A Night to Remember

The theater lobby was filled with the murmur of conversations, the scent of buttered popcorn hanging in the air. As they waited in line for tickets, Kazuki kept stealing quick glances at Miyuki.

Her usual composed expression remained, but there was something about the way she tucked her hair behind her ear every few minutes that made him think she might be a little nervous too.

Once they got their tickets, Kazuki hesitated before asking, "Do you want popcorn or anything?"

Miyuki glanced at the counter, then back at him. "Hmm… maybe just a drink."

"Alright," Kazuki nodded, but before he could take out his wallet, Miyuki had already stepped forward, paying for her own.

"Oi, at least let me—"

She simply smiled, holding up her drink. "Fair's fair. You got the tickets."

Kazuki exhaled, shaking his head with a small smirk. "Guess I'll have to pay you back next time."

Miyuki blinked at that. "Next time?"

His breath caught for a second. Did I just—

Before he could backtrack, Miyuki gave a small laugh, her voice light. "Alright. I'll hold you to that."

His heartbeat, already uneven, flatlined for a second before picking up again.

The theater was dimly lit, the quiet buzz of people settling into their seats filling the space. Kazuki and Miyuki had chosen seats somewhere near the middle, not too close but not too far.

As the previews rolled, Kazuki glanced at Miyuki beside him. She had a calm, composed expression, but something about the way she was holding her hands together in her lap made him think she was at least a little excited.

"Looking forward to it?" he asked.

She turned slightly, meeting his gaze. "I am. It's been a while since I watched a movie in theaters."

Kazuki smirked. "Hope it's good then. I'd hate to be blamed for a bad pick."

Miyuki let out a quiet laugh. "If it's bad, we can just make fun of it together."

A comfortable silence followed, and then the lights dimmed as the movie began.

About halfway through the movie, Kazuki became increasingly aware of how close they were sitting. It wasn't intentional—it was just the natural space between seats—but somehow, it felt a lot more noticeable than it should have.

Especially when their hands brushed slightly on the shared armrest.

Kazuki felt his body tense for a split second, but he didn't move away. And neither did Miyuki.

She didn't say anything, didn't react obviously, but he could tell she noticed. The faintest hesitation in her movements, the way her fingers subtly shifted—it was there.

And for some reason, that tiny, almost imperceptible moment made his heart race more than the action scenes on screen.

At one particularly tense moment, Miyuki barely leaned forward, focused. Without thinking, Kazuki muttered, "It's obviously the guy with the—"

She nudged him gently with her elbow.

"Shh," she whispered.

Kazuki held back a grin, turning back to the screen. Noted. Miyuki doesn't like spoilers.

The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the streets still lively with people enjoying the evening.

"That was better than I expected," Miyuki said, adjusting the strap of her bag.

"Yeah," Kazuki agreed. "Though, I totally called the plot twist before it happened."

Miyuki raised an eyebrow. "You also almost spoiled it for me."

"...Fair point."

She chuckled softly, and for a brief moment, they just walked in silence.

The theater's neon lights cast a soft glow, the faint sound of city life surrounding them. It felt… natural.

When they finally reached the point where their paths would diverge, Miyuki slowed her steps.

"I had fun today," she said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Kazuki nodded, his voice casual—or at least trying to be. "Yeah, same."

She hesitated. For a second, it looked like she wanted to say something else.

Kazuki waited.

But instead, she just gave him a small smile.

"Goodnight, Kazuki."

Then, with a graceful turn, she walked away.

Kazuki stood there for a moment longer than necessary, watching her silhouette disappear into the distance.

As he walked back, the night air cool against his skin, his mind replayed every little moment.

The soft glow of the theater lights on her face. The way her voice had warmth when she spoke to him. The quiet comfort of sitting beside her.

He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling a stupid grin forming.

Damn… I think I really like her.