Chapter 8
We were finishing up the last of our snacks, crumbs all over the mat, the sun dipping just slightly — golden hour making everything feel like magic.
Leo looked at the empty juice box in his hand.
> “Well… that was the best date I didn’t know I needed.”
I pretended to be offended.
> “Excuse you. This was a high-budget operation. You don’t just get sandwiches and juice like this every day.”
> “You’re right,” he said. “You’ve got taste… in snacks and picnic spots.”
He stood, dusting off his pants, then reached out a hand to help me up.
The moment I grabbed his hand — the zap was real. Like those slow-motion moments in movies? Yeah. That.
We started walking slowly, the pathway quiet and empty except for a few birds hopping along.
After a minute, Leo spoke. His voice was softer this time.
> “Can I ask you something… a bit personal?”
I glanced at him. “Sure, unless it’s about my blood type or my math score. Those are confidential.”
He gave a small chuckle.
> “Nah, just… have you ever… you know, dated someone before?”
The question hung in the air.
I bit my lip, trying to find the right words.
> “Not exactly… I mean, I haven’t had an official ‘relationship’ or anything. But I’ve met some guys who acted like they cared… said sweet things, made promises. But in the end?”
I shrugged.
“They played with my heart. So… yeah. Doesn’t really count, I guess.”
Leo didn’t say anything right away.
Just walked beside me quietly.
Then finally,
> “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”
I smiled weakly.
> “It’s okay. I’ve got tougher skin now. Slightly. Like, lizard-level.”
He laughed again — but it was a gentle laugh, not teasing.
Then he said,
> “I’m not like them. And… I’m not perfect either. But I want to try. With you.”
My heart did a full somersault.
I froze a bit — mid-step — like my brain went: Wait. What just happened??
He noticed and added quickly,
> “You don’t have to say yes. Not now. I just wanted to be honest.”
I looked ahead, avoiding eye contact because wow — his eyes were too warm for my nervous soul.
> “I don’t know what to say…”
He gave the smallest smile.
> “That’s okay. You can take your time. We’ll figure it out… slowly.”
We kept walking — no rush, no pressure — just quiet steps, soft hearts, and something new gently blooming in the middle of winter.
After that heartfelt confession, we walked in silence.
But not the awkward kind — the comforting kind.
The kind where words weren’t needed because everything had already been said.
Leo didn’t talk much, but he showed everything.
Like how he gently pulled me to the safer side of the road every time a car passed.
Or how he’d lightly tap my shoulder if I got too close to a puddle.
Honestly, it was giving protective golden retriever energy and I wasn’t mad about it.
Then it happened —
As we walked past a small shop, I spotted one of our classmates coming from the other direction.
Panic. Full-body panic.
> “Oh no… oh no no no no—” I whispered.
Leo blinked at me.
> “What’s wrong?”
> “That’s our classmate! If they see us together like this they’ll think we’re like… dating-dating!”
I was already blushing like I ran a marathon in winter.
Leo didn’t even flinch.
> “So?”
He smiled slightly.
“Let them think. We’re just walking. Besides… I wouldn’t mind.”
I nearly passed out from secondhand embarrassment.
> “You’re the problem,” I muttered, trying to cover my face with my hands.
“Stop being smooth. My heart can’t take it.”
He just chuckled — unbothered, casual, dangerous.
Eventually, we reached near my neighborhood. The street was quieter here. Fewer lights. Fewer people.
> “I’ll drop you till your lane,” he said, already walking with me like it was decided.
> “You don’t have to…”
> “I want to.”
We stopped at the turn near my place.
I turned to him.
> “Thanks for today… really.”
> “Yeah,” he nodded. “I had fun.”
I was about to walk off, already turning when—
He grabbed my wrist.
Gently. Not pulling, just holding.
I turned back, wide-eyed.
> “???”
He didn’t say anything — just reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out two small keychains.
Cute. Silly. Matching.
One had a tiny cartoon milk carton.
The other? A strawberry.
> “You’re the strawberry,” he said with a grin.
“I’ll be the milk.”
> “Together we’re… a weird smoothie?”
> “Exactly,” he laughed. “But cute.”
He dropped the strawberry one into my hand and held onto the milk.
I stared at it, stunned, heart hammering.
> “This is… so cheesy.”
> “Cheesy’s good sometimes.”
I smiled, clutching the little charm like it was a rare gem.
> “Thanks, Leo.”
> “Goodnight, Strawberry.”
He turned and walked away, leaving me frozen at the corner — blushing, grinning, and wondering how on earth I got here.
