Grounds for Love

“The weather is perfect.” I acknowledged as I pushed open the curtains to have a view of my environment. The plants were in their blooming stages as their colors seemed brighter than the day before. The wind gently kissed my face and I took a deep breath.

Watching my plants every morning I woke up from sleep was the best feeling ever and of course, moments with my plants was accompanied with a hot cup of coffee- I never went to my window side without it. I had a Nespresso in my room which made it a lot easier and better for me. Running my thumb around the rim of the mug, I felt smug.

Out of the blue, a knock at my door abruptly put an end to my session of admiration. My brows furrowed as my attention turned to the door, gazing at it and feeling disgust for whoever stood behind it. The sun was fully up and I was supposed to have been out of bed before now but being a boss of myself made me have enough time to wake up however I pleased.

Before I could put my hands on the doorknob, the impatient human on the other side yelled my name. I flung the door open and walked back to the window to grab the mug I left on the frame.

“Why do you wake up so late?” He queried. “Since when did you start asking questions like my father?” I returned as I pulled out my PC from beneath the pillow. He smiled and took a seat next to me on the bed.

“I need to get back my house key from you so that you don't walk in and out the way it pleases you.” “You wish you could.” He replied smugly.

---

Darion and I have been friends from childhood and we had keys to each other's houses. We were literally twins who achieved growth and success almost at the same time.

Looking up from what I was doing on my PC, Darion sat absent. “What brings you to my house this early young man?” He doesn't respond immediately so I nudge him with my feet and he scowls and looks over his shoulder at me.

“Are you good?” I was beginning to get worried for him. “Remember the girl I said I met two weeks ago?” “Yeah? Did something happen to her?” I had shut my laptop and sat upright praying in my heart that it wasn't bad news.

“I need you to suggest a good date idea for me.” “Oh Darion! You got my fragile heart racing for your silly romance cravings?” He looked at me quizzically and smirked.

“Anyway, why do you need my help?” “Good question!” He exclaimed and took my hands in his. “She's a coffee lover, just like you and I believe she'd appreciate a unique coffee experience.” His eyes were pleading.

Slaw-jacked to see Darion desperately trying to please a girl, I teased, “poor thing. You're so in love.” “Adele, just come up with something,” he winced as if agonized, feeding my ego.

“You can bank on me with this one. Any thing coffee related, you bet I'm capable.” He sat upright watching me as I got off the bed, padding across the room barefooted with a pen and a journal in my hand thinking of the perfect idea to suggest for him. “Picture this!” I was bent forward, our foreheads nearly rubbing together.

“You see how they display different dishes in k-dramas especially one presented to a king?” He nodded vigorously, anticipating more details. “That's what we're going to do.” “How so?” He frowned. “We're going to arrange a cozy coffee tasting with various beans and of course some tea for the lover boy who doesn't do coffee.” I was sanguine about my suggestion and Darion immediately pulled me in for a hug.

“If you think I'm selling my idea to you for free, you've got to be the biggest clown of all time.” I hissed and got out of his arms. “Don't worry you're going to need someone to do your dishes for you.” he snapped and stood to his feet.

“Wait! Is that the only reason you came over?” “What else should bring me here? You? Oh please.” “I am definitely heartbroken,” I sulked and crouched on the bed. “You're such a drama queen.” He said laughing as he stroked my hair. “My place tomorrow. We have a date to plan.” He added and left me a kiss on the forehead.

“You need a list boy. Get the items today and we'll set it up tomorrow.” He was almost at the door but came back to get the list. When I was done with it, I handed it to him and walked him to his car.

---

The soft flicker of candle danced in the room, adorning the space, casting a subtle romantic ambience. We had arranged plush cushions and blankets and the room echoed with the soothing melodies of a carefully curated playlist. The tray that held the various coffee beans was set in-between the cushion almost close to the fireplace.

“This is going to be memorable.” I giggled as I grabbed my bag to leave. The sun had dipped below the horizon and Darion’s date could show up any time. “It's beautiful! I may even propose.” he acknowledged and I turned my gaze to him. His eyes shone with excitement and I felt that. Love was beautiful. I wished someone would think of such a setting for me too, someday. A cozy date at his house with various coffee beans on display for tasting and beautiful colors just like we've set up in Darion's. I was proud of Darion for being thoughtful and wanting to impress his partner.

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