second encounters, leather jackets, and fluttering bellies. 

----

 The morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, casting a warm glow over the elegant living room. I sat cross-legged on the plush cream-colored couch, a steaming cup of coffee cradled in my hands. 

It was the last week of summer break and soon, this time next week, I'd be walking around campus for my last year. I closed my eyes, soaking in the moment, and the warmth of the fireplace in front of me. 

Letting out a deep sigh, I reluctantly opened them and gazed at the Manhattan skyline, but my mind kept replaying the events of the previous night. Lauren's voice cut through my thoughts as she burst into the room, dressed in a disheveled off white button down (obviously a souvenir from a man), her sparkly black dress from the night before slung over her arm. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, and her fiery red hair was now in a messy bun.

"Spill!" Lauren demanded, plopping down beside me. I raised an eyebrow, making a show of looking at her outfit, amused.

"You first!" 

"Ugh fine," she huffed in mock-anger. "He was 6 foot and smelled good. That's all."

"That's all?" I asked, taking a sip of my coffee.

"The sex was abysmal; he did not know how to fuck. Dinner was even worse! He talked about himself the entire time and asked if I could split the bill!" She gave me a look of disgust. "But fuck all that, you texted me a fucking novel at 2 in the morning about some guy named Rune and then left me hanging. Who is he, and why does he have you grinning like the cat that got the cream?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're relentless, you know that?"

"Duh. It's part of my charm. Now, tell me everything!"

Taking a sip of my coffee, I recounted the entire encounter. From the moment Rune's striking figure appeared in the diner to his lazy drawl and the way his smirk had sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Lauren listened intently, her green eyes sparkling with intrigue as I described the mysterious biker's sultry eyes and that mischievous wink.

"Okay, hold up," Lauren interrupted, holding up a hand. "He ordered $470 worth of food?"

I nodded, my cheeks flushing. "And he tipped, too."

"He's seriously trying to impress you, and I'm obsessed! So, what now? Did he, like, ask you out or something?"

My smile faltered slightly. "No, but he said I'd see him again. And... I don't know, Laur. There was something about him. He wasn't just some random customer. He was... different." For some reason, part of me did not want to tell her about the red eyes I saw before they changed. Part of me wanted to keep that to myself. It was private, intimate. All mine.

Lauren's expression softened as she placed a hand on my shoulder. "Well, honey, different can be good. Just don't overthink it. If it's meant to be, you'll see him again. And when you do, make sure you're ready."

"Ready for what?"

Lauren grinned, standing up and striking a dramatic pose. "To leave him speechless, obviously! Now, let's pick out your outfit for today because you're definitely giving me 'something's-about-to-happen' energy."

Despite her teasing, Lauren's enthusiasm was contagious, and my worries melted away. We spent the next hour laughing and rifling through my extensive wardrobe, eventually settling on a chic but casual outfit: a cream sweater, high-waisted jeans, and ankle boots. The perfect blend of effortless and stylish.

As I grabbed my bag and headed for the door, Lauren's voice called out behind me.

"Don't forget, if you run into your biker boy, you better give me a play-by-play."

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Are you staying over for the day, or will I come home to an empty penthouse?" I playfully asked. 

"Ugh, I have to be home for some stupid family brunch thing my mom's trying to make us do. I'll probably leave in an hour or so, after I freshen up." 

At her words, my expression softened. "I'm sorry, Laur, I know this is hard. I'm always here for you if you need a space, a friend, or anything else." 

"Thank you, Margot. You're the best," Lauren softly whispered. I pivoted back to her, gave her a long hug, and after she let go, began walking towards the door. 

"Love you, Laur!" 

. . .

The streets of Manhattan were bustling as I made my way to the diner for my shift. The crisp autumn air was invigorating, and the sound of honking taxis and chattering pedestrians filled the air. My shift was a 10 to 3-er, and knowing I'd get the rest of my evening, I walked with a pep in my step. Nothing to do with Rune, nothing at all.

I didn't need to work at the diner. But something about it felt like home. I'm not sure if it was the people I worked with, but the tiny diner was my safe place. I pushed open the diner door, the familiar bell chiming overhead. 

"Morning, Margot," Jim greeted from behind the counter, wiping his hands on a towel. "You're looking chipper today. Got plans after work?"

I hesitated, my mind flashing back to Rune's smirk and the promise in his gaze. "Not yet," I said, offering a smile. "But who knows? Maybe the day has something interesting in store."

Jim chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, let's hope it's quieter than last night. I heard a lot happened." He gave me a knowing look and I flushed. 

Trying to get the attention off of me, I changed the topic, "How are you? How's the wife?"

"She's doing great! Her appointment yesterday was a normal check up and the brat should be here in about 4 weeks." Even though Jim spoke gruffly, he couldn't hide the pride and joy in his voice at becoming a first time father.

"I love to hear that! I'm hoping for a safe last few weeks." I gave him a warm smile. 

"Yeah, me too. I'm going to put in over-time, just so we're good in case of emergencies." With that, he began smirking. "Those bikers left a pretty hefty tip, by the way. Must've been your charm, huh."

My cheeks flushed as I busied myself tying my apron. "Yeah, yeah, it's whatever," I mumbled, embarrassed. Jim let out a loud laugh and shook his head.  

I couldn't deny that part of me hoped Rune would return, though I had no idea what I'd say if he did. Shaking off the thought, I focused on the steady rhythm of my shift, greeting customers with a smile and keeping the diner running smoothly.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden rays through the diner's windows, the bell above the door chimed once again. I glanced up from the counter, my breath catching in my throat.

There he was. Rune. His wild white hair caught the light, and his eyes met mine with a spark of recognition. He strolled in with that same easy confidence, his leather jacket slung over one shoulder.

"Yo," he said, his voice sending a familiar shiver down my spine. "Told you I'd see you again."

My lips curved into a smile, my heart pounding in my chest. "Welcome back. Table for one, or are you bringing the whole crew this time?"

He grinned, sliding into a booth near the counter. "Just me. Thought I'd keep it simple today." 

I grabbed my notepad, my pulse quickening as I made my way over to him. As Rune's gaze lingered on me, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something that would change everything.

"You know," he started, his eyes locking onto mine, "I've been thinking about that sass of yours. Didn't realize a diner girl could keep a guy on his toes."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Oh, it's definitely a compliment," he said with a smirk that could melt steel. "Not every day I run into someone who makes me want to stick around longer."

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, but I quickly focused on scribbling his order down. "Well, if you're sticking around, you'd better order something worth the time."

He chuckled, the sound low and teasing. "Guess I'll have to, if it means I'll get to talk to you again. What's your favorite here?"

The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. I glanced up, trying to keep my composure. "Depends. Are you in the mood for something sweet or savory?"

He leaned back, crossing his arms as if he were considering it seriously. "Sweet, definitely."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Interesting choice. Didn't think you were a sweet guy."

Rune laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. "Oh, I'm full of surprises, princess. Think you're up for handling that?"

I opened my mouth to retort, but the words got caught somewhere between my brain and my tongue. Instead, I simply shook my head, biting back a grin. "I'll put in your order."

As I turned to leave, he called after me. "Make sure you're the one who brings it out, yeah? I'd hate to miss the chance to see you again."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face. "Keep dreaming, Rune."

He leaned forward again, his grin widening. "Oh, officially on first name basis now? I will, Margot." He spaced out my name into two distinct syllables, so it was a flirty, 'Mar-got' and the butterflies in my stomach fluttered even more.

. . . 

After I delivered his order, I was kept busy with rush hour. Even though I wasn't interacting with him the way I wanted to (I wanted to go to his table and just talk), every time we made eye contact, the feeling in my stomach intensified. 

By the time my shift ended at 3 p.m., Rune was still lounging in the booth, spinning a glass of soda between his hands. I walked over, untying my apron as I approached.

"You're still here?" I teased, sliding into the seat across from him. "Don't tell me the food was that good."

He smirked, leaning back against the booth. "Maybe it was the company."

I rolled my eyes, fighting the grin that threatened to take over. "Smooth."

"What can I say?" he replied, shrugging. "So, what's your plan for the rest of the day?"

I shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant. "Nothing too exciting. Probably just head home. Why?"

His eyes sparkled with mischief. "How about you ditch going home, and spend the day with me instead?"

I blinked, taken aback by his boldness. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious," he said, his grin widening. "Come on, Margot. Live a little."

"Who says that I don't live?" I gave him a flirty smirk. "I'm living my best life." 

"Oh?" With that one word, against my better judgment, I found myself nodding. 

"Okay. But if this turns into some kind of motorcycle gang initiation, I'm out."

He laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "Deal."

Just as I was about to grab my bag, Rune's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, and for the first time, his carefree demeanor faltered. His jaw tightened as he read the message, and a shadow passed over his face.

"Everything okay?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

He hesitated, slipping the phone into his pocket. "Yeah. Just... something came up. I need to go."

Disappointment twisted in my stomach, but I kept my expression neutral. "Oh. Okay."

Rune stood, slinging his jacket over his shoulder. "Rain check?"

I nodded, trying to ignore the pang of curiosity gnawing at me. "Sure."

He hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say something more, but then he turned and walked out the door. The bell chimed behind him, and I watched as he climbed onto his bike, revving the engine before speeding off into the city.

As I stood there, the question lingered in my mind: who had called him away, and what was Rune hiding?

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hiiii i know both chapters center around the diner, but the setting of the story is Manhattan, not just the diner. it'll be different next time!! haha :D  thank you for reading!!!!