Chapter 4 Chapter 3: Winter

"Hey, Winter!" Delta chirped, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You won today, right? Are you going to drown the competition in the next tournament?"

I chuckled as I moved closer to the counter. "Drown them? I'm just trying not to sink myself, thank you very much."

She flashed me a knowing smile before preparing my drink. "And I heard our local 'I'm the woman's gift' honored you with a new, elegant nickname. What was it? Winter Queen? What do you think of such royal titles?"

I rolled my eyes dramatically, though a shy smile slipped onto my lips. "Paul's a fool. That nickname is ridiculous." I took my order and paid, then chuckled to myself, "...and it's Bloodybelly comb Jelly." I revealed, and Delta burst out laughing. I used this moment to gather my sweets, escape, and settle into a cozy corner where the radiators provided the warmest comfort.

I was aware that Delta wouldn't take a hint and would eventually probe further, but for a brief moment, the checkout line and the picky customers gave me a brief slice of calm. I enjoyed my favorite hot chocolate and blueberry pastries, savoring each bite. However, my peace was short-lived; soon, Delta sat down at my table, looking at me with those warm brown eyes, and I summarized my fight with Paul today.

Delta leaned in, her tone conspiratorial, "Oh come on! When will you finally realize that this guy is in love with you? His silly teasing is the textbook symptom of a lovesick puppy." She said, shaking her head at me. "You're very attractive."

I snorted. "Attractive? More like tragically awkward. I mean, look at me—no make-up, dull personality, and a side of self-doubt!"

"You really should examine yourself more closely. You've got those green-amber eyes that attract people like moths to a flame, and your hair, please! That stunning mane of red waves stands out in a sea of boring blondes and browns. And that witty attitude you flaunt like waves? You're truly one of a kind."

Her compliments made me blush, and I instinctively tucked a rebellious strand of hair behind my ear. "It's not like that," I protested, feigning indifference. "Besides, he's not my type."

Delta raised an eyebrow, teasing me with a playful smirk. "What is your type then? A knight in shining armor? A rugged oceanographer? Someone who knows how to keep up with a winter queen?"

I paused, sinking deep into that question as I visualized the boys I had known. Paul, despite his endearing quirks, made my skin prickle with irritation rather than excitement. He was sweet in his way, but his constant infatuation felt dull compared to the vibrance I longed for. "I guess… I just don't know," I admitted, suddenly feeling introspective. "Does anyone even exist to warm my icy heart?"

Delta propped her chin on her hands, her expression turning serious for a moment. "Don't worry. When you come face to face with the right guy, it's like…" She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze lighting up when she spotted her fiancé behind the counter, a slight grin on his face as he busily prepped orders. "Like that," she said, turning back to me with a dreamy gleam in her eye. "Your heart will pound, and those butterflies will turn into an entire zoo."

A shiver ran down my spine at her words, and I felt that dizzying warmth creep into my chest as I watched her settle into the comfort of her love. It was strange yet enchanting to see. "Are you saying I'll just know?" I asked, half-mockingly.

"Exactly! You'll feel it all through you. But you must keep your heart open, Winter. It's not about chasing some perfect version of love. It's about noticing when you genuinely feel something."

I mulled over her statement, the weight of it settling into my mind. I grabbed my hot chocolate, steaming and inviting, with the scone neatly balanced beside it. "Maybe I do want that," I admitted quietly, forcing a breathy laugh to lighten the heaviness. "But I think for now, I'll just focus on the upcoming swim meet. Winning that could change everything for me… even possibly getting into Marine Sciences."

"Girl, you're capable of so much! You focus on swimming, and I'll focus on finding you someone who can live up to your royal standards." Her playful energy was contagious, even as I sipped my delightful drink, feeling the warmth spread through me.

We talked back and forth, the conversation flowing with laughter and stories, making the cold outside feel farther away with each passing moment. I savored the comfort of our friendship, the sense of support surrounding us. But somewhere, unconsciously, that whisper stayed—what if there was someone out there meant for me?

Maybe it was wishful thinking, a fleeting dream carried by winter winds, but for now, my heart wouldn't turn into a snow-locked fortress. Besides, I had the contest to get ready for, the thrill of water ahead, and the joy of sharing sweet moments in this whimsical coffee shop.

As I finished my scone, my thoughts drifted back to the dreams waiting for me—like snowflakes, delicate but beautiful—and I silently vowed to find warmth in the unknown, whatever or whoever it might be. A girl can dream, after all, especially when she's named Winter.