When we first met (A Zatima Story)

The "Friend" Date

Zac had been planning this night for weeks, ever since he realized how much Fatima meant to him. Over the last couple of months, they had shared so many special moments together—laughing, talking, even crying. Fatima had become his confidant, someone who made everything easier, like a breath of fresh air. With Maya, things had always been complicated, but with Fatima, it felt effortless. That's why Zac wanted their first "friend date"—as Fatima insisted on calling it—to be something truly memorable.

He had a few surprises up his sleeve, so he reached out to Fatima's best friend, Andi, to find out her favorite movie and restaurant. If he was going to make this a night she wouldn't forget, he had to get it right.

The evening started when Zac pulled up to Fatima's house. She stepped out onto the porch, looking effortlessly beautiful in a simple outfit—just casual enough to match the vibe of the night, but still stunning. As they drove to their first destination, Fatima kept pestering him with questions.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Zac just smiled. "You'll see."

When they finally arrived, they pulled into the drive-in theater. The movie on the screen was none other than *Set It Off*, Fatima's favorite. She gasped when she saw it.

"Zaaac!" she exclaimed, turning to him with wide eyes. "How did you know this was my favorite movie?"

Zac laughed. "I have my ways."

Fatima narrowed her eyes playfully. "Did Andi tell you?"

"Yeah," Zac admitted, chuckling. "She wanted to make sure the night was special for you."

Fatima rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "You two are something else."

"Just wait," Zac said, grinning. "There's more. How about we see if you're still calling it a 'friend date' by the end of the night?"

Fatima shook her head, laughing. "Deal. But just so you know, it's still a 'friend date,' Zachary."

"We'll see about that," Zac replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

The movie was a hit. Fatima was completely absorbed in it, laughing and quoting her favorite lines. Zac watched her more than the screen, admiring how relaxed and happy she looked. It was exactly the reaction he had hoped for.

After the movie, Zac took her to her favorite restaurant, a local hibachi spot. He had considered a fancier place but figured they'd be too underdressed. Besides, hibachi was more fun, and he knew how much Fatima loved the interactive cooking experience.

As they sat at the table, watching the chef perform tricks with the food, Fatima looked at Zac with a raised eyebrow. "So, you're really pulling out all the stops tonight, huh?"

"I want our first date to be memorable," Zac said, smiling.

Fatima leaned back in her chair, folding her arms. "It's still a 'friend date,'" she teased.

"Not after the next surprise," Zac said confidently, his grin widening.

They spent the rest of the meal talking about everything—from school to their families, to dreams and ambitions. Zac asked her what it was like to be the daughter of the school's founders.

Fatima sighed. "It's alright, I guess. But there's a lot of pressure. I have to keep up this perfect image all the time—good grades, being the captain of every team I join. It gets exhausting."

Zac nodded sympathetically. "That's a lot to carry, T. But you don't have to be perfect all the time, you know?"

Fatima smiled softly. "Yeah, I know. Thanks for that."

"For what?" Zac asked, surprised.

"For taking me out tonight. This has been really nice."

Zac smiled back. "Well, after the next surprise, you're really going to be happy."

Fatima raised an eyebrow but didn't press him. After Zac paid for dinner, they got back into the car, and he drove them to their final destination: the local skating rink. Fatima's eyes lit up when she realized where they were.

"I've always wanted to learn how to skate," she said, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Thank you, Zac! This is perfect."

Zac smiled, pleased with her reaction. "I just wanted to make this night memorable for you."

Fatima beamed. "It really is."

Zac grinned. "So, it's officially our first date now?"

Fatima laughed, shaking her head. "Yes, it is, Zac. But you didn't have to yell."

"Sorry, I'm just excited," Zac said, his face lighting up with genuine happiness.

They laced up their skates and hit the rink. Fatima, who had never skated before, wobbled and fell on her ass about six times, but she was laughing the whole time. Zac was right there with her, helping her up and holding her hand as she found her balance. By the end of the night, she was getting the hang of it, though she still clung to Zac's arm for support.

After they finished skating, Zac drove Fatima home. They stood on her front porch, lingering for a moment, neither of them wanting the night to end.

"Thank you, Zac," Fatima said softly. "I really had fun tonight."

"I'm glad you did," Zac replied, his voice just as soft.

They stood there for a moment, their eyes locked. The air between them seemed to thicken with something unspoken. Before either of them could overthink it, Zac leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, sweet kiss. It was brief, but it felt like the culmination of all the moments they had shared leading up to this night.

Fatima pulled back, smiling. "Goodnight, Zac. Call me when you get home."

"I will," Zac promised, grinning as he walked back to his car.

Little did they know, Maya had been watching from a distance. Her eyes burned with jealousy and anger. Fatima had taken what she believed was rightfully hers—Zac, her first love. And now, Maya was determined to do whatever it took to get him back, no matter what stood in her way.