

Samantha had stuck out her leg to trip me. She smiled smugly. That irritating smile.

"Can you even do this job?" she scoffed.

I could feel every pair of eyes turning to me.

Some shocked. Some... maybe pitying.

"Alera, are you okay?"

Richard rushed over, kneeling beside me to help with the broken glass.

"No, I can do it myself," I said quickly.

Then I heard footsteps approaching.

Mrs. Dorothy—the owner of the coffee shop—stood above me, her mouth agape and eyes wide.

"What on earth are you doing, Alera? You broke a mug and can’t even serve customers properly?"

I stood up, guilt washing over me.

"I’m sorry, Mrs. Dorothy..."

"This waitress doesn’t know how to treat customers, ma’am. She even brought the wrong order," Clara added, piling on.

Mrs. Dorothy’s glare could’ve turned me to stone. She was known for being strict. But I had no other job options. Only this place had been willing to take me.

"I’ll deduct it from your salary. And if this happens again, you’re fired."

"Ma’am, please... don’t take it out on her. She didn’t mean to break the mug. I’ll pay for the replacement and for the latte. Just... please don’t cut her pay."

I was stunned. I turned and saw Lyra standing beside me. I never expected her to take my side.

Mrs. Dorothy fell silent, as if considering her offer.

"Lyra, you don’t need to do this. I don’t want to trouble you."

I reached out and held her hand.

"You really think you have the money to pay her back?" Samantha mocked me.

"You don’t have to pay me back, Alera. It’s fine, okay?"

Lyra smiled again.

The Moon Goddess must’ve sent an angel to Lycanridge.

"Thank you, Lyra," I whispered.

For the first time... I felt like I had a female friend who truly cared.

I glanced at Rayvan—still frozen in place. He looked at me with that same cold gaze. How long would he keep treating me like this?

*****

Later that day, I was on break. Every Sunday, I worked until late afternoon. During lunch hour, all staff were allowed to rest.

I headed toward the restroom, walking down the corridor when—Someone grabbed my wrist.

Rayvan.

He backed me up against the wall. His arms pinned me in, hands on either side of my face. I couldn’t move.

"I thought you’d gone home. What’s going on?"

My voice trembled. Staring at Rayvan this close—it stirred something inside me.

My heart pounded.

"Who are you, really, Alera? Please... tell me."

I froze.

The scent of pine forest hit me stronger than ever. My chest tightened, heart racing. His breath brushed my skin. His eyes still locked on mine.

Should I tell him? Should I confess everything about my past?