Layers of Heat

Layer 20

Today was Leila's first date with Ken since they started officially dating. It took them a while to decide where to go since Leila didn't mind outdoor activities, but unfortunately, it was still the dead of winter and the weather wasn't getting any warmer any time soon.

In the end, they found an arcade that also had an indoor mini golf course. Leila assumed they would have to ride the city bus to get there, but Ken brought up that they could use his car. He didn't use it often, but he kept it parked in the dorm parking lot just in case he ever needed it. Leila had a car as well and actually debated whether to bring it with her at the beginning of university, but ultimately left it with her parents since she assumed she wouldn't use it much for her campus life.

When they arrived at their destination that afternoon, it was already bustling with activity and they ended up needing to wait for their turn on the mini golf course. Given, it was a Saturday, but they easily spent that wait-time playing games.

The first one they played was basketball. While Leila's balls bounced off the rim or completely missed the shot, Ken landed his throws with ease and minimal effort. When their scores popped up, he nervously looked at her, worried that she would feel bad. However, Leila merely laughed at his concern and hooked an arm around his before pulling him along to the next game.

For the rest of their games, it went pretty much the same way. Whether it was simultaneously or from taking turns on a single machine, he always scored higher—except pinball. Surprisingly, Leila was the one to come out victorious.

As they passed by the zone that featured a variety of claw machines, they overheard a young couple arguing in front of a machine with large stuffed toys as prizes.

"We've already used up almost all our points," the boy said. "I'm telling you, it's rigged."

His girlfriend pouted. "But we were so close! Just one more time! Please, babe? I really want it!"

Though the boy leaned his head back and exhaled a heavy sigh, he eventually swiped his card on the machine and allowed her one more chance. Leila stopped walking to watch, and Ken noticed where her attention laid and, too, observed with interest.

The girl carefully aimed the claw to hang directly above a giant brown stuffed teddy bear before pressing the button. It curled perfectly around the torso, but as the claw rose back up with the bear, it ended up slipping right through the metal fingers and plopping back atop the pile of toys.

As the girl let out a disappointed cry, the boy rolled his eyes, but at the same time, he repressed a smile, already knowing what was coming next.

"Babe!" she begged.

Again, he swiped his card, shaking his head while biting his lip to hide his amusement as the girl made another attempt.

"Want to try?" Ken asked Leila.

Admittedly, all the prizes were very adorable. However...

"No thanks." Then she whispered into his ear the very same words the boy had said earlier. "It's rigged."

Ken chuckled, leaving it at that before they continued on their way, but not before hearing another last frustrated shout behind them.

They headed over to the mini golf course when their time slot approached and were finally allowed entrance. Though Ken had more experience when it came to arcade games, Leila was able to keep up with him in mini golf. In fact, she was even able to score a lucky ace, and in the end, she won by one point.

As they put their clubs away, she stared at him with narrowed eyes. Ken glanced at her for a split second before pretending as if he didn't notice. As they walked out of the course and back into the arcade zone, she clasped his hand, forcing his attention back on her.

"You let me win, didn't you?" she accused.

His shaky eyes looked forward.

Leila couldn't help it when a grin broke out across her face and she took his hand into hers. Ken looked down at their contact in surprise before noticing her amused expression, physically relaxing when he realized she hadn't been offended by his actions.

She laughed and reassured him, "I'll get revenge next time."

In return, he mirrored her smile and replied, "I can't wait."