Loving him was red

11. Stay, stay, stay

Caleb stood outside Daisy's apartment, with his hands buried deep in his pockets.

- Hi! - he heard through the intercom of her block - I'm coming!

He could feel the excitement through her voice, they were going to a christmas market in town.

They had been seeing each other for a few weeks now, since he confessed his feelings. Since Evelyn's interruption when she asked him if Daisy was the reason he had been ditching her lately, his answer was yes, so it was fine with Daisy, she didn't mind.

He wasn't a fan of the cold, or the crowds, but he knew Daisy was really looking forward to it so he was ready to give it a chance.

He saw her coming down the steps with a vibrant smile on her face, her eyes lit up when she saw him and he couldn't help but feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the season.

Caleb couldn't help but return the smile, softening of his usual stoic expression

- Hey Daisy - he greeted her - You look great. My car is just over there.

- You too, thanks! Let's go - she said looking at him - Are you ready to have some fun?

Caleb smirked, opening the car door for her.

- What kind of fun?

Daisy gracefully slid into the passenger seat as she laughed, Caleb closed the door behind her. He circled around the car, getting into the driver's seat. As he started the engine, he stole a glance at Daisy.

- C'mon, you will like it!

- I will try - Caleb smiled with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Caleb navigated through the city streets in the warmth of the car, protecting them from the winter chill outside. Daisy sat in the passenger seat, her eyes dancing with excitement.

After a while, Caleb parked the car, and they stepped out into the crisp night air feeling the festive energy surrounding them.

- Oh, Caleb, it's even more beautiful than I remembered! - she exclaimed, her eyes going from one colorful stall to another. - It's been forever since I came here.

She remembered all the years and times she asked Justin to go to a christmas market, and all the times he said no, because he was too busy or he just wanted to stay in bed. She missed going out on fun and planned dates, instead of going out with Justin's friends all the time. She realized how lonely and isolating her old relationship was.

- Are you okay? - Caleb said, noticing her sudden mood drop.

- Oh yes - Daisy answered looking up at him - You want to go to the market, right?

- Yes, I do - he said taking her hand and intertwining it with his.

Daisy smiled again as she felt his touch and hand in hand, they started to explore the market, sampling treats, laughing at quirky stalls, and savoring the magic of the holiday season as they walked beneath the twinkling lights.

One of the stalls caught Caleb's eyes and they both walked towards it. There were gifts, and a lot of stuffed animals hanging from it.

- Which one do you want? - he asked Daisy.

She was surprised by his question as she looked around the stall, there were a lot, it was hard to choose.

- Why?

- I can get you one if you want

She looked at the stall and then at him.

- That's sweet - Daisy answered - But I can win one too.