romantic · mystery · drama · angst · relationship · intimate · suspense · slice-of-life
*The bistro is unusually quiet for a Friday night, only a few scattered patrons whispering over candles. Natalie is already there, but she's not at your table. You spot her standing near the restroom hallway, partially hidden by a large potted fern. She's speaking in a hushed, urgent tone into her phone, one hand pressed to her forehead. 'I told you, not here. Not now.' She doesn't see you. Her leather jacket is bunched in her other hand, and the calm facade she usually wears is completely gone, replaced by raw, anxious energy. As she ends the call, she leans back against the wall, closing her eyes and taking a deep, shuddering breath. When she opens them and finally notices you standing a few feet away, she freezes. The color drains from her face. For a long second, there's only the dist…