"And in her smile, I see something more beautiful than the stars." - Across the Universe

Ethan

The insistent chirping of my phone barely registered before I was already awake, a smile tugging at my lips. 6:30 AM. Monday. And a damn good Monday it was shaping up to be. Not just because I was one of those rare breeds who actually enjoyed mornings, but because Thursday loomed on the horizon. Thursday. Coffee with Katerina.

The thought of seeing her again, of hearing her laugh, of… well, of everything about her sparked a surge of anticipation within me. I hopped out of bed, feeling that familiar surge of energy that always greeted me with the sunrise.

I threw back the covers and headed for the shower, whistling a tuneless melody. The hot water pounded against my skin, washing away any lingering drowsiness and amplifying the growing sense of… possibility. Even the thought of the mountain of work ahead of me couldn’t dampen my spirits. This week was going to be a beast – settling into the new office, finding a place to live, and generally getting my life back on track after the move – but knowing Thursday was coming made it all bearable.

As I dressed, I found myself lingering over my choices. Today was a suit day. My first official day back in my hometown, setting up my new office. As the boss, I needed to set a tone. It had to be sharp. Professional. Confident. Usually, I preferred to dress casually when I didn't have to wear a suit, favoring comfort and practicality. Free time was often spent in old clothes, lost in the world of colors and canvases, painting. It was a hobby, a way to unwind and express myself, a stark contrast to the world of business. But today called for something more.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

I settled on a charcoal gray suit and a crisp white shirt and then paused, considering my tie. I wanted something that felt… right. Something that hinted at the anticipation building inside me. My gaze fell on the tie I’d picked out the other day, a vibrant emerald green, the exact color of Katerina’s eyes. It was a subtle nod, a private reminder of the connection we’d made.

I settled on the emerald green tie. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed that I looked… presentable. Not too shabby for a guy who usually lived in worn-out t-shirts and paint-splattered jeans. Especially considering I had to go into the office later. Well, my office, technically.

Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen. My mom, ever the early riser, was already at the table, sipping her coffee and reading the newspaper.

"Morning, sleepyhead," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Someone seems to be in a good mood this morning."

I couldn't help but grin. "I have a coffee date," I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my neck.

"Oh?" My mom's eyebrows shot up. "Anyone I know?"

"I met her at the family event a few days ago," I said, pouring myself a cup of coffee. "The one she helped plan."

"Ah, Katerina!" My mom's face lit up. "She's wonderful. So organized and creative. She was a huge help; I don't know what I would have done without her."

I just smiled and poured myself a cup of coffee. "She's… different," I said, and I knew it was true. Katerina was unlike anyone I'd ever met. She was smart, funny, and beautiful, with a quirky charm that had captivated me from the moment I saw her at the event.

"Well, have fun," my mom said, giving me a knowing smile. "And don't be late."

I glanced at the clock. 7:45. Time to go. I grabbed my briefcase and headed out the door, a sense of anticipation bubbling inside me. Today was going to be a good day. A day to get my office set up, knowing that Thursday was just around the corner. A day that, I hoped, would be the start of something… amazing. A day that was one step closer to seeing Katerina again.