Where paths cross

Chapter 6

As Magnus left the park to go to his meeting with Mr. Zeke, he couldn't help but be distracted by thoughts of Astraea. Her perfume, her hair, her smile... he couldn't stop thinking about it. At first, Magnus thought he was just being a creep for being so captivated by her.  As he headed to the meeting, he tried to focus on the business deal at hand, but his heart wouldn't let him. He couldn't wait to see her again. Magnus but his thoughts aside this meeting was way too important for him to slip up in it.

After the meeting with Mr. Zeke, Magnus was pleased that it went well, and he immediately started sketching out some of his bakery's designs. He couldn't wait to get started on redesigning and construction. Magnus felt like he was flying. After signing all of the necessary paperwork and planning out his bakery's designs, Magnus could feel a fire of pride radiating within him.  But as he started making calls to contractors and other business associates, he couldn't help but still think back to their last encounter at the park. Astraea was special, she made a huge impression on him. Who knew, maybe their paths would cross again?

Magnus had worked himself into a frenzy of designing. After what felt like hours of work, he realized how late it was and decided to call it a night. As he stood up and stretched, Magnus felt tired. But despite how exhausted he was, he couldn't stop thinking about Astraea. He figured he would take a break from his work, head back to his friend's apartment, and enjoy a much-needed break and a bit of warmth compared to the cold and snowy state of the city. Maybe a little relaxation would help clear his mind.

As Magnus entered his friend Theo's apartment, he took a deep breath to prepare himself for the usual chatter that often came with Theo's visits. Magnus wasn't in the mood for much discussion, but he still wanted to show Theo that he appreciated him and listen to whatever stories his friend might have to tell.

Theo didn't want to leave Magnus alone and out of the conversation, so he eagerly started talking about his day. As Theo spoke, Magnus couldn't help but notice his friend's enthusiasm with every story and his seemingly persistent efforts to make Magnus smile.

As Magnus sat in Theo's apartment, he tried to keep up with the conversation and show interest with the occasional nod, while trying not to show any signs of boredom. Theo was talking at a seemingly rapid pace, which made it hard for Magnus to keep up.

At one point, a certain part of Theo's story caught Magnus's attention, and he decided to tune in again. Magnus couldn't help but be intrigued by it.

"...Yeah, and then I ran into this really beautiful girl, and she was so sweet and funny. She was really kind to my dog, Max, and he loved her too!"

"Oh? What was her name?"

"Oh, her name is Astraea. She was just out for a walk, but she was such a joy to talk to! She really seemed to click with Max, too."

Magnus mumbles a small "mhm."

"Yeah! I think... maybe she likes dogs? Or at least, she was nice to Max."

"I think a lot of people like dogs..." he replies nonchalantly.

Theo, "Well, yeah, but she was especially sweet."

Magnus, started thinking, Is Theo talking about my Astraea? It clearly would have been a coincidence, but there was a chance it was her since he saw her at the park too, and she sounded just as sweet and captivating.

"So what did you talk about besides dogs?" Magnus now seemingly interested in what he has to say.

"Uh, well, we talked... you know, about things... I think she said she was a writer or something like that."

Magnus, thinking to himself, maybe it's just a coincidence, but all of this sounds a lot like Astraea.

Theo, continuing, "And she was very pretty, too. I just felt really comfortable around her."

Magnus, intrigued with a hint of jealousy, answers, "Yeah? Why's that?"

"I don't know... there was just something about her. She was so cool and confident. It just felt like we had a connection, you know?"

Magnus noted how Theo described Astraea as confident and comfortable around Him. He thought back to how awkward their encounters had been in comparison. Was this the side of herself that she reserved for people she was interested in? Perhaps only men?

Magnus, a bit annoyed No, that can't be it, he thought, dismissing the idea. Astraea was just more comfortable with Theo. Perhaps she felt a connection, but it was all one-sided. Magnus couldn't help but be annoyed at the thought of Astraea's connection with Theo, her natural charm and elegance on display with him - all while she was a stiff and awkward mess around Magnus.

At the end of his debate with his inner conscience,  he decided on one thing.

She has to see that you're more than a friend. You just gotta show her, somehow.

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Heyy, a bit of a longer chapter, but enjoy! <3