Friday finally arrived, the night Lorelei had been secretly looking forward to all week. Her heart fluttered as her phone lit up with a message from Ledger.
@Hi@
@Hey@
@So, are you ready for our movie night?@
@Hahaha, yes. Thought you totally forgot.@
@Why would I forget?@
Lorelei smiled at her phone, cheeks warming at the thought.
@See you tonight, Ledger.@
@See you.@
Excitement bubbled inside her as she prepared the little things — the popcorn, a mix of snacks, and a few chilled drinks. She wanted everything to be perfect. It wasn't just any movie night; it was her first with someone who made her feel alive again.
When night fell, a soft knock came at her door. Lorelei took a deep breath and opened it to find Ledger standing there — casual, confident, and with that calm smile that made her pulse race.
"Welcome to my empire," she joked, gesturing dramatically toward the small, cozy room.
He chuckled. "Mi casa es su casa."
"Thank you," she said, smiling up at him. For a moment, their eyes locked. Time seemed to slow — his gaze steady, hers soft — until she quickly looked away, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"So," she said, clearing her throat, "are you ready?"
"I see you've got everything prepared," he replied, his eyes scanning the bowls of popcorn and snacks. "So yeah, I'm ready."
She grinned and motioned for him to sit. She handed him a drink and a snack, then sat down a little further away, nervous but trying not to show it. The movie began, and soon the room was filled with laughter, flickering light, and the faint sound of shared breathing.
An hour passed before Lorelei gathered the courage to speak. But before she could say anything, Ledger shifted closer, wrapping his arm gently around her shoulders. She froze for a heartbeat, then relaxed into him. His warmth felt comforting — natural even.
"Can I ask you something?" she whispered.
"Sure, you can," he replied softly.
"Do you… have a girlfriend?"
There was a long pause before he answered, "Yes, I do."
"Oh." The word left her mouth almost as a sigh. "Okay."
The air thickened between them, the movie now just background noise. Then, in a low voice, he asked, "Can I… touch you?"
She turned to him, half amused, half shocked. "You have a girlfriend," she teased.
"I just—" he began, but she interrupted, smiling faintly. "You can touch your girlfriend's boobs."
He didn't respond, and the silence said more than words.
"I don't want to break someone's heart," Lorelei said softly.
"Why are you saying this?" he asked, sounding almost guilty.
"Because your friend told me you don't have a girlfriend," she replied, meeting his eyes. "So, which one of you is lying?"
He sighed. "He told me to lie to you."
"I see." Her voice was calm, though her chest ached. "Okay."
For a few moments, neither spoke. Then, quietly, he said, "Lorelei, I know I lied, and I'm sorry. But… would you be my girlfriend?"
Her lips curved into a soft smile. "Are you serious?"
"Yes," he said, eyes steady. "I've never felt like this before. Please, forgive me for the lie—but say yes."
Her heart fluttered. The sincerity in his voice melted the last bit of hesitation inside her. "Yes," she whispered, smiling shyly. "I'll be your girlfriend."
His face lit up. "Really?"
"Really."
He laughed quietly, a sound that made her chest feel lighter. As she sat across him, he leaned forward, eyes gleaming with nervous excitement.
"I have to admit something," he said. "I… don't know how to kiss."
She blinked, surprised. "Wait, what? How?"
"I just don't," he said with a shy grin. "Maybe… you could teach me?"
She laughed softly, then nodded. "Alright. Close your eyes."
He did as told. Lorelei leaned in slowly, her heart pounding. The distance between them disappeared, and when their lips met, the world seemed to pause. The kiss was slow, unsure at first, then gentle — a rhythm they both found together.
When they finally pulled apart, both were smiling.
"Not bad for a first kiss," she whispered.
He grinned, cheeks slightly flushed. "Guess I had a good teacher."
And as the night deepened, they sat together — two souls who had once given up on love, now finding it in each other's quiet company.