the truth(18)

(The sun is shining brightly in the afternoon sky, casting golden hues over the town park. The leaves rustle in the gentle breeze, and the distant laughter of children playing adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Michael, Alex, Marie, Emily, and Ethan are sitting on a bench, chatting aimlessly about nothing in particular.)

(Alex glances at Marie, his fingers tapping nervously on his knee. His heart beats faster as he works up the courage to say something that's been on his mind for a while. He takes a deep breath, then leans slightly forward.)

Alex:

"Hey, Marie… can I talk to you for a second?"

(Marie, sipping on a smoothie, raises an eyebrow but nods.)

Marie:

"Yeah, sure. What's up?"

(The others, sensing the slight tension in Alex's voice, exchange knowing glances. Michael smirks, leaning forward.)

Michael:

"Ohhh? What's this? Alex suddenly getting all serious?"

(Alex groans, waving Michael off.)

Alex:

"Shut up, man. Just—give me a second."

(He turns back to Marie, who is now looking at him curiously. He rubs the back of his neck, his usual confidence wavering for the first time in a while.)

Alex:

"So, um… I was thinking. Why don't we… go on a date?"

(A moment of silence. Marie blinks, her mind seemingly shutting down. Then—)

Marie:

"W-WHAT?!"

(Her smoothie almost slips from her hands. Her face turns a deep shade of red, and she stares at Alex as if he's just spoken in an alien language. Michael, Ethan, and Emily immediately burst out laughing.)

Michael (grinning):

"No. Freaking. Way. Did I just hear that right? Alex, our smooth-talking, never-nervous Alex, just asked Marie on a date? Oh, this is golden."

(Ethan wipes a fake tear from his eye.)

Ethan:

"Truly, history is being made before our eyes."

Marie (stammering, still blushing hard):

"W-Wait! I—I mean, a date?! L-Like, an actual, real date?!"

(Alex chuckles nervously.)

Alex:

"Yeah. A real one. I mean, we always hang out, but I figured… why not just make it official? Just you and me. What do you say?"

(Marie's face somehow turns an even deeper shade of red. She glances at Emily, who is smirking, and then at Michael, who looks like he's having the time of his life teasing her.)

Michael:

"Damn, Marie, you're turning redder than a tomato."

Marie (groaning, covering her face with her hands):

"Michael, shut up!"

(She takes a deep breath, trying to regain composure. Then, after a few seconds, she finally nods.)

Marie:

"O-Okay… Yeah. Let's do it. Let's go on a date."

(Alex smiles, relieved.)

Alex:

"Awesome. Let's go then."

(Michael leans toward Marie, grinning.)

Michael:

"Don't mess it up, Marie. You only get one shot at a first date."

Marie (gritting her teeth):

"Michael. I swear. I will end you."

(Michael just laughs as Alex and Marie walk off, still slightly flustered.)

(Alex and Marie find themselves at a quiet, cozy restaurant near the heart of town. The place has a soft, warm glow, with dim lantern lights flickering against wooden walls. The smell of freshly cooked meals lingers in the air, adding to the atmosphere.)

(They sit across from each other, the initial awkwardness fading as they start talking.)

Marie:

"I still can't believe you actually asked me out like that."

(Alex grins.)

Alex:

"What, did you think I never would?"

Marie:

"I mean… yeah?"

(Alex laughs, shaking his head.)

Alex:

"Well, I guess I surprised you, then."

(They order their food, and as the night goes on, their conversation flows naturally. They talk about memories from their childhood, funny moments with their friends, and even their fears and dreams. At some point, Marie realizes something—she's completely relaxed.)

(She watches Alex as he talks animatedly about something, his usual confidence shining through. And for the first time in a while, she feels at peace.)

(As their meal winds down, Alex leans back in his chair, looking at Marie with a soft smile.)

Alex:

"You know, Marie… I really enjoy being with you. I enjoy going out with you and spending time with you. It just makes me feel really peaceful, really relaxed."

(Marie blinks, then smiles, warmth filling her chest.)

Marie:

"Oh… me too, Alex. Me too. Being with you just makes me feel really peaceful, really relaxed. And I just… I really enjoy being with you. There's really nothing better."

(Alex chuckles.)

Alex:

"Oh, there is something better, you know."

Marie (tilting her head):

"What?"

Alex:

"When the group all hangs out together."

Marie (laughing softly):

"Yeah. There's nothing that beats that, Alex. Truly."

(They laugh together, the night feeling absolutely perfect.)

(The warmth of the date fades. The flickering lanterns vanish. The cozy restaurant is gone. The laughter and happiness are replaced with cold stone walls and the eerie glow of dungeon firelight.)

(Dakota sits near the fire, watching as Liam, Mia, and Lucas sit with tense expressions. All three of them grip their heads as if trying to force a memory out of their minds.)

Lucas (frustrated):

"Damn, this is familiar. Just… what is happening?"

Liam (gritting his teeth):

"My mind is bugging me. This is annoying. Just… what the hell is going on?"

Mia (her hands trembling slightly):

"I don't get it. My mind hurts. But why does this feel so familiar?"

(Dakota watches them, his expression unreadable.)

(The fire crackles, casting long shadows along the cave walls. The tension in the air is heavy. The feeling of something long forgotten is clawing its way back into their minds, and none of them know what to do about it.)

(But deep in Dakota's heart, he knows one thing—this is only the beginning.)

Dakota thinking: well the next memory should be me asking Emily out on a date, and it was pretty funny seeing her reaction, and I was quite embarrassed when I asked her out on a date. I wonder what ava will feel after she See's this date, because this date was the date when out romantic relationship truly blossoms. And It was a good date.