𝖫𝗈𝗏౿ᑲ𝗈ოᑲ -𝖤ᥣꪱᜒ 𝖬𝗈ડƙ𝗈⍵ꪱᜒ𝗍ʑ

1.9

The anticipation of the first date loomed over Hazel as she wondered what Eli had planned for the evening. He had simply instructed her to dress casually, assuring her not to worry about crowds, knowing her aversion to them.

Hazel opted for a sleek black skirt and a matching crop top adorned with a cobra emblem. She wanted to look her best for their first date. As the doorbell chimed, Hazel's anxiety intensified.

What if he realized he wasn't genuinely attracted to her? What if her laughter repelled him? What if he noticed her stomach wasn't perfectly flat? What if he didn't find her jokes amusing? But most importantly, what if he found her legs too large? These worrisome thoughts raced through her mind, heightening her nerves as she prepared to greet him.

Eli stood there, a mix of nervousness and excitement evident on his face. "Wow... You look- you're perfect," he complimented, his words easing some of Hazel's worries.

"Thanks," she replied with a smile, reciprocating the compliment. "So, where are we headed?"

"It's a surprise," Eli said with a grin, his playful demeanor putting her at ease.

Hazel arched an eyebrow teasingly. "Should I be worried?"

Eli chuckled, shaking his head. "No need to worry. Just trust me."

As they walked towards Eli's car, Hazel couldn't shake off the anticipation and curiosity about their evening ahead.

When they arrived to the car, Eli glanced over at Hazel, a hopeful gleam in his eyes. "I'm really glad you agreed to come out with me tonight," he said, breaking the silence.

Hazel felt her nerves ease a bit at his sincerity. "I'm glad too," she replied, offering him a warm smile. "I've been looking forward to it."

Eli returned her smile, his expression softening. "Well, I promise to make it worth your while," he said with determination.

Hazel's heart skipped a beat at his words. "I'm sure it'll be great," she said, trying to sound confident.

As they drove off into the night, Hazel couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within her. Whatever surprises Eli had planned, she was ready to embrace them wholeheartedly.

Eli guided the car through the winding streets, Hazel's anticipation growing with each turn. She couldn't help but wonder where he was taking her, her curiosity piqued by his secretive demeanor. Eventually, they pulled up to a quaint little house nestled in a quiet neighborhood.

"This is it," Eli announced, a hint of excitement in his voice as he turned off the engine.

Hazel looked out the window, taking in the cozy surroundings. "Your place?" she asked, turning to him with a smile.

Eli nodded, returning her smile. "Yeah, I thought we could start our evening here," he said, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

As they stepped out of the car, Hazel couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest. She followed Eli up the front steps and into the house, her curiosity growing with each passing moment.

The interior of the house was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and cozy furnishings. Eli led her through the living room and into the kitchen, where he began rummaging through the cupboards.

"What are you looking for?" Hazel asked, watching him with interest.

Eli turned to her with a mischievous grin. "You'll see," he said cryptically, before pulling out a picnic basket from one of the cabinets.

Hazel's eyes widened in surprise. "A picnic?" she exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face.

Eli nodded, his grin widening. "Yep, I thought we could have dinner on the rooftop," he said, gesturing towards the back door.

Hazel's heart swelled with warmth at his thoughtful gesture. "That sounds amazing," she said, following him out into the backyard.

The night air was cool and refreshing as they made their way up to the rooftop. Eli had set up a cozy picnic blanket and cushions, surrounded by twinkling string lights and candles. Soft music played in the background, creating a romantic ambiance.

Hazel couldn't help but be impressed by Eli's attention to detail. She settled onto the blanket, taking in the breathtaking view of the city skyline.

"This is incredible," she said, turning to Eli with a smile.

He grinned back at her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm glad you like it," he said, taking a seat beside her.

They spent the evening chatting and laughing, enjoying each other's company as they shared a delicious meal. As the night wore on, Hazel found herself feeling more and more at ease with Eli, their conversation flowing effortlessly.

As they finished their meal, Eli reached for Hazel's hand, his gaze meeting hers with warmth and affection. "I'm really glad you're here," he said softly.

Hazel felt her heart skip a beat at his words. "Me too," she replied, squeezing his hand gently.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, basking in the glow of the string lights and the warmth of each other's presence. Hazel couldn't remember the last time she felt so content, so at peace with herself and the world around her.

Eventually, Eli broke the silence, his voice soft and hesitant. "Hazel, there's something I've been meaning to tell you," he began, his gaze searching hers.

Hazel's heart raced as she waited for him to continue. She had a feeling she knew what he was about to say, but she couldn't bring herself to voice her thoughts out loud.

"I really like you, Hazel," Eli said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've liked you for a long time, but I was too afraid to say anything."

Hazel's breath caught in her throat at his confession. She felt a surge of emotion welling up inside her, threatening to spill over at any moment.

"Eli, I..." she began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

Before she could say anything else, Eli leaned in closer, his lips meeting hers in a gentle kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, the world fading away around them.

When they finally pulled apart, Hazel felt like she was floating on air. She looked into Eli's eyes, seeing nothing but love and adoration reflected back at her.

"I've been wanting to do that for a long time," Eli said, a shy smile playing on his lips.

Hazel grinned back at him, her heart overflowing with happiness. "Me too," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him again.

As they sat together on the rooftop, wrapped in each other's arms, Hazel couldn't help but feel like she was exactly where she was meant to be. In that moment, surrounded by love and warmth, she knew that her first date with Eli was just the beginning of something beautiful.