It was Fun

Marcus sat in the passenger seat of his dad's Porsche, tapping his fingers lightly on the door as they drove toward the Dunphy house. His father, Jonathan Carter, gave him a sideways glance before returning his eyes to the road.

"So," Jonathan started, smirking slightly, "going to the movies with a girl, huh?"

Marcus rolled his eyes. "It's not a date, Dad. Just two classmates celebrating a project."

Jonathan chuckled. "Uh-huh. Just saying, back in my day, that's exactly what a date sounded like."

"Yeah, well, this isn't 'back in your day,' old man," Marcus shot back, grinning.

His dad shook his head with a chuckle as they pulled up to the Dunphy household.

Marcus stepped out and rang the doorbell. It wasn't long before Claire opened the door, her skeptical gaze immediately locking onto him.

"You again," she said, crossing her arms.

Marcus gave her his best charming smile. "Yep. And still not a threat, I promise."

Claire sighed before turning her head. "Alex, Marcus is here!"

Alex appeared a few seconds later, dressed casually but looking like she had at least somewhat considered what she was wearing. She adjusted her glasses slightly. "Hey."

"Hey," Marcus replied. "Ready?"

"Yeah."

Claire looked between them, then at Jonathan, who gave her a polite nod from the car. "You're sure it's just the two of them?" she asked.

Jonathan nodded. "Yep. I'll drop them off and pick them up in two hours."

Claire sighed. "Fine. Be safe. Text me if anything happens, Alex."

"I know, Mom," Alex groaned as she stepped outside.

Marcus opened the car door for her with an exaggerated bow. "Your chariot awaits, milady."

Alex rolled her eyes but smirked as she got in.

The Movie

Jonathan dropped them off at the theater, waving as he drove off. The two walked inside, and Marcus quickly bought their tickets and snacks before heading into the auditorium.

The movie was a fast-paced sci-fi action flick, full of explosions, chase scenes, and clever dialogue. Alex, initially skeptical, found herself surprisingly engaged, especially with Marcus sitting beside her making occasional, well-timed snarky comments about certain plot holes.

"Okay, but how does that explosion only take out the villain's hideout and nothing else?" Marcus whispered.

Alex stifled a laugh. "Maybe they used selective TNT?"

Marcus nodded seriously. "Ah, yes. The scientifically accurate 'Plot Armor C-4.'"

As the movie continued, Alex realized something—she was actually having fun. More than she expected.

Milkshake Stop

After the movie ended, the two walked out into the cool evening air.

"Alright, that was better than I expected," Alex admitted.

Marcus smirked. "See? You should trust my recommendations more."

Alex huffed. "Don't push it."

Marcus spotted a Shake Shack next door and nodded toward it. "We've got time before my dad picks us up. Shake?"

"Fine," Alex said, pretending to sound reluctant.

They stepped inside, ordered their shakes, and sat down at a small table. Marcus leaned back in his seat, stirring his chocolate shake with a straw.

"So, Alex," he said, "tell me—how does it feel to be undeniably the smartest student in the class?"

Alex scoffed. "I always was. Our project just made it obvious."

Marcus grinned. "Modest as ever."

Alex sipped her vanilla shake. "Seriously, though. I had fun tonight. I wasn't sure I would, but… I did."

Marcus smirked. "Well, I am an excellent source of entertainment."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're a source of entertainment."

As they continued chatting, the conversation flowed naturally. It was easy—comfortable. For the first time in a while, Alex found herself just… enjoying someone's company.

A few minutes later, Jonathan's car pulled up outside.

"That's our ride," Marcus said, standing up.

They stepped outside, climbing into the car.

"So, how was it?" Jonathan asked.

Alex, without thinking, replied, "It was fun."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow at Marcus, who just shot him a smug look.

Claire was definitely going to have questions.