[Third Person POV]
The sky outside David's window was a soft blue, touched with streaks of sunlight filtering through the buildings. The noise from the city was distant, almost peaceful today.
David was holding his phone as he e stared at the screen for a moment before tapping Elena's contact and calling her.
"Hey," he said when she picked up.
"Hi," Elena replied, her voice warm.
"Just wanted to ask where and when I should pick you up today evening," he said, smiling a little.
"I'm at the Columbia dorms. The private ones near Riverside Drive," she said. "There's a bench near the front entrance. You'll see it. Pick me up there?"
"Got it," David said. "I'll be there on time."
"Looking forward to it," she said. "And David? Don't overthink it. Just be yourself."
He laughed quietly. "That might be the hardest part."
They spoke for a few more minutes. Nothing serious. Just small things. It felt easy, light. When they said goodbye, David found himself smiling without thinking.
After the call, he walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge, scanning the ingredients. He decided on something light but flavorful—spaghetti aglio e olio. It was simple, but he made it perfectly. Garlic sizzled in olive oil as he tossed in red pepper flakes and parsley. The pasta came out golden and fragrant, with a final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. He plated it neatly and poured himself a chilled glass of lemon-infused water.
He sat at the small table, eating slowly while checking his tablet for updates on his stock investments. He had a few shares in a growing energy company, and he was watching the numbers shift every few minutes. It kept his mind busy.
Hours passed quietly. At around four in the evening, he closed the laptop. It was time to start getting ready.
He stepped into the shower and let the warm water wash over him. It helped clear his head. No planning, no stress, just the steady sound of water. After drying off, he stood in front of the mirror, running a towel through his hair before brushing it neatly.
For tonight, he chose a clean, navy-blue button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up just below the elbows. He paired it with dark jeans and black sneakers. He didn't want to seem too formal or too relaxed. He added a leather strap watch and used a bit of cologne, something subtle with a hint of spice.
He gave himself one last look in the mirror.
By the time he grabbed his keys and stepped out of his apartment, the evening sun was already starting to drop lower in the sky. The air outside was cool but not cold. He walked to where his car was parked nearby—his Dodge Challenger, matte black, polished and ready. It stood out just enough without drawing too much attention.
He drove through the city, music low in the background, until he reached the Columbia dorms. He parked by the curb and stepped out, standing by the passenger side door as he waited.
Meanwhile, inside her room, Elena was putting on the final touch of her lip gloss. Her roommate Sofie sat on the bed, watching her with a teasing grin. She already knew about David, and had heard plenty from Elena over the past week.
"You've changed your earrings twice already," Sofie said. "David must be something special."
Elena rolled her eyes but smiled. "It's just a casual date."
"Mmhmm," Sofie said, stretching out. "And I casually saw you Google 'cute but not trying too hard outfits' this morning."
"You're annoying," Elena said, laughing. "And yes, I like him. You were right."
She gave herself a final look in the mirror. She wore a soft beige top and a light jacket over fitted jeans. Her hair, dark brown and smooth, was left down. Her hazel eyes caught the light as she turned toward the door.
"Wish me luck," she said.
"You don't need it," Sofie replied. "But have fun. And text me if he turns out to be weird."
Elena stepped outside and walked toward the entrance of the dorm. From a distance, she spotted David standing by his car.
He looked up as she approached. His eyes widened for a second. She was five foot four, and yet in that moment, she seemed to hold the entire street's attention.
She smiled. "Hey."
"You look amazing," he said, stunned. "Like... wow."
She looked at him and smiled wider. "You clean up pretty well yourself."
He stepped forward and opened the door for her. "Shall we?"
"We shall," she said, slipping into the car.
The drive wasn't long. They reached Central Park just as the evening light dipped into gold. David found a quiet spot to park nearby, and the two began their walk through the winding paths of the park. Birds were still chirping softly, and the air carried a mix of spring and city.
They talked as they walked. About school, about favorite movies, childhood memories, and strange food experiences. Nothing serious, but all genuine.
Eventually, they found a bench under a tall tree. They sat there, talking more, the conversation flowing without pause. Time slipped past unnoticed.
It wasn't until David checked his watch that he realized they had been sitting there for nearly two hours.
"We should probably get dinner," he said.
Elena nodded, smiling.
They stood up and started walking again, leaving the bench behind.
They made their way back to the car, the soft sound of their footsteps blending with the quiet of the city evening. David opened the door for Elena once again, and she slipped in with a smile.
"Where are we going for dinner?" she asked as he got in and started the engine.
"Somewhere quiet. I thought Italian would be good," he replied. "Not too fancy, just good food."
"Sounds perfect," she said.
He pulled out onto the street, the city lights starting to glow brighter as they headed toward the restaurant. The radio played softly in the background, but most of the drive was filled with comfortable silence.
David glanced over at her at a red light. She looked peaceful, gazing out the window, her hair catching the golden reflection of the traffic lights. For the first time in a long time, everything felt simple.
They arrived at a cozy Italian place tucked between two bookstores. It had warm lights, brick walls, and the soft scent of herbs and fresh bread drifting out the open windows. Inside, the atmosphere was relaxed. Casual diners chatted over wine and pasta.
They were seated at a corner table. David held the menu for a moment, then glanced at Elena.
"What are you thinking of ordering?" he asked.
"Probably the mushroom ravioli," she said, then looked up with a smirk. "Unless you think you can cook it better."
David chuckled. "Honestly? I probably could."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "Confident, are we?"
"Only because I've actually made it before," he said, smiling. "I don't like to brag, but I've got skills."
"Alright, chef. Next time, you cook."
They ordered their food, and while waiting, they talked about the best and worst meals they had ever had. David told a funny story about trying to make pancakes as a kid and nearly setting the stove on fire. Elena laughed so hard she almost knocked over her water.
Their food arrived, and the conversation didn't stop. They teased each other gently, sharing bites and comparing sauces. It was easy—comfortable. Like they had known each other longer than just a few weeks.
After dinner, David paid the bill, and they stepped back outside. The night air was cool but pleasant.
"That was really nice," Elena said as they walked toward the car.
"It was," David agreed. "I'm glad we did this."
The drive back to her dorm was quiet, but it wasn't the kind of silence that needed to be filled. It was peaceful.
When they reached the front of the building, David got out and opened the door for her one last time.
"Thank you for tonight," she said, stepping out. "I had a great time."
"Me too," David said. He paused for a moment.
Elena smiled and touched his arm lightly. "Let's do it again sometime."
David's lips curled into a sly smile. "Is that an official invite for another date?"
She nodded. "I'd like that."
They smiled at each other, neither rushing to say goodbye. David's hand lingered in his pocket for a moment, and then he stepped in, closing the space between them.
"Hey," he said, his voice a little lower now.
Elena looked up at him. Her hazel eyes caught the soft light from the streetlamp above. "Yeah?"
"I don't really want to say goodnight just yet," he said, searching her face.
She didn't say anything right away. But she didn't move either. Her smile softened. "Then don't."
David leaned in, slowly, giving her the chance to back away if she wanted. She didn't. Her eyes fluttered shut at the last second.
Their lips met gently, but there was heat in the quiet tension between them. The kiss was soft, but sure. Her hand rested lightly on his chest, and his fingers brushed her waist.
When they pulled back, Elena's smile had changed. There was something deeper in it now.
"Wow," she whispered.
David let out a small breath, smiling too. "Yeah. That... ."
"It did," she agreed, her voice low.
They stood there for another few seconds, closer now. Then Elena stepped back slowly.
"Now you can say goodnight," she said, still smiling.
"Goodnight, Elena," David said, eyes never leaving hers.
She gave him one last look before turning and walking inside. He watched until the door closed behind her, then leaned back against his car for a moment, exhaling like he had just stepped out of a dream.
Then he got in and pulled away into the quiet city streets, the taste of her kiss still on his lips and something new and electric in his chest.
To Be Continued...