June – Annie
She's devouring her fourth strawberry ice cream cone when he first walks in.
Annie is unashamed of her sweet tooth, and therefore is completely unfazed when the stranger clad in lifeguard attire strolls on inside her father's ice cream shop half an hour into her slower-than-molasses afternoon shift.
This particular customer, on the other hand, seems to find the sight before him utterly amusing, as indicated by the ear-to-ear grin plastered on his face.
He flips up his shades and walks to the front counter, where Annie assumes he'll order and then be on his merry way out. Upon closer inspection, however, she realizes she wouldn't mind if he stuck around even for just a little bit.
Sporting a thin tank top with the title 'Lifeguard' in bold print, red shorts, and aviators, he radiates an air of quiet confidence. Tone muscles from what Annie can only assume are the result of all that swimming and lifeguard training pair nicely with his warmly tanned skin. His deep brown hair is styled in such a way that exudes 'surfer dude' vibes, and his eyes glow a captivating green hue like sparkling emeralds.
Annie's never seen him before.
He must be new in town.
And if he's a lifeguard at the beach… he knows Ymir.
The sudden realization dawns on her when he indicates that he's ready to order.
"Well," he begins, clearing his throat so as to disguise an impish chuckle, "I've always preferred mint chocolate chip, but from the looks of it, strawberry must be worth a try." His gaze bounces back and forth between Annie and the half-eaten ice cream cone behind her, making it all the more obvious he's found her snacking-on-the-job shenanigans rather entertaining.
The real cherry on top is the small stain on her apron, melted into the fabric for all to see.
Annie dismisses his quip and keeps the blank expression on her face subdued.
"Would you like to sample the strawberry one?" she asks. Nice save.
The lifeguard cutie shakes his head, having settled on a decision the moment he saw her engaged in a passionate ice cream dalliance.
"I'll go for one scoop of strawberry in a waffle cone," he declares, adding a 'please' when he flashes another flawless smile, pairing it with honest-to-god the most adorable puppy-dog eyes.
From outward appearances, the flirtation in his voice seems to be lost on her, but when she turns her back to grab the ice cream scooper, she's internally berating herself for the slight tremble of her hands.
What is happening?!
With one hand holding the waffle cone, the other in mid-scoop of the ice cream, Annie looks up at him curiously when a question arises.
"So," she asks, hoping to strike up harmless conversation so the setting isn't too quiet or too awkward, "you're a… lifeguard?"
The brunet gives her a pensive look, then dons a cheeky grin, peering down his work uniform of sorts sardonically. "What gave me away?" he jests.
Annie plops the scoop of ice cream into the cone, and shrugs. Taking his joke as an alternative 'yes,' she responds with even more inquisitive prodding.
"Well it's just that I know all the lifeguards at Stohess Beach because they're here almost every summer." She pauses to hand the cone over to him before continuing. "But I've never seen you before."
He meets her back at the register so she can ring up his purchase and then replies with a confident affirmation; proudly announcing, "New in town."
Bingo.
"I see," Annie responds, feigning surprise.
"What about you?" he reverses the question, his interest clearly piqued.
Annie's taken aback for a moment, but indulges his curiosity nonetheless. "Born and raised here. I go to school out of state, so I'm only back in town for the summer."
He nods, understandingly so. "Local gal, huh?"
"That's right," Annie confirms, eyes meeting his. Eyes lost in his.
Eyes that gorgeous shade of green should be illegal.
She secretly hits the discount button on her till, unapologetic and free of any guilt.
It's only polite to greet newcomers with such hospitality.
"What do I owe ya?" he asks, reaching into his wallet.
A clandestine smirk fades as quickly as it appears on the petite blonde's lips. "Two dollars and fifty cents."
He hands her the exact amount in cash and then quickly slides what appears to be a small slip of paper onto the counter.
There's ten digits on it, as well as a name.
Annie's about to ask what exactly it is when he provides a reassuring (if not obvious) answer, though it's actually more of a proposition.
"Maybe you can show me around town sometime. You know, you being familiar with the area and all."
Well played, Annie thinks, giving him a single nod. She takes a moment to glance down at the slip of paper, reading the name aloud.
"Eren." She says his name fondly, deciding it suits him. She offers hers in return, pointing at the nametag on her shirt. "Annie."
With a parting smile, Eren slowly makes his way to exit the shop, indulging in the sweet treat with utmost appreciation.
"I'll be seeing you again soon, Annie," he responds confidently.
She watches him leave the shop and then disappear behind the corner onward to the beach.
With a deep sigh, she picks up where she left off, resuming the obliteration of her strawberry ice cream in a daze.
And just when I thought it couldn't get any hotter…
Annie contemplates whether she's screwed or lucky, but ultimately figures she can't complain.
The tally for the day consists of four strawberry ice cream cones… and a cute guy's number.
Not a bad day at all.