A Heartbeat Away

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The afternoon sun was beginning to set, casting golden hues over the city as they left the bookstore café. The warmth of the day lingered, but there was a different warmth between them now—an unspoken energy neither of them could quite ignore.

He walked beside her, their fingers occasionally brushing as they moved through the crowded streets. She was still clutching the ridiculous romance novel he had convinced her to buy, shaking her head in amusement.

"I can't believe you made me buy this."

He grinned. "Oh, come on. Admit it, you're secretly excited to read it."

She scoffed. "I am not."

He gave her a knowing look. "Liar."

She rolled her eyes but smiled.

As they reached the quieter part of town, he suddenly tugged her hand, pulling her into a small alleyway. She gasped. "What are you—"

"Shh." His eyes twinkled mischievously. "Trust me."

She hesitated but allowed him to lead her through a hidden side street until they emerged onto a secluded rooftop. The sight took her breath away.

The rooftop overlooked the entire city, the skyline stretching far into the horizon, the colors of the sunset painting everything in a soft, golden glow. String lights hung loosely from poles, swaying gently in the evening breeze. A small table was set up in the center with a single candle flickering in the dim light.

She turned to him, eyes wide. "What is this?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I figured we could have dinner here instead of some crowded restaurant."

Her heart stuttered. "You did all this?"

He shrugged. "I had some help."

She smiled, taking in the effort—the quiet intimacy of it all.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

He smirked. "That's what makes me interesting."

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(Dinner Under the Stars)

The food arrived shortly after—a mix of their favorite dishes from a small restaurant nearby. They sat across from each other, the candlelight casting a soft glow over his face.

She twirled her fork between her fingers. "You know, I think this might be our first official date."

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying breakfast this morning didn't count?"

She laughed. "You made me declare my love for a croissant. That definitely didn't count."

He chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "Fair enough."

For a moment, they ate in comfortable silence, the city buzzing faintly in the background. But she could feel it—the shift in the air, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.

Finally, she took a deep breath. "Why did you do all this?"

He met her gaze. "Because I wanted to."

Her heart pounded. "Why?"

His fingers drummed against the table before he leaned forward slightly, voice lower now. "Because I like being around you. Because every time I'm with you, I feel like I can actually breathe. Because…" He hesitated, his eyes searching hers.

Her breath caught. "Because what?"

He exhaled a small laugh, shaking his head. "You make everything feel different. Like maybe, just maybe, this doesn't have to be as complicated as I make it out to be."

She swallowed past the lump in her throat. "It doesn't have to be complicated."

He smiled, small and knowing. "Then let's keep it simple."

And just like that, everything felt a little clearer.

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(A Dance in the Moonlight)

After dinner, they lingered on the rooftop, neither of them ready to leave. The string lights cast a soft glow around them, the night air crisp but comfortable.

She sighed, stretching her arms. "That was probably the best date I've ever had."

He smirked. "You say that like you've had a lot of them."

She laughed. "I have had dates, you know."

"Were they as amazing as this?"

She pretended to think. "Hmm… I don't know. I once went on a date where the guy took me to a petting zoo and let me name a baby goat."

He groaned. "Okay, fine, that sounds kind of adorable."

She grinned. "Right?"

He suddenly stood, extending a hand toward her.

She blinked. "What are you doing?"

He wiggled his fingers. "Dance with me."

She hesitated. "There's no music."

He pulled out his phone, scrolling until soft, slow music played from the tiny speaker. He looked at her again. "Now, no excuses."

She laughed but placed her hand in his.

He pulled her close, his free hand resting on her waist. Their movements were slow, almost lazy, swaying gently under the night sky.

She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He smelled like fresh soap and something undeniably him.

"This is nice," she murmured.

He chuckled softly. "Told you I had good ideas."

They swayed in silence for a while until she finally tilted her head up to look at him. His gaze was already on her, something unreadable in his eyes.

Her heart pounded.

She barely had time to react before he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers.

Soft. Warm.

A slow inhale.

The world faded, and all that existed was this—the quiet hum of the city below, the way his fingers tightened around her waist, the way their hearts raced in perfect sync.

By the time they pulled away, her knees felt weak.

He studied her carefully. "Was that okay?"

She let out a breathless laugh. "More than okay."

A small, satisfied smirk tugged at his lips.

And as they stood there, caught between the past and whatever future awaited them, she realized—

She was completely in love with him.

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(A Playful Challenge)

Before they could fully return to their seats, he pulled away with a mischievous grin.

"Let's make this even more interesting," he said.

She eyed him warily. "I don't like the sound of that."

"Truth or dare."

She groaned. "You're kidding."

"Scared?"

She crossed her arms. "Fine. Truth."

He smirked. "Have you ever had a dream about me?"

Her face heated instantly. "W-what kind of question is that?!"

He leaned in, eyes twinkling. "A simple yes or no will do."

She grumbled under her breath before mumbling, "...Maybe."

His grin widened. "Interesting."

She huffed. "Okay, your turn. Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

She smirked, getting her revenge. "I dare you to dance like no one's watching. Right here, right now."

He stared at her for a moment before shrugging. "Alright."

Then, to her utter horror (and delight), he started dancing. And not just any dance—he was pulling out the worst moves, from an exaggerated moonwalk to a dramatic spin that nearly knocked over the candle.

She burst into laughter, holding her stomach. "Stop! You're going to break something!"

He laughed along with her, finally stopping to catch his breath. "Your turn again."

But she was too busy wiping away tears of laughter.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt truly happy.

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