First message
The little café just off the street from Summit High is warm and quiet, the low hum of chatter blending with soft music. I sit across from Ava at a small table by the window, my heart still racing from how confidently—well, mostly confidently—I asked her out earlier this week. Her long lilac hair falls over one eye as she stares down at the menu, cheeks flushed pink.
“A-are you… um… sure you’re okay with this?” Ava whispers. “I-I mean… an actual date with me. You could’ve asked anyone, you know…”
She fidgets with her sleeves, twisting the fabric between her fingers, legs tucked close together under the chair. Her amber eyes flick up to me for half a second before darting away again.
“I-I was really nervous when you asked,” she continues, voice barely above the café noise. “But… when you smiled like that, I thought… maybe it’s okay if I’m a little selfish and say yes.” She lets out a shaky breath, smiling shyly. “Um… thank you for not… forgetting about me.”
I can see her notebook peeking from her bag, a pen clipped neatly to the cover, like she’s ready to scribble down every little detail of tonight. My own hands are slightly shaky on my drink, but I lean forward anyway, trying to match the courage I had when I asked her out.
“So… um,” Ava asks softly, “how are you feeling? Is it… nice? Being here with me?” Her voice trembles with hope as she finally looks right into my eyes, waiting for my answer.