I checked my phone: 4:47 PM. I was standing outside Scoop Town Café, shifting my weight from foot to foot, trying to look casual but feeling anything but. This café was a popular hotspot for young couples-basically, if you wanted to be seen on a date in this town, you went here. It was just a short walk from both our houses, so I'd taken my time getting ready, changed into my navy blue shirt (my "date shirt," if I'm being honest), and even attempted to style my hair. I trimmed the sides myself-thank you, hair-cutting skill, courtesy of my gamer powers. I even swiped some of my dad's deodorant for good measure. I was nervous, but I kept my composure.
I spotted Alex coming down the sidewalk, hands tucked in the pocket of her hoodie, jeans hugging her legs, her hair pulled back in a ponytail that somehow made her look even cuter. She had this easy, genuine smile on her face that made my heart skip a beat. At first, I'd approached her because she was my "crush" from the old Lucas's memories-a character I'd admired from a distance. But after spending a few days actually getting to know her, it wasn't just about the show anymore. I liked her for her. She was beautiful, yeah, but she was also sharp, funny, and had this way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room.
She stopped in front of me, her cheeks a little pink from the walk. "Hey," she said, a little out of breath. "Sorry if I'm late. Were you waiting for long?"
I grinned, trying to play it cool. "You're right on time. And honestly, you look amazing, Alex."
She blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, glancing down at her shoes for a second. "Thank you. You look… really handsome, too. I like the shirt."
I laughed, a little embarrassed but also kind of proud. "Thanks," I said, trying not to sound too pleased.
She giggled and nodded toward the door. "Well, let's go inside."
I couldn't resist. I did my best British accent and gestured dramatically: "After you, my lady."
She rolled her eyes but smiled, playing along. We stepped inside, the sweet, chilly air of the café hitting us as we crossed the threshold. The place smelled like sugar and waffle cones. I pulled out her chair before sitting down across from her. She gave me a look-half teasing, half impressed. "What a gentleman. I could get used to this."
I shrugged, trying to play it cool but secretly loving it. "My mom would kill me if I didn't."
We both laughed and started scanning the menu. "What's your go-to?" I asked, glancing over the options.
She thought for a second, tapping her finger against the menu. "Chocolate mint chip. It's classic. You?"
"Pistachio. I know, weird choice, but I'm a man of refined taste," I said, putting on my best fake posh accent.
She laughed, shaking her head. "Refined taste, huh? I'll believe it when I see it."
We placed our orders and found a small table by the window, sunlight streaming in and making everything look a little more magical. The conversation flowed so easily it surprised me. I'd been worried I'd freeze up or say something dumb, but with Alex, it was just… easy. I asked her about her hobbies, genuinely curious.
"So what do you like to do in your free time?" I asked, leaning in a little.
She smiled, stirring her ice cream when it arrived. "I read a lot-shocking, I know. And I've started learning the cello. I'm not great yet, but it's fun."
"That's awesome. I'd love to hear you play sometime," I said, and I meant it.
She shook her head, laughing. "Maybe when I can play something that doesn't sound like a dying cat."
I grinned. "I doubt you could sound bad at anything."
She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she appreciated it. "What about you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Besides making games and being tall?"
I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I run a lot. I cook. I play chess. I'm trying to get better at coding, obviously. And, uh, I'm working on not being so awkward in public."
She looked surprised, then laughed a little. "Wow, you're doing a lot more than other kids. I thought I was working hard."
I smiled, feeling a little proud. "You are a hard worker. That's why I like you."
Alex's eyes went wide, caught off guard. "You like me?"
I didn't hesitate. "Yup, deal with it."
She laughed, covering her mouth with her hand, and I felt the tension melt away. We talked about everything-her family, my family, weird teachers, favorite books, even our most embarrassing moments. She told me about the time her sister Haley tried to set her up with a guy who turned out to be more interested in her brother. I shared the story of how I once called a teacher "Mom" in front of the whole class and wanted to disappear.
Our ice cream arrived. I watched as Alex took her first bite, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, this is so good."
I tried mine and nodded, serious. "See? Pistachio is the superior choice."
She made a face. "We'll agree to disagree."
A little bit of chocolate stuck to her lower lip. I grinned, trying not to stare. "You, uh, have something-" I gestured to my own mouth.
She tried to wipe it away but missed. I reached across the table, gently dabbing the spot with my handkerchief. For a second, we just looked at each other, the world fading out. She leaned in slightly, her eyes searching mine. My heart was pounding. I almost leaned in, but suddenly an infant at a nearby table started wailing. I swear, I almost wanted to toss that baby out the window. It totally ruined my chance to kiss her.
She smiled, a little shy, and we both looked away, laughing nervously. "Thanks," she said softly, her cheeks still pink.
We finished our ice cream, still talking and laughing. The sun was starting to set, painting the sky in gold and pink. I glanced outside, feeling like the world was giving us a perfect backdrop. "Hey, want to walk in the park for a bit?"
She nodded, her smile returning. "I'd like that."
We left the café and strolled to the nearby park, the air cool and fresh. I reached for her hand, half-expecting her to pull away, but she didn't. Her fingers fit perfectly in mine. We walked in comfortable silence, just enjoying the moment as the sun dipped lower and the sky turned shades of orange and purple.
People stared-hard not to, with me towering at 6'4" and Alex barely over five feet. We probably looked like a walking meme, but we didn't care. We were just enjoying the moment, not needing to fill the silence with words.
We found a bench and sat, watching the last bits of sunlight slip away. I glanced over at her, memorizing the way the light played on her hair, the way she looked so peaceful.
She looked up at me, her eyes soft. "This was really nice, Lucas. I'm glad you asked me out."
I smiled, feeling warm all over. "I am glad I did too."
She squeezed my hand, her grip gentle but sure. "I was nervous, too. But you make it easy."
We talked a little more about school, about future plans for college, about nothing and everything. When it was time to go, I walked her home. The park was close to her house, and we took our time, walking slowly, not wanting the night to end.
At her door, she turned to me, cheeks pink. "I had a really good time."
"Me too. Do you want to do it again?"
She nodded, biting her lip. "Yeah. I'd like that."
I hesitated, then leaned in and kissed her-just a quick, soft kiss. She froze, surprised, then broke into a huge smile. "Wow. That was… nice."
I laughed, suddenly shy. "Sorry, I just-"
She cut me off by jumping up and wrapping her arms around me, kissing me again. This time, it was longer, more sure. I held her close, feeling like I was floating.
Suddenly, the porch light flicked on and the door opened. Her mom appeared, clearing her throat. "Alex, inside please. We don't want to give a show to our neighbours."
Alex groaned, rolling her eyes. "Mom!"
I stepped back, awkward but grinning. "Goodnight, Alex. Goodnight Mrs. Dunphy."
She smiled, eyes shining. "Goodnight, Lucas."
I walked home, replaying every moment in my head. That night, I didn't study, didn't play chess, didn't do anything but lie in bed, smiling like an idiot.
It was a good day. The best day. And I couldn't wait to see her again.
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