"Well," Summer began, "I once fell off a stage while giving a speech to my company. Landed right on my face. Pretty sure half the audience still thinks about it when they see me."
Tristan burst out laughing. "That sounds... epic, actually."
"Not when you're the one eating the floor," she quipped, though she couldn't help but laugh too. "Your turn."
"Oh, mine's way worse," he said, leaning in as if he was about to share a secret. "I accidentally kissed my teacher in third grade."
Summer's eyes went wide as she snorted. "No way!"
"True story," Tristan said, looking sheepish. "I leaned in to say something, she turned at the wrong moment, and bam! Traumatized for life."
They both laughed heartily, their playful banter continuing as they walked along the riverbank. The day was already off to a great start—lighthearted, relaxed, and fun.
Their next stop was something more adventurous. Tristan had arranged for them to try out one of Paris's famous rooftop swings, high above the city.
"You've got to be kidding me," Summer said as she stared up at the swing suspended from the rooftop. "That's your idea of a romantic date?"
"I figured we'd get a new perspective on things," Tristan replied cheekily. "Plus, I thought you liked a bit of adrenaline."
Summer crossed her arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "I'll do it, but only because I don't back down from a challenge."
"Challenge accepted," Tristan grinned.
The view from the rooftop was breathtaking. Paris sprawled out before them, the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance. As they took their seats on the swing, Tristan turned to Summer with a mischievous smile. "You ready?"
She rolled her eyes. "You better hold on tight, Trish."
As the swing lifted off, they soared over the city, laughter filling the air. Summer gripped the ropes tightly at first, but as they swung higher, she relaxed, letting out an exhilarated whoop.
Tristan glanced over, his heart swelling at the sight of her so carefree. "Having fun yet?"
Summer looked back at him, her face flushed with excitement. "You're starting to impress me, Mr. Handsome."
After the adrenaline rush, they cooled down with a visit to a hidden garden Tristan had discovered. It was tucked away behind an old stone building, lush with greenery and blooming roses. A small fountain bubbled in the center, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
"This is... beautiful," Summer said softly, her eyes wide with awe.
"I thought you might like it," Tristan replied, pleased with her reaction. "It's one of Paris's best-kept secrets."
They found a bench near the fountain, sitting close but comfortably silent for a while. The garden was peaceful, a stark contrast to the lively streets they had just come from.
"So," Summer finally spoke, breaking the silence. "You've taken me flying over Paris and brought me to a secret garden. What's next? Dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower?"
Tristan chuckled. "Tempting, but no. That would be too obvious."
"Then what?" she asked, intrigued.
"Guess you'll have to wait and see," he teased, his smile widening.
As the day wound down, they found themselves at a secluded street corner, where a small street band had started playing lively jazz music. Without a word, Tristan grabbed Summer's hand, pulling her into an impromptu dance.
"Again with the dancing?" Summer laughed as Tristan spun her around.
"Hey, I told you I was going to impress you," he said, grinning as he dipped her playfully.
She laughed, breathless but beaming. "You're full of surprises, Trish."
"And I'm not done yet," he replied, his eyes twinkling.
As the sun set over Paris, casting the city in hues of pink and gold, they finally settled in at a small café overlooking the Seine. Tristan reached across the table, taking Summer's hand in his.
"Sam, today has been amazing," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "But the truth is, I didn't plan all of this just for fun. I did it because I want you to know how much you mean to me."
Summer's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze.
"I want to be more than just your friend or some circumstantial travel partner or your fan. I want to be the guy who's there for you, who makes you laugh, who surprises you, who helps you kick some and the only person you take advantage of and be responsible for, anytime anywhere. In short, I want you to be my girlfriend."
For once, Summer was speechless. The playful banter faded, replaced by something deeper.
She squeezed his hand, a smile tugging at her lips. "You know, Trish, you've really outdone yourself today."
"So, is that a yes?"
Summer grinned. "It's a maybe."
Tristan laughed, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips, sealing the perfect day with a perfect moment. Paris had worked its magic, and both of them knew—this was just the beginning.
Soon it was approaching the time for dinner. Tristan and Summer strolled down the cobblestone streets, the warm lights of the city flickering like stars around them. The sound of laughter and the murmur of voices filled the air as they walked together, hand in hand, their steps in sync.
As they approached the iconic Eiffel Tower, its lights twinkling in the distance, they noticed the couples gathered underneath. Some were kissing, others hugging or taking pictures, creating a tapestry of love and joy beneath the tower's shimmering lights. They stood there for a moment, observing, the magic of Paris palpable in the air.
Summer glanced at Tristan with a playful glint in her eyes. "You know, Trish," she began, her voice thoughtful yet teasing, "if, and only if, we ever fall deeply in love... I mean, the kind of love where we can't imagine living without each other..."
Tristan turned his head toward her, raising an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
"Well," she continued, "if we get to that point where we decide we want to be together forever, then that day, we should cross this distance. We'll go under the Eiffel Tower, and... I don't know, maybe we'll profess our love. Something epic."
A soft smile curved Tristan's lips as he looked at her, his gaze tender. "Whenever that day arrives, Sam, even if you don't feel like walking, I'll carry you all the way underneath the tower." His tone was filled with affection, but there was also a quiet sincerity in his words that made Summer's heart skip a beat.
Summer's eyes twinkled mischievously as she turned to face him fully. "Done."
"Deal," Tristan replied, his voice warm, his gaze steady as if sealing a promise.