LIL THE NEEL || lil the neel || dk || danya kashin

Neil was a man accustomed to control. His life was structured according to a strict schedule, where every detail was calculated and had its place. He distrusted chance, and especially not feelings. But one day, his well-oiled world cracked, the day he drove into an unfamiliar neighborhood on business.

He parked his black SUV, his gaze falling on a small but cozy coffee shop. He wasn't in the mood that day. Things weren't going as well as he'd hoped, and he was irritated.

The guy decided a cup of coffee was just what he needed. He walked in and the first thing he saw was him – Ruslan – standing behind the counter. The man was cleaning a cup. His hair was tousled, and there was a sadness in his eyes.

He ordered an espresso. While Ruslan was making it, he couldn't take his eyes off him.

Neil drank his coffee and left the shop, but the feeling Ruslan had evoked in him wouldn't go away. In the following weeks, the man's image haunted him. He'd stop by the shop, finding excuses and inventing errands to take in the area... just to see him again.

He learned from his people that his name was Ruslan and that he was the owner of this small establishment. He learned that he loved old music and adored books. The more he learned about him, the more he was drawn to him.

One day, Neil planned his visit differently. He parked his car, walked into the coffee shop, and approached the counter.

• Hello
  Neil said, trying to make his voice sound as calm as possible. Ruslan looked up and smiled welcomingly.

• Hello. Would you like anything?
  The redhead smiled and looked at him.

• I've been here several times already...But I was always in a hurry.
  Neil answered, a little embarrassed.

• And today I have a little time)