Lost

Chapter 10 Jacquelyn

I'm actually on a date—a real date—with a real guy, not just in my dreams.

"This would make a perfect backdrop for a picture," I said, looking around at the breathtaking view.

"Go stand over there, then," Isamu replied.

"You'll take my picture?"

"Yes."

I started fussing with my hair and straightening my dress, trying to look halfway decent.

"Hurry up, you'll lose the lighting," he said, half teasing, half serious.

I scrambled over to my spot, following his directions as he motioned where it was best for me to stand. He took a few pictures and then stopped.

"What happened? Not turning out good?" I asked.

"You're not smiling in any of these."

"Yes, I am. See?" I tried again, flashing a quick grin.

"No," he said, lowering the phone slightly. "A genuine smile."

"I don't like being all cheesy."

He raised his phone again, covering his face. "I do."

Before I could react, he snapped another picture—one that caught me completely off guard.

My face instantly felt hot. He started walking toward me, probably to show me the pictures, but I felt too shy to look. When he stopped in front of me, he slipped his phone into his pocket instead.

"Are we going to see some more?" he asked.

"Yes," I said quietly.

He took my hand and led me to a quiet, secluded spot nearby, surrounded by the soft rustle of trees and the distant hum of the city. There was a bench waiting for us.

"Should've brought some food," he said.

"That's okay," I smiled. "I'm not hungry right now. We can pick something up later."

I took out my phone and scooted closer to him. "We didn't take a picture yet."

"I'm not into pictures."

"I know, but you took some with me at the festival. Just one, please," I begged.

He sighed. "Fine."

I smiled brightly—exactly how he liked. He didn't smile, not fully. His expression was more like that of a stoic model, with those eyes that somehow managed to smize. Still hot to me.

"So," I said, tilting my head, "can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why a date?"

He looked at me. "Why not?"

"Come on, that's not an answer."

"I don't know. It's something different. Something new."

"Oh. Okay."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You're not satisfied with my answer."

"Yes, I am."

"You want me to say something else."

"Like what?"

"Like I like you or something. That's a normal reason for a date."

"Yeah, it is," I admitted, laughing softly. "But that's okay. I'm far from home, and when you date someone, you usually look forward to something long-term."