First date?

Blossom Square.

The mega mall near the school gates famous for its endless rows of boutiques and the trendiest fashion in town. Every student dreams of shopping here at least once.

Lucas is standing in front of the glass entrance, hands in his pockets, his baby blue shirt and jeans making him look effortlessly casual. He checks his phone, then glances up just in time to see me.

Me.

Wearing a flowing blue gown that catches the light with every step.

Lucas blinks, shamelessly staring from head to toe.

"What!?" I squeal, stomping my foot. "Don't look at me like that!"

Lucas chuckles, ruffling his hair. "I never knew you could look this good."

My face turns tomato red. "S-shut up!"

Before he can tease me again, a soft voice calls out, "Hey, guys!"

I spin around, my eyes lighting up. "Zera!"

We hug each other tightly while Lucas crosses his arms, looking thoroughly annoyed.

"I didn't say you could invite them," he mutters, eyes flicking to Zera.

Zera ignores his tone completely, her voice calm as always.

"I'd like you to meet my partner Larry Meccanzi."

We both blink at the empty space behind her.

"Uh... you know there's no one behind you, right?" I ask, squinting.

Zera laughs softly. "There, there... don't be shy."

Slowly, a small head peeks out from behind Zera's cardigan mint-green hair falling over big round glasses that almost swallow his face.

"H-hi..." Larry whispers, barely audible.

My jaw drops. "Oh my gosh! ZERA! Did you kidnap a baby genius or something?!"

Lucas bursts out laughing. "He sits beside me in class. But his face is always buried in his textbooks. Never thought he'd survive outside the computer lab!"

"Eeeehhh!" I squeal, grabbing Zera's arm. "You sneaky witch you really brought a hidden treasure!"

We spend the next hour wandering through Blossom Square, hopping from boutique to boutique.

Zera and I twirl in front of mirrors, take a few couple photos together, squealing over fabrics and cute couple outfits, while Larry follows obediently, notebook in hand, jotting down notes about patterns and color schemes.

Meanwhile, Lucas trudges behind us, hands shoved in his pockets, muttering under his breath every time I drag him into another store.

At long last, we end up slumping into the seats at a cozy café on the mall's second floor.

"Finally..." Lucas sighs dramatically, sinking into his chair. "We get to rest."

Zera sips her tea with a soft smile, while I giggle, scrolling through the photos I've secretly snapped of Larry being shy behind mannequins.

"Look at this!" I squeal, leaning close to Zera. Both of us giggle over the photos on my phone, heads practically touching.

Across the table, Lucas and Larry just sit there witnesses to the madness.

"This is not the date I had in mind..."

Lucas grumbles under his breath, shooting Larry a look.

Larry doesn't respond. He just keeps adjusting his glasses for the thousandth time, cheeks pink, pretending he isn't listening. 

Then, with a quick swipe, the next photo pops up Lucas, half-asleep at the library desk.

I yelp and try to slide it away, but Zera leans closer, eyes sparkling. "Ehhhh~"

"Ssshhh!" I hiss, glaring at my best friend with murder in my eyes.

Too late. Lucas, the nosiest man alive, leans over the table and snatches the phone right out of my hands.

"Let me see!" he barks, grinning like a devil.

"NO!!! Give it back!" I jump, trying to grab it, but Lucas shoots to his feet, holding the phone high over my head.

"Zera! Help me!" I plead dramatically only to glance at Zera, who calmly sips her tea, utterly unbothered.

Oh right... my best friend is useless.

And that baby genius, Larry Meccanzi? He just sits there, silently laughing, shoulders shaking as he hides behind his notebook.

Lucas tilts his head, his grin wolfish. "If you want your phone back..."

I freeze. "Don't you dare—"

Lucas leans down, voice low and teasing. 

"Kiss me. If you kiss me, I won't look at anything in here."

My face goes crimson in a heartbeat. Zera perks up slightly, curious to see if I'll actually do it.

And Larry... for the first time, lifts his fringe just enough to peek at us with wide eyes.

"Fine!" I spit, crossing my arms, glaring daggers at Lucas.

Lucas immediately closes his eyes and tilts his cheek toward me, still holding my phone high like a victory flag.

My heart hammers in my chest. My hands ball into fists.

Focus, Rose. One kiss. He never wins. One kiss.

I lean in and press a tiny, soft kiss to his cheek.

Lucas's lips curl into a smile. He bends close, whispering right at my ear, voice smooth as silk.

"I love you."

"EEEHHHH?!"

I squeak, shoving him back so hard he falls into his chair, nearly tipping over.

"THAT'S IT! We're going home!" I snap, cheeks flaming, arms crossed so tight I might burst.

Lucas just sits there, smirking with my phone still in his hand. Zera covers her mouth to hide her giggle. And Larry? He's shaking so hard from silent laughter he nearly falls off his chair.

Yup. That day went so great.

Agh... I sigh, flopping onto the couch back home.

"Well how is it goes...?" my mom's voice drifts closer. Teasing.

"Eh?!" I yelp, looking up when did my mom switch teams and join Lucas?!

She smiles down at me, laundry basket in her arms. "So... how was the date?"

"MOM! It's not a date!" I scream, burying my face in a pillow.

"It's an expedition! To find the perfect dress!"

My mom giggles as she walks away, folding towels. "Mmm-hmm... sure..."

"Ugh. No one gets me," I mutter under my breath.

Then my mom pauses at the door, tilting her head at me.

"Rose. The only one who doesn't get you... is you."

I lift my head, confused. "Huh?"

She smiles gently. "Your brain only focuses on what matters to you.

And every time you think of Lucas... well, ask yourself: does he matter to you?"

I stare at her, my mind blank. "W-what...?"