The movie ended. The lights slowly came on in the theater.
Sophie discreetly wiped the tears from her eyes. "God," she said softly. "That movie always destroys me emotionally."
"Had you seen it before?"
"Twice. But never in a theater. It's different on the big screen." She stretched slightly. "Thanks for coming with me. I know existentialist French cinema isn't for everyone."
"I enjoyed it. Really."
We left the theater along with the rest of the audience. The lobby was lit with warm lights. Some groups were commenting on the movie.
Sophie and I stopped near the exit.
"So…" she began.
My heart was pounding. This was the moment I had been rehearsing in my mind all night.
"Do you want to take a walk for a bit?" she asked.
"Yes, I'd like that."
We went out onto the street. The night air was cool. The downtown lights created an almost magical atmosphere.
We walked in silence for a moment, the kind of comfortable silence that only exists when you feel good with someone.
"The final scene," Sophie said suddenly, "when Antoine looks at the camera… it always makes me think. Like he's asking, 'what now?'"
"It's a question we all ask ourselves, isn't it?"
She looked at me. "I guess so."
We stopped under a streetlamp, near a small square. There was an empty bench, but neither of us sat down. We just looked at each other.
[CRITICAL MOMENT DETECTED] [Signals analyzed:]
[- Body language: OPEN]
[- Sustained eye contact: YES]
[- Subtly moving closer: YES]
[- Lips slightly parted: YES]
[PROBABILITY OF ACCEPTANCE: 91%] [DO IT NOW]
"Sophie," I said softly.
"Yes?"
I leaned toward her. Leaving space. Giving her time to pull away if she wanted to.
She didn't pull away.
Our lips met.
Softly and for the first time I could give.
My first kiss.
It lasted maybe three seconds, but it felt like an eternity—her soft lips against mine.
When we pulled apart, Sophie's cheeks were flushed. Her eyes shone under the streetlight.
"I… I have to go," she said suddenly, taking a step back.
What?
"It's late. I should… I should go back to the room." Her voice sounded a little dazed. "I'm sorry, it's just that…"
"It's okay, I understand."
"Thank you for today. For the movie, for everything." She briefly touched her lips, as if she could still feel the kiss. "Everything was perfect, Gino."
Before I could respond, Sophie turned around and started walking quickly toward the bus stop.
"I'll text you tomorrow!" she shouted without turning back.
And she disappeared into the night.
I stayed standing there, under the streetlamp, touching my own lips.
It had happened.
My first kiss.
I arrived at Hawthorne Residence as if in a trance. I climbed the stairs to room 412. I opened the door.
Marco was awake, in front of his monitors.
"So?" he asked immediately, taking off his headphones.
I couldn't help but smile.
"Good. Very good."
"That's all I'm going to get out of you, right?"
"For now."
Marco snorted. "Good for you, brother."
I dropped onto my bed, still wearing my date clothes. I took out my phone.
And then it began.