Forget Me Not

Dangerously Charming

Walking through the aisles and discussing various movie genres, Sarawat and Tine's conversation seemed odd to onlookers. Tine found it challenging to grasp Sarawat's intentions immediately.

"I could go with horror," Sarawat suddenly suggested. "Because then..."

Tine smiled, quickly catching on. "I'd get scared and jump into your lap? Problem is, I don't scare easily."

"Well, I'd just have to choose something really freaky then. Maybe aliens, an exorcist, or The Omen. Something really lap-jumping. But since it's our first date, and I want to show you I'm a gentleman---which I am, by the way. You can call my grandmother if you don't believe me. So, no horror."

"Grandmother reference, wow. Nice touch."

"Thank you. Alternatively, I could pick something plain bad because..."

"...then I'd want to shut it off and do 'other' things?" Tine finished, his eyes twinkling. Sarawat nodded, pleased that Tine understood him. "Correct. But I won't go that route because I don't want you to think I'm only after something physical. I'm looking for something more---which I am. So, I could try to impress you..."

"By choosing something foreign, perhaps a documentary to show you have taste, class, and culture."

"Which I do, but I don't need to overcompensate by picking something boring that neither of us wants to watch. Movies should be entertaining---"

"An escape," Tine interjected. "Something to relax to. I totally agree. Sci-Fi, then?"

"Which I love, but I don't want to out myself as a geek this early. I'll save the Han Solo versus Indiana Jones debate for at least the fourth date."

"Again. Talking about future dates already? Confident."

"I am. Drama?"

"Too serious."

"Comedy?"

"Too polarizing. What if we don't find the same things funny? You seem too careful for that."

"I am. So, in the end, I'd have to go with..."

Sarawat handed Tine a Blu-ray copy of "A Knight's Tale."

Tine raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why this one?"

"Why not? It's sweet, silly, funny, and a bit stupid in an enjoyable way. It's cozy and the fashion is hilariously off for its time period. The movie shines when it's at its campiest, which might lead to some inadvertent arm grabs. But don't worry, I promise not to grab you too hard."

Tine laughed, and Sarawat continued, "It's classy without being stuffy. If you haven't seen it, you'll appreciate me introducing you to it. If you have, you'll understand what a good pick it is."

Tine was immediately charmed. He had never met someone as witty as himself, yet Sarawat's reserved manner seemed to push Tine to uncover more of his hidden layers. As they looked at each other, they knew they were connecting.

"So... should I get this, and then we can head out?" Sarawat suggested.

Tine considered for a moment before responding. "Oh, we're not watching it."

Sarawat looked confused. "We're not?"

"Please, watching a movie on a couch with someone I just met five minutes ago? We won't be doing that. What kind of person do you think I am? But you did pass the test. So, if you'd like to take me to dinner on Saturday, here's my number. Give me a call."

With that, Tine handed him a business card and walked away. Sarawat watched him go, holding the card, smiling, clearly intrigued and... smitten.

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