Our Youth

2. honey i ador you.

Hanni was determined to make their second date something special. She had chosen the beach, knowing how much Danielle loved the ocean, and took it upon herself to show Danielle all the affection she deserved.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, they strolled along the shoreline, the gentle waves lapping at their feet. Hanni carried a small picnic basket in one hand, and with the other, she reached out, intertwining her fingers with Danielle's.

"I thought we could set up here," Hanni said, stopping at a secluded spot where the sand was soft and the view of the horizon was uninterrupted. She spread out a blanket, carefully arranging the picnic she had prepared—sandwiches, fresh fruit, and Danielle's favorite banana milkshake, which she had made herself.

Danielle smiled, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the setting sun. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble," she said softly, touched by Hanni's thoughtfulness.

"I wanted to," Hanni replied, sitting down beside her. "You deserve to be spoiled a little."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of the waves creating a soothing background. Hanni couldn't help but steal glances at Danielle, admiring how the soft breeze played with her hair and how the golden light made her skin glow.

After they finished eating, Hanni leaned back on her hands, looking out at the water. "You know," she began, her voice gentle, "I've been thinking about what you told me on our first date, about your ex. It really hit me how strong you are."

Danielle looked down, fiddling with a piece of driftwood. "It wasn't easy, but I guess it made me who I am now."

Hanni shifted closer, her tone turning serious. "You didn't deserve to go through that. And I just want you to know, from now on, you're going to be treated the way you should be—like the incredible person you are." She reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Danielle's ear.

Danielle's eyes softened, and she looked at Hanni with a mix of gratitude and something deeper. "You're really something, you know that?"

Hanni chuckled, her hand lingering by Danielle's cheek before she let it rest on the blanket. "I just care about you, Dani. And I want to make sure you know that."

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the connection between them growing stronger. Then Hanni leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Besides, how else am I going to get you to go on more dates with me?"

Danielle laughed, the sound light and genuine, lifting some of the weight from her heart. "You don't have to worry about that," she replied, her voice just as playful. "I'm already looking forward to the next one."

Hanni grinned, feeling a warmth in her chest. "Good. Because I've got a lot more planned."

As the evening turned to night, they stayed on the beach, wrapped in each other's company. Hanni made it her mission to make Danielle smile as much as possible, whether it was through silly jokes or gentle touches. Every time Danielle laughed, Hanni felt a surge of pride, knowing she was bringing some light into her life.

When the stars finally came out, they lay back on the blanket, watching the sky together. Hanni wrapped an arm around Danielle's shoulders, pulling her close. "This is nice," she murmured, feeling Danielle relax against her.

"It is," Danielle agreed, her voice soft. She turned her head slightly to look at Hanni. "Thanks for today. I really needed it."

Hanni met her gaze, her expression tender. "Anytime, Dani. I'm here for you."

And as they lay there, under the vast expanse of the night sky, Hanni promised herself that she would continue to show Danielle just how much she meant to her—one beach date at a time.