Moments Under The Sun.

r 5 -

breaks my focus, and before I can look

get some food in you," she ann

signed acceptance only a younger sibling could muster. He nods.

, and I glance down at the stack of papers in front of me. I've barely made a dent. But at lea

ay from my desk. "But don't expect

eing a workaholic by now. "I'll take what I can get," she

leave the office. Claire leads the way, and Daniel stick

I'm not entirely ready to let go of my work. As we step into the bustling café, I'm momentarily distracted by the hum

-

thaniel

inks in silence. The conversation's been the same-me fending off his relent

.. pretty hot, huh?" Ethan ins

long sip from my cup. "I'm not

.. let it happen, man," Ethan says with a grin, his w

l a shift in the air. Something changes, and I look up

er shoulders, the way her figure moves with an almost quiet grace. But it's her eyes that hold me, despite the weariness that clings to them. Her gaze looks tired, weighed down by something I can't q

as I watch her. And then, without even realizing it, my he

following my gaze. "Look at

he's finally found something I can't ignore. For a moment, I almost don'

but it's enough for him to

an? A minute ago, you were all, 'Girls are a distraction,' and now.

her hair tied up in a neat bun, wearing a pencil skirt and a fitted blouse, looking every bit the pr

he's in college, considering his appearance and how casually he carries him

ot the looks of a college kid. But those two..." He points again, this time

, trying to regain control over my emotions. Ethan's still wat

right?" he asks, g

wly. "Yea

"Look at you. Guess I fin

ide me. Ethan's right-it's surprising, even to me. I've never been the type to get

Don't worry about it, man. You've got options. And she's clearly som

earlier returning. "I'm not in the mood for

.. other things." Ethan's voice softens,

ck to Isa and her companions, watching them for a moment l

your frustrations ruin your day. Someti

linger for a few more seconds before fin

n, it feels harder

-

r 5 -

the door. The soft hum of conversation and the clink of cups creates a cozy atmosphere. It's the

sitting across the room. One of them is looking at me with a stare that makes me uncomfortable. His gaze is intense, c

. His dark, side-cut hairstyle suits him perfectly, adding to his already sharp features. The sleek black leather jacket he wears only

s not just his looks that catch my atte

aises an eyebrow. "Oh, wow. Looks like

ack, but then pla

and the man I was staring at. "I mean, ho

eflect the attention. "I wasn'

"Uh-huh. Well, you've got grea

sits down at the table. He glances at us both, sensing something is

nfuse our little boy, please," I say

s, even more perplexed

ning. "It's nothing.

ced, narrows his eyes at us, t

sitting there, his presence undeniable. But just then, the sun's rays pierce through the café's large windows, flooding the

it catches in Claire's hair, illuminating her features with a soft, natural rad

and nods. "It really is. It's like

ght, and they both glance at each other before smiling knowingly. Nathaniel's face softens as he looks at th

n't it?" Ethan

ious, simply nods, appreciati

ackground, and for a brief moment, everything feels still-like