Our Youth

6. sexy to sombody

Danielle sat on the couch, nestled between her siblings, her attention half-focused on the family movie playing on the screen. The room was dimly lit, the glow of the television casting soft shadows across the walls. Her parents sat in the armchairs, engrossed in the film, while the younger kids snuggled up under blankets, already drifting off to sleep.

Danielle, however, found it hard to focus. Her mind kept wandering, and her thoughts inevitably drifted to Hanni. They hadn't seen each other in a few days, and Danielle missed her. The way Hanni made her feel—special, sexy, alive—was something Danielle had never experienced before, especially after the way her ex had treated her. Her ex had a way of making her feel small, unworthy, like she didn't deserve to feel good about herself. But Hanni was different. She built Danielle up, made her feel beautiful, confident, like she could conquer the world just by being herself.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her out of her thoughts. Danielle discreetly checked the screen, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Hanni's name.

Hanni: Hey beautiful, what are you up to?

Danielle smiled, her thumb moving quickly across the screen to reply.

Danielle: Watching a movie with the fam. You?

The response came almost immediately.

Hanni: I was thinking... How do you feel about sneaking out and going dancing with me tonight?

Danielle's eyes widened, excitement bubbling up inside her. Dancing? The idea thrilled her, but it was also completely spontaneous. She glanced around the room, making sure no one was paying attention to her, and then quickly typed her response.

Danielle: Dancing? Now?

Hanni: Yeah, now. Just you and me. What do you say?

Danielle bit her lip, feeling that familiar surge of adrenaline. It was risky—sneaking out while everyone was still awake—but the thought of being out with Hanni, feeling free and alive, was too tempting to resist.

Danielle: Give me 10 minutes.

Hanni sent back a winking emoji, and Danielle's heart raced as she began to think of a way to slip out unnoticed. She waited until the movie reached a quiet moment, then quietly got up from the couch.

"Where are you going?" her mom asked, glancing over.

"Just to the bathroom," Danielle replied casually, hoping she sounded normal.

Her mom nodded, turning back to the screen. Danielle made her way to the bathroom, but once she was out of sight, she quickly grabbed her coat and slipped out the back door as quietly as she could. The night air was cool against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine as she hurried away from the house.

When she reached the end of the street, she saw Hanni waiting for her, leaning casually against her car, a playful smile on her lips. Danielle's breath caught in her throat at the sight. Hanni was dressed in a fitted black leather jacket and jeans, her hair slightly tousled, exuding effortless cool.

"You made it," Hanni said, her voice warm with affection as Danielle approached.

Danielle grinned, feeling a rush of excitement. "I couldn't say no to you."

Hanni's smile widened, and she closed the distance between them, her hands resting on Danielle's hips as she leaned in to kiss her. It was a brief kiss, but it sent a thrill through Danielle, making her feel alive and desired.

"You look amazing," Hanni murmured, her eyes scanning Danielle from head to toe, taking in her casual but cute outfit.

Danielle blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her. "You're just saying that."

Hanni shook her head, her gaze intense. "No, I mean it. You're gorgeous, Dani. I'm the luckiest girl in the world."

Danielle's heart swelled at the compliment. She wasn't used to feeling this way—sexy, wanted—but Hanni had a way of bringing that out in her, making her feel like she was the only girl in the world.

"Thank you," Danielle whispered, feeling a mix of shyness and exhilaration.

"Ready to dance?" Hanni asked, her smile turning playful again.

"Absolutely," Danielle replied, her earlier nerves dissipating, replaced by anticipation.

They drove to a small, hidden club on the outskirts of town, one of those places that only locals knew about. The music could be heard even before they walked through the door, a rhythmic beat that seemed to pulse with energy. As they entered, the dim lights and the crowded dance floor enveloped them, the atmosphere electric.

Hanni led Danielle onto the dance floor, and they quickly found themselves lost in the music. Danielle moved with the beat, her body swaying naturally as Hanni kept close to her, their movements in sync. The music was loud, the bass thrumming in her chest, but all Danielle could focus on was the feeling of Hanni's hands on her waist, the way she looked at her like she was the only person in the room.

As they danced, Danielle felt a sense of freedom she hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time, she wasn't worried about what anyone else thought. She wasn't second-guessing herself or wondering if she was good enough. Hanni made her feel like she was more than enough, like she was perfect just the way she was.

After a while, they took a break, heading outside for some fresh air. The night was still, the stars twinkling above them as they leaned against the wall of the club.

"That was amazing," Danielle said, catching her breath, her cheeks flushed from dancing.

"You were amazing," Hanni corrected, her tone full of admiration. She reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Danielle's ear, her fingers lingering on her cheek.

Danielle felt a warmth spread through her at the touch, a sensation that made her feel both vulnerable and cherished. She met Hanni's gaze, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. "You really mean that, don't you?"

"Of course I do," Hanni said softly. "I don't just say things to say them, Dani. You're beautiful, and I want you to know that every single day."

Danielle swallowed, her emotions bubbling up. "I've never felt like this before... Like I matter. Like I'm worth something."

Hanni's expression softened, her eyes filled with understanding. She stepped closer, cupping Danielle's face in her hands. "You are worth everything, Danielle. Don't ever let anyone make you feel otherwise. Not your ex, not anyone. You deserve to feel loved, to feel sexy, to feel free. And I'm here to remind you of that every day."

Tears welled up in Danielle's eyes, but they were tears of gratitude, of relief. She leaned into Hanni's touch, feeling a sense of peace wash over her.

"You have no idea how much that means to me," Danielle whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Hanni smiled, her thumb gently brushing away a tear that had escaped down Danielle's cheek. "I think I do," she said softly. "And I'm here, Dani. I'm here to make sure you never forget it."

Without another word, Danielle closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to Hanni's in a slow, tender kiss. It wasn't just a kiss—it was a promise, a connection that made Danielle feel more alive than she ever had before. In that moment, she knew that with Hanni, she could finally let go of the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future where she was truly loved.

When they finally pulled apart, Hanni smiled, her eyes full of warmth. "Let's go back inside," she suggested. "I'm not done dancing with you yet."

Danielle grinned, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "Me neither."

Hand in hand, they walked back into the club, ready to dance the night away, knowing that no matter what, they had each other.