Chapter Three.

Sage woke up at 8 AM, staring at the ceiling for a moment, her heart already buzzing with anticipation. Today was the day. Her date with Harlow. A part of her couldn't believe how quickly things had fallen into place, but another part—one that she often kept buried—was afraid it was too good to be true. But instead of letting doubt creep in, she grabbed her phone and sent Harlow a sweet but teasing message.

Sage: "Good morning, angel. Hope you slept well. Can't wait to see you today. Try not to miss me too much before then. ;)"

After hitting send, she stretched and got up, heading straight for the shower. The hot water did little to calm her racing thoughts, but she focused on making herself look good. She picked out her outfit carefully—tight, ripped-up jeans that hugged her curves, a black lace top that revealed just enough skin to make a statement, and a long, black cardigan that balanced the look. After doing her makeup—sharp winged eyeliner and a nude lip—she straightened her jet-black hair until it was sleek and smooth.

Satisfied, she walked into the kitchen, where her mother was already sitting at the counter, her arms crossed and judgment clear in her sharp gaze.

"Where do you think you're going dressed like that?" her mother asked, her tone dripping with disapproval.

Sage sighed, rolling her eyes as she grabbed a coffee mug. "Out. Not that it's any of your business."

"You're 25 and still living under my roof, so yeah, it is my business."

Sage gritted her teeth. "I'm 25. I have a job, I pay rent, and I have my own life. You don't get to control me."

Her mother scoffed but didn't push further. Sage grabbed her keys and walked out, heading straight for her car—her prized pitch-black Mustang with pink accents. She revved the engine and pulled out, heading toward her favorite café to grab breakfast and coffee. While waiting for her order, she checked her phone.

Harlow: "Good morning! I'm so excited for today! Also, your mom sounds... exhausting. I'm sorry you have to deal with that."

Sage: "Eh, I'm used to it. But let's not waste time on her—send me a selfie. I wanna see how gorgeous you look."

A minute later, Sage received a picture of Harlow wearing a pastel blue Cinnamoroll sweater, black leggings, and boots. Her hair was in a half-up hairstyle, her makeup soft but still stunning, with pale pink eyeshadow, thick winged eyeliner, and long false lashes.

Sage smirked, biting her lip before replying. "Damn, angel, trying to make me weak before I even see you in person today? Not fair."

At 12:05, Sage pulled into the library parking lot. Her heart did an annoying little flip when she spotted Harlow standing by the entrance. She was nervously twirling a strand of hair around her finger, shifting on her feet. Sage took a deep breath, got out, and walked over.

"Hey, angel," she greeted, flashing a smirk.

Harlow's eyes lit up, and she smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and hoping this goes well. 

Sage held the door open for Harlow as they stepped into the cozy, book-filled atmosphere of the library's café. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the faint vanilla and cinnamon undertones of the pastries behind the glass counter. 

They picked a quiet table in the corner, away from the bustling students and bookworms, and settled in with their drinks—Harlow nursing a warm chai latte while Sage sipped on a caramel macchiato.

"So," Sage started, leaning forward slightly, her dark eyes flickering with curiosity, "tell me more about you. I mean, I know you're an angel and all, but I want to know you."

Harlow smiled, playing with the sleeve of her pastel blue Cinnamoroll sweater. "There's not much to say," she murmured, but Sage's expectant look made her sigh. "My dad… he died last year. Lung cancer. It was rough."

Sage softened, her brows knitting together. "I'm sorry, Harlow."

Harlow nodded, exhaling shakily. "I made a lot of bad choices after that. I drank. A lot. Smoked too. It was my way of coping." She avoided Sage's gaze, her fingers tightening around her cup. "I'm recovering now. But I still get urges. Some days are harder than others."

Sage's heart clenched. She reached out, placing her hand over Harlow's. "That doesn't make me think any less of you."

Harlow's breath hitched. She wanted to believe her, but fear clawed at her chest. "I—um—I need a minute." She quickly stood and rushed to the bathroom, locking herself in a stall. The emotions hit her like a wave, and before she knew it, silent tears streamed down her cheeks.

A few moments later, there was a gentle knock on the stall door. "Harlow?" Sage's voice was soft, concerned. "Can I come in?"

Harlow sniffled and unlocked the door. Sage stepped inside, her presence grounding. Without hesitation, she pulled out a tissue from her jacket pocket and dabbed under Harlow's eyes, fixing the smudged makeup. "I got you."

Harlow let out a watery chuckle. "You're really sweet, you know that?"

Sage grinned. "Only for you."

As they left the bathroom and walked toward the manga section, Sage decided to open up in return. "I get it," she admitted. "My past isn't perfect either. I used to get into a lot of fights. Got arrested once for defending my little sister from our abusive cousin. It was worth it, though. I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Harlow glanced at her, admiration flickering in her blue eyes. "You're the kind of person who protects the ones you love."

"Damn right," Sage said, smirking. "And I gotta say, I'm starting to think you might be one of those people."

Harlow blushed and turned her attention to the shelves, her heart racing.

After spending a few hours browsing, laughing over nostalgic book finds, and checking out their selections, they decided to head to a nearby park. The crisp autumn air was refreshing as they strolled along the winding paths, eventually finding themselves at the swing set. They took turns pushing each other, giggling like kids, before sitting side by side and reminiscing about high school.

"You remember that one guy—Trevor? The one who thought he was the next big rapper but couldn't even rhyme?" Harlow snickered.

Sage burst out laughing. "Oh my God, yes! His mixtape was so bad. And he really thought he was gonna be famous."

They laughed until their stomachs hurt, the conversation flowing effortlessly. It felt natural. It felt right.

As the afternoon wore on, Harlow hesitated before suggesting, "Do you… want to come back to my place? We could watch a movie. My mom's gone for the day."

Sage smirked. "Alone time with you? Yeah, I'm down."

The drive back to Harlow's house was filled with loud music and carefree singing. When they pulled into the driveway, Harlow turned to grab her bag, but before she could react, Sage leaned in and pressed a soft yet confident kiss to her lips. Harlow's breath hitched, her cheeks burning as she covered her face with her hands.

Sage chuckled. "You're adorable." She got out and walked around to open Harlow's door. "Come on, angel. Show me around."

Inside, Harlow gave her a quick tour before they settled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, watching The Conjuring. As the jumpscares intensified, Harlow instinctively curled into Sage's side. It wasn't long before their eyes met, and Sage took the opportunity to tilt Harlow's chin up and kiss her deeply. The kiss grew heated, and between breathless murmurs, Harlow whispered, "I want you."

Sage groaned, brushing her lips along Harlow's jaw. "Careful what you wish for, angel."

They made out until exhaustion crept in, eventually falling asleep wrapped up in each other. 

When Sage's alarm blared, she groaned, realizing she had to leave for work. She sat up, brushing stray strands of hair from Harlow's face. "I don't want to go."

Harlow yawned, stretching. "Then don't."

"Tempting," Sage smirked. "But how about I come back after work and stay the night?"

Harlow beamed. "You mean we're already fitting the gay stereotype of long first dates?"

Sage's playful expression turned serious. "I don't care about stereotypes. I just know that I feel something really special with you."

Harlow's heart stuttered, and before she could overthink it, Sage leaned in and pressed a kiss just below her jaw, leaving a faint mark. "Something to remember me by," she teased before heading for the door.

Harlow touched the spot, a dazed smile on her lips. As Sage disappeared out the door, Harlow exhaled, feeling something she hadn't in a long time.

Hope.