He was sitting at one of the outdoor tables, staring blankly at who-knows-what with a ceramic mug of what looks to be black coffee in his hands. He didn't seem to notice me staring at him, so that was a good thing. I could stare for as long as I wanted, as long as he didn't turn.

Like the first day, I was struck by how extremely handsome he was. The chiselled features, his pitch black eyes and his fathomless black hair that is yet again messy but so very attractive. He was wearing a simple grey T-shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. The T-shirt revealed strong, muscular but lean arms. He looks as though he goes to the gym regularly.

I wasn't the only one to agree. There was a group of teenage girls sitting at the table behind him, and they kept on looking at him with keen interest shown clearly on their faces. They were giggling as they told each other their opinions of this mysterious but attractive man.

He seemed to be able to hear them, but paid no heed. Instead, he continued to stare ahead blankly. I tried to decipher what he might be feeling, and somehow, I pitied him. He looked tired. He looked lonely.

And suddenly, that feeling hit me hard again. That feeling of somehow knowing him in the past. I was pretty sure that I have never seen him not even once in my life, but it's the inside of me that's telling me otherwise.

I began to notice the people around me started walking forward, meaning the 'green man' was on. I walked as well, but for some reason, I was unable to take my eyes off him. He seemed too beautiful to look away, and I was still trying to contemplate whether I had met him before or not.

Unfortunately, because I wasn't looking ahead, I bumped into someone's back.

"Hey! Watch it!" I heard a gruff voice of a man shout. He sounded irritated and already angered.

I had hit my face against the man's back, and I rubbed my forehead as I apologized frantically. "Sorry! Sorry! I didn't notice you there!"

I looked at the back of the man. He was taller than me by a few inches, and had brown hair that was sleeked back with gel that smelled so strong and, in my honest opinion, really horrible.

"Didn't notice me?" he scoffed. "What are you? Blind or something?"

Then, he turned around and looked down on me. He had quite a burly face, and he was so not attractive. The first things I noticed about him were his thick, bushy eyebrows and then his moss green eyes.

When he had turned, he looked like he was ready to pick a fight. But it was only after he saw me did the angry expression of his face suddenly softened.

Obviously awestruck by my face.

He ran a hand through his hair and smiled, saying bashfully, "I'm so sorry! I didn't know that it was a pretty lady behind me. You're forgiven then."

I took a step back and simply nodded my head as a silent way of saying 'thanks' before walking away, skirting his right side. But just as I did, the guy's arm shot out, blocking my way.

"Umm… Excuse me?" I said.

Beside me was a lamp post, and the guy had planted his hand on the stem. He suddenly leaned in closer to me, and I was backed up against the lamp post.

With a flirtatious tone in his voice and a flirtatious look in his eyes, he murmured, "But you have to do something for me in return."

I kept my eyes on the guy's green eyes as I gulped. I hated situations like this. I specially hated when it involved men like him.

I kept quiet as he gazed at my features. I crossed my arms in front of my chest, trying my best to look defensive. But instead, it must have made me look even more vulnerable.

"I got a dinner party tonight at the Le Cresta, but I don't have a date. What's say a pretty lady like you be my…. special guest?" he said in a seductive way, which in my opinion was pretty weak. It sounded more creepy than seductive.

The Le Cresta was a really expensive Italian restaurant near the heart of the town, and those who wanted to dine there needed advance reservations and a ton of cash. Since I was quite poor, I have never been there before, but would love to one day.

Just not with this guy.

"No thank you," I said flat-out blankly.

A creepy smile broke out on his lips and he chuckled as he shook his head. I could feel the stares of other passer-bys on the both of us, and they must have suspected nothing, thinking that we were just some ordinary couple on the streets.

When he finally stopped laughing, he spoke in a low, disbelieving voice, "What kind of beautiful woman would refuse an invitation to the finest restaurant in Heatherton?"

I pressed even more against the lamp post. He had me completely cornered, and nobody was even taking notice. I couldn't stand how close he was right now.

I contemplated calling for help, just so that he'll get away from me. But before I could even try, the guy was pushed back forcefully and a man stood in front of me, shielding me.

"She already said 'no'. So back off," said the man that had now come to my rescue.

The guy was rubbing his shoulder, where the man had pushed him. "Hey. What's your problem?" he said irately.

I watched as my saviour clenched his hands into fists and he replied in a low growl, "My problem is you."

I cringed at the man's growl. It sounded so scary. So demonic. I didn't even think anyone could actually speak like that.

The guy looked like he was ready to fight back with my saviour, but suddenly, he backed off as his eyes widened in panic. There must be something in my saviour's eyes that made the guy so scared. Without another word or comment, he just walked away from us.

I remained still as I breathed deeply. My heart beat, which had been racing just a few seconds ago, was now slowing down to its normal pace.

That was certainly an encounter that I do not wish to experience ever again.

My saviour, who had been standing still and watching the guy scurry off, suddenly turned to face me. I looked up at him, and I gasped as I felt my heart stop for a while.

It was that attractive stranger.

How could I have been so stupid as to not recognise him?

For some reason, his eyes widened in shock as he met mine. I became confused as to why his reaction was like that, but I also became self-conscious. Was there something on my face?

We both stared at each other in silence. Now, with him standing in front of me, I could see that he was tall. Even taller than that guy who tried to hit on me. Up close, I could really see how handsome he was. His looks could make my jaw drop to the ground. His black eyes, which were still very piercing to me, somehow softened as they bored into my amber eyes.

He looked too perfect to be true.

But after a while of gazing at his perfect features, I began to realise that we were still standing on the sidewalk with other people walking around us. So I began to feel really awkward.

I cleared my throat and spoke in the most 'normal' voice I could manage (which failed because I was struck dumb by his attractiveness), "Thank you."

In response, the corner of his lips tilted up into a smile. Damn, that smile looked hot! I felt like my heart wanted to burst through my chest.

"You're welcome," he answered back. I swear, the minute I heard his normal voice, I just wanted to faint. It sounded so damn gorgeous! So silky and smooth and masculine and…. seductive.

I felt warmth growing on my cheeks, and I cursed myself mentally for blushing. Shyly, I muttered, "No, really. Thank you. I'll be on my way now."

I went around him and walked slowly away. But just after I took my third step, I heard him call out, "What's your name?"

I stopped in my tracks when I heard his question. Did he really just ask that? Did he seriously did? Did he really want to know my name?

I turned around to face him, and saw that he was smiling at me.

"Is it alright if I know your name?" he asked, a hopeful tone detected in his voice.

I thought about it. I don't even know him, and he wanted to know my name? Should I trust him? He seemed so sincere…

Eh. Why not?

"Spring," I answered. "Spring Korey."

He grinned, showcasing pearly white and perfect teeth.

I don't know if I heard it right, but I thought I heard him mutter, "Suits you…"

"I'm sorry?"

He shook his head bashfully, and I found the gesture to be cute on him.

"Nothing," he said in his smooth voice. "My name's Aiden Cole."

I smiled when I learnt his name. Aiden Cole. It had a nice ring to it.

And it suited him so well.

"I guess I'll be seeing you around?" he asked me, with the same hopefulness in his tone.

I didn't know why, but I liked him already. He was just so... friendly.

"I guess you will," I simply said. "Anyway, I have to go now."

"Bye, Spring," he replied, his smile still glued to his face.

I waved goodbye, and turned to cross the road. As I walked, I smiled to myself.

This was a good change of events.

As Aiden Cole watched Spring Korey walk away, he thought to himself, I have finally found you.

In the dark abyss of shadows, the three white-robed entities were speculating over the same turn of events.

"They are now one step closer," the blonde murmured.