The sun was almost setting over the edge of the city, orange light reflecting off the walls of nearby buildings, creating a warm and calm atmosphere. Eric stood outside the small café they had chosen, hands in his pockets, eyes watching people pass by. His heart was beating a little faster, but he tried to look relaxed. He knew Clara had promised to come.
A few moments later, the café door opened softly. Clara stepped out, her hair lifted gently by the breeze, a small smile playing on her lips. Eric felt a warm feeling spread through his chest. That smile, the way she walked, made him feel relieved and excited at the same time.
"Hey," Clara greeted, her steps casual but her eyes fixed on Eric with quiet focus.
"Hey," Eric replied, smiling softly. "Did you wait long?"
"Not really. I came right on time," Clara said as she sat down across from him. She glanced away for a second, eyes flickering with nervousness, but she kept smiling. "Actually… there's something I want to say." Her face flushed slightly.
Eric raised an eyebrow, his tone gentle but serious. "Oh? What is it?"
Clara took a slow breath, her hands clasped on the table as she tried to steady her heartbeat. "Eric… I've been keeping this to myself for a long time. But I don't want to hide it anymore." She paused, then looked straight into his eyes. "I… I like you. I really do. There's no other reason. You just make me feel… complete."
Eric went quiet for a moment, warmth filling his chest. He noticed the faint redness on Clara's cheeks, the soft smile that carried nothing but honesty. Slowly, he smiled back, his voice low but clear. "Clara… I feel the same. I've been afraid to say it, but… I like you too. Ever since the first time I met you."
Clara's smile widened, relief and happiness washing over her. "Really?" she asked, eyes shining.
"Really," Eric replied as he reached out and gently took her hand. "If you're okay with it… I want to be with you."
Clara laughed softly, her voice sweet. "Me too."
They fell silent for a moment, both of them blushing. Not long after, they left the café and walked along the sidewalk lit by streetlights. The night air was cool but comforting. Every step felt easy, like the rest of the world didn't matter. It was just the two of them.
Eric glanced at Clara. "If you don't mind, I want to take you out to dinner next time. Properly. Not just coffee."
Clara raised an eyebrow, smiling warmly. "I like that plan. But don't forget… I still get to choose the place."
"Deal," Eric said with a quiet laugh. "But you have to promise not to lie when you pick the food."
"I won't lie," Clara teased, squeezing his hand tighter. "If I do, are you going to hit me?"
Eric laughed, feeling unbelievably happy. "I won't hit you… but you'll have to finish your food."
They kept walking, talking and joking, enjoying the first real moments of love. Every smile, every laugh, every handhold added a warmth they had never felt before. That night, Eric and Clara began dating with open hearts and honesty, no secrets, no doubt. For that moment, their world was just the two of them.
---
Liam took a deep breath as they stepped out of the elevator. "Alright… we're here. The most popular arcade in this area," he said, trying to sound calm.
Jay grinned, his eyes sparkling. "You look a little excited, Liam. I hope you're mentally prepared, because I'm planning to win every game today."
They walked in, the smell of popcorn and electronic machines hitting them instantly. Jay rushed straight to the claw machines, hands already moving the joystick. Liam followed more slowly, holding back laughter as Jay made a deadly serious face, like he was on an important mission.
"Seriously, Jay… are you really that determined to get that teddy bear?" Liam asked, trying not to smile.
Jay rolled his eyes. "Of course. This is serious business. That teddy matches my aura. Watch me win." He pressed the button dramatically. The claw dropped… but snagged another toy instead, sending the teddy rolling away.
Liam shook his head. "Classic Jay…"
He tried the claw next, but Jay deliberately pressed another button, making the claw miss. Liam yelped, "Hey! Stop it! I'm being serious!"
Jay laughed so hard he had to cover his mouth. "You're useless when you're serious. This is an arcade, not an office!"
Liam took a breath, trying to stay composed. "Fine. Strategy mode." He focused, but Jay suddenly moved to another machine, wearing a mischievous grin. "You think you can beat me? Watch this—" In seconds, Jay's claw grabbed the teddy Liam had been targeting.
"NOOO!" Liam yelled, slapping the machine. People nearby laughed. Jay pretended to look apologetic. "Oops… sorry. Can't help it, gotta protect my skills."
Next, they went to the ball-throwing game. Liam was serious, eyes focused. Jay pretended to concentrate too, then deliberately threw the ball in the wrong direction, making Liam laugh in frustration. "Jay! Be serious for once!"
Jay laughed while dodging away. "Relax, Liam. You're an Alpha. Even if you're stressed, nobody's dying."
Liam laughed and tried to chase him, but got stuck when Jay jumped onto a small platform.
After finishing the games, they sat at the arcade café with their drinks. Jay grinned and said, "I think you're slowly falling in love with the arcade too, huh?"
Liam looked at him, smiling slightly. "I'm just going with the flow. You're the one making everything funny."
Jay laughed, then went quiet for a moment, looking at Liam. "Do you like dating me like this?"
Liam froze for a second, then smiled. "I do. I didn't expect you could make me laugh like this. I'm usually serious all the time."
Jay lowered his head a little, laughing softly. "Yeah, you're serious… but you're funny when you try to hide how you feel."
Liam laughed, nearly choking on his drink. "Hey, don't tease me!"
They kept joking, talking about the games, the teddy bear they failed to win, and other silly moments. Jay's pheromones were still there, but this time Liam could control himself without trouble. They were comfortable, laughing together. The atmosphere was relaxed, playful, and full of chemistry.
The night ended with Jay pretending to fall off his chair, and Liam quickly catching him. "Seriously, Jay… you never change."
Jay smiled brightly, his hand still in Liam's. "And I don't want to. With you, everything feels perfect."
Liam laughed and pulled him closer. "If you say it's perfect… then I guess it really is."
And just like that, their night ended. Not overly sweet or cheesy, but filled with laughter, teasing, and clear chemistry. Their first official date as a couple was chaotic, funny, and sweet in its own way.