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The evening air buzzed with energy, the city alive with twinkling lights and distant chatter. But inside their little world, everything felt still. Intimate. Safe.
She sat across from him at the candlelit dinner table, the dim glow casting flickering shadows across his face. He looked effortlessly handsome, his shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms as he casually swirled the wine in his glass.
"You know," he mused, his gaze fixed on her with quiet intensity, "I've been thinking about something."
She arched a brow, leaning forward with a smirk. "That sounds dangerous."
He chuckled, setting his glass down. "No, really. I was thinking about how love is kind of like a language. Some people speak it fluently, some struggle with it, and some... don't even realize they're speaking it."
Intrigued, she tilted her head. "And which one are we?"
He reached across the table, brushing his fingers against hers. "I think we're learning together you know".?
Her breath hitched at the tenderness in his voice. It was these moments—the unguarded ones—that made her fall for him a little more each day.
"Well," she whispered, smiling, "I'd say we're doing a pretty good job so far."
He smirked. "In that case, how about a pop quiz?"
She narrowed her eyes. "A pop quiz?"
"Yep." He leaned back, his expression teasing. "You have to answer truthfully. No dodging, no changing the subject."
She laughed. "Alright, fine. Hit me with your best shot." Hehehe she laughed once again.
He rested his chin on his hand. "What was the exact moment you knew you liked me?"
Her smile faltered slightly as her heart gave a small, unexpected lurch.
She thought back—to late-night talks, to stolen glances, to quiet moments that felt louder than words. And then, she knew.
"The night we stayed up talking until sunrise," she admitted. "It was the first time I realized how much I wanted to know you—all of you."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes before he smiled, squeezing her hand tightly.
"Your turn," she said. "Same question."
His smirk softened into something genuine. "The moment you laughed at one of my terrible jokes even when no one else did."
She burst out laughing. "Oh my God, are you serious?"
He grinned. "Dead serious. I knew right then that you were trouble."
They both laughed, the warmth of the moment settling between them like a promise.
(A Game of Hearts)
Later that night, back at her apartment, they found themselves curled up on the couch, a half-empty bowl of popcorn between them. A movie played in the background, but neither of them was really watching.
"I have an idea," he said suddenly, turning to her with a mischievous glint.
She groaned. "Every time you say that, chaos follows."
He smirked. "Let's play Truth or Dare."
She eyed him suspiciously. "You, of all people, suggesting a game?"
"Hey," he feigned offense, "I can have fun."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Bring it on."
"Okay." He tapped his chin. "Truth or Dare?"
She thought for a moment. "Truth."
A slow, wicked grin spread across his face. "What's your biggest secret?"
She gasped. "That's such a broad question!"
"Not my problem."
"Just answer the truth"
She sighed, pretending to think hard. Then, with a straight face, she said, "I once ate an entire cake by myself and blamed it on my cousin."
His laughter was instant and loud. "No way."
She nodded solemnly. "It was chocolate. I have no regrets by the way.
I love chocolates and i couldn't get my eyes of the cake so i ate it all.
"Remind me never to leave food unattended around you."
"My turn." She smirked. "Truth or Dare?"
"Dare," he said without hesitation.
She thought for a moment before grinning. "I dare you to dance. Right here. Right now."
He groaned. "You're cruel."
She grabbed her phone and scrolled through her playlist. "You should've picked truth, then."
A slow, romantic song started playing, and he sighed dramatically before standing up.
"You're lucky I like you," he muttered.
She laughed as he moved awkwardly at first, then with exaggerated, dramatic flair. He twirled, threw in a ridiculous spin, and even pointed at her like he was in a boyband.
"Oh wow," she teased, clapping. "And here I thought you were just brooding and mysterious."
He smirked, offering his hand. "Dance with me, then."
She hesitated, then let him pull her up.
As they swayed in the dim light, the laughter faded, replaced by something softer. His hand rested against her waist, his heartbeat steady against her cheek.
"You know," he murmured, "this might be my favorite dare yet."
She smiled, resting her head against his chest. "Mine too."
(An Unforgettable Date)
The next day, he surprised her with a text: Wear something nice. I'm taking you out.
Curious and excited, she got ready, her heart pounding with anticipation. When he arrived, dressed in a crisp shirt with that familiar smirk, she knew tonight was going to be special.
They drove in comfortable silence, the city lights painting golden reflections on the windshield. When they arrived, her breath caught.
"You did all this?" she asked, taking in the rooftop setup—a table for two, fairy lights strung above, and a breathtaking skyline view.
He scratched the back of his neck, looking almost shy. "I figured we deserved a real date."
She turned to him, overwhelmed. "This is perfect."
Dinner was a blur of laughter, stolen glances, and quiet confessions.
Between bites of dessert, he reached for her hand, tracing circles on her palm with his thumb.
"I wanted tonight to be special," he admitted.
She squeezed his hand. "It already is."
As the night wore on, they danced under the stars. He pulled her close, whispering things only meant for her ears.
"You make me want forever," he murmured.
Her heart swelled. "Forever sounds good."
And as they kissed under the city lights, she realized something—
Love wasn't just a language.
It was their language.
And they were finally fluent in it.
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