Crestfallen [COMPLETED]

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ - 6

Then

As they speak over late night phone calls, the anticipation of their second date hangs in the air.

Like a promise of new beginnings.

Alex suggests a visit to the local cinema, his voice laced with a mix
of excitement and hope.

"Hey," he says, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I was wondering, would you like to go watch a movie together?"

Joanna eyes light up with a spark, and a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to!"

The exchange was simple, yet it held the weight of possibility.

They spend that night, apart thinking about each other.
This second date, and the endless possibilities.

Their hearts fluttering with the prospect of this shared experience.

..............

They exit out of the cinema hall, as Joanna touches her hair instinctively.

Glancing over at her, Alex can't help but notice the subtle hints of dissatisfaction in her expression.

"You should have picked the movie!"

"No. It was ... good."

He chuckles softly, a knowing gleam in his eyes, and he teases.

"See, you are trying to sound convincing. But it's not working."

Caught off guard, Joanna blushes, her attempt at feigning enthusiasm crumbling under his perceptive gaze.

Her lips twitch in a sheepish grin, and she concedes,

"Okay, you caught me. I didn't really enjoy it."

Alex's laughter fills the air, a warm and genuine sound that eases the tension.

"No worries.Next time, we go out you have to choose the movie."

"Bold of you to assume we are going out again."

His eyebrows arch upwards.

"I think I know. We would", he says it with so much poised confidence.

That something warms unfurls in her, turning their heated stare in
nervousness.

Joanna clears her throat.

"Well if there's a next time, I will rather visit a game arena."

"You cool with that?"

Alex smiles a low humming sound.

Looks like he's gonna experience everything all different, new things with her.

"Totally," he insists.

.................................................................

As suggested by Joanna, they find themselves embarking on their third date.

This time, in a vibrant gaming arena.

Nerves and excitement swirls in the air all around, creating a unique blend of anticipation.

Alex stands at the entrance, his palms slightly sweaty, his heart beating a bit faster than usual.

He can't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as he looks around the bustling arena.

Thoughts race through his mind, wondering if they would have as much fun as he hopes.

If he would be a worthy companion or even opponent, when she looks forward to a
game against him.

But once he glances over at Joanna approaching, all his nervousness dissipates.

She's wearing a gray slacks and blue tank top. Her hair tied back in a ponytail.

As she makes her way towards him.

"Ready to roll?," she asks practically radiating excitement.

Her eyes light up at the sight of the games and activities that awaits them.

Her energy is so infectious, that Alex can't help but feel dazzled.

"Yes", he whispers.

They try their hand at various games - from video games that have them both laughing and competing, to rounds of pool where they playfully tease each other with friendly banter.

Bowling lanes echo with the sound of their laughter as they playfully attempt to knock down the pins.

Joanna clearly showing Alex that this is her place and she belongs here. She keeps winning a lot of rounds against him.

Joanna too admires Alex's zeal to learn and adapt. And his competitive spirit as he gives her a tough fight.

With each shared game and every exchanged glance, their initial nerves melt away, replaced by a sense of comfort and genuine enjoyment.

The hours flow by in a blur of fun and laughter.

As they leave the arena, that evening. Exhaustion tinged with exhilaration marrs their features.

Joanna laughs, barely holding herself, as she cradles her aching palm.

Watching her like this, so carefree, so lost in her own world, something softens in Alex.

He laughs with her, the sound filling, echoing in every nook and corner of the quiet ambience around them.

This connection. He's never felt this before. With anyone. Ever.

And he's begun to cherish every second of it all. With her.