Alex smirked. "Sounds like you don't come across those kinds of guys often."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm."
He smiled and leaned back slightly in his seat. "Alright then. How about we just start simple—go watch a movie?"
Colleen glanced at him, then gave a small nod. "Yeah… that sounds nice."
The city blurred past their windows as Alex drove, guided by scattered signs and soft streetlights. Neither of them rushed. There was something easy about the silence now—like both were settling into a rhythm neither expected.
Eventually, they pulled into a small theater tucked between an old diner and a used bookstore. It wasn't flashy, but it had charm—glowing marquee letters, warm yellow lighting, and a handful of late-night moviegoers milling around.
Alex parked smoothly and turned to her. "Old-school place. Hope that works for you."
Colleen looked around and smiled faintly. "I like it. Feels… human."
They got out, walked side by side toward the ticket counter. A retro-style poster caught her eye.
"Blade of the Phoenix?" she read aloud. "Sounds like your kind of movie."
Alex grinned. "Swords, fire, betrayal? That's a yes."
She glanced sideways at him. "Let's just hope no shadow beasts show up this time."
"No promises," he said, deadpan, then flashed her a wink.
They grabbed their tickets and some popcorn—though Colleen insisted on also getting spicy nachos—and made their way into the dim theater, slipping into a row near the back.
As the trailers rolled, Colleen leaned slightly toward him, voice low. "So… this what a normal night feels like?"
Alex glanced at her, watching the flicker of light from the screen dance across her features. "Maybe. Or maybe this is the start of something better."
She smiled, resting back in her seat, her shoulder brushing his just barely.
And as the screen lit up with fire and steel, neither of them looked away—there was an awkward sielvb bete them.
Alex smiled softly, his fingers brushing against hers as they rested between them. She didn't pull away.
Encouraged, he slowly reached out and took her hand more fully, his touch gentle—careful.
Colleen turned to look at him, and their eyes met in the flickering light of the screen. The noise of the movie faded for a moment. Time seemed to still.
Then Alex leaned in, just slightly, his gaze flickering between her eyes and her lips. Her breath caught. Her eyes widened—not in fear, but in the flutter of something unfamiliar.
But just before their lips met, she pulled back ever so slightly. The moment broke.
Alex blinked, leaned away with a quiet chuckle. "Guess that was too fast."
Colleen hesitated, then shook her head lightly. "I…"
He held up a hand, not wanting to pressure her. "It's okay. We can take it at your pace."
She looked at him for a long second, then gave the faintest nod, her fingers still curled into his.
"Thanks," she whispered.
"Anytime," he said, settling back beside her—still close, still warm.
And they watched the rest of the movie with hearts just a little more open than before.
The credits rolled, the theater lights slowly brightening as the last echoes of the soundtrack faded away. Outside, the cool night air wrapped around them like a soft blanket when they stepped out into the street.
Alex stretched, cracking his neck with a small grin. "So, what's next? Ice cream? Late-night diner? Midnight stroll?"
Colleen shrugged, a small playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Surprise me."
He laughed. "Alright. Follow me."
They walked back to the car, the city around them humming quietly with life. Alex started the engine and pulled out onto the road, heading in the opposite direction from the theater. The neon signs of a late-night diner soon appeared, glowing like a beacon.
Inside, the place was cozy and a little worn, with vinyl booths and checkered floors. The smell of coffee and fries filled the air.
They slid into a booth near the window, the silence between them comfortable now, more charged with possibilities.
Alex studied the menu but glanced at Colleen more. "You know, I wasn't sure about tonight. But this feels... right."
Colleen met his gaze, eyes reflecting the diner's warm light. "Yeah, me too."
Their conversation drifted easily—favorite movies, bad habits, childhood memories. The hours slipped by unnoticed.
When their plates arrived—she with a massive sundae piled high with whipped cream and cherries, he with a classic cheeseburger—they ate slowly, savoring more than just the food.
Alex caught her hand across the table again, this time without hesitation. "Colleen, I'm really glad we did this."
She squeezed his fingers gently. "Me too, Alex."
Outside, the city lights flickered as the night deepened. Inside, something new was quietly blooming between them—slow, steady, and promising.
As they finished their meal, neither wanted the night to end just yet.
Alex glanced at the clock behind the counter—past midnight already. The diner was starting to thin out, the hum of conversation fading to a comfortable quiet.
He looked back at Colleen, her eyes warm in the soft glow of the neon sign outside. "Want to take that midnight stroll now? There's a park not far from here. Quiet, good for talking… or just walking."
Colleen nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Sounds perfect."
They slipped out into the cool night air, the city's pulse softer now. The streets were nearly empty, only the occasional car passing by. The park's entrance was just ahead—an old wrought iron gate with ivy climbing the sides.
Inside, the path wound through tall trees and gentle hills, moonlight filtering down in silver patches. The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers was calming.
They walked side by side, their steps syncing without words. Alex reached out, lightly brushing Colleen's hand again. This time, she didn't hesitate—she intertwined her fingers with his.
For a while, they just walked like that, hands clasped, letting the silence speak. Then Colleen's voice broke through softly.
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