Locked in a lifelong rivalry, Lena and Theo go way back - but do they really know each other?
When Theo goes to college, leaving Elena, his best friend's annoying sister he grew up with, behind at his home town, he thinks that she will never be in...
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As I'm waiting for Elena to get into my car for our date, I can't stop thinking about the day before. That phone call and what it would mean for us.
Even though that's been on my mind all day, I shake my head trying to focus on how special today is.
I've planned everything down to the last detail, hoping to make it a day she'll never forget.
As she walks towards me, her smile as big as usual, I feel a rush of excitement mingled with a touch of anxiety.
She gets into the car, we kiss and I end up putting a blind on her so she doesn't see where we're going.
As we arrive to the park, my heart sinks, thinking of the endless possibilities for today.
What if she doesn't like it? What if it's not enough? Worst even, what if it's too much?
But as I open her eyes and let her see what's in front of her, she wraps her arms around me in a tight hug, her eyes sparkling with happiness, helping me know I've made the right choice.
"What is all this?" she asks, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.
I grin nervously, taking her hand in mine.
"Happy one-month anniversary, Elena," I say, leading her towards the blanket I've laid out under a tree.
Her eyes widen in surprise as she takes in the scene before her. The park is bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights strung up in the trees, casting a magical atmosphere over everything. A picnic basket sits in the center of the blanket, filled with all of her favorite foods, and a laptop is set up nearby, ready to play her favorite songs.
"Tangled?" she asks, her voice filled with delight as she spots the scene before her eyes.
I nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I see the joy on her face.
"I thought it would be the perfect way to spend the day, I don't know. It's the closest I could get to Rapunzel and Flynn's date on the boat. We can do something else if you want."
Elena's smile grows even wider as she settles onto the blanket beside me, snuggling close.
"No, it's perfect, Theo. Thank you."
And as the opening notes of "I See the Light" fill the air, I feel a sense of happiness wash over me. This is where I'm meant to be, with Elena by my side, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
What if my dream has been her, all along? What if NBA isn't worth it if it means losing her?
I need to figure out what to do.
———
After the perfect dinner, we're back into my apartment.
As we arrived home, the soft glow of my lamp illuminated the room and Elena's face.
I couldn't help but admire her as she stood there in that beautiful dress she wore to our picknick, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
