𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄¹, jack champion

016, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞

016, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞
irl + social media

THIRD PERSON +
april 17, 2023

jack stands outside juniper's apartment building, the girl having returned to new york a couple days ago from los angeles, the cold bite of new york's winter to spring transitional air nipping at his face. he glances down at his phone, checking the time. he's early, but he couldn't help himself. he's been looking forward to this night for what feels like forever, and the anticipation has him almost vibrating with energy.

his mind wanders to the preparations he made—finding the perfect restaurant, one that felt intimate and special but not too over the top, he'd even taken into account juniper's love for jazz music that she briefly mentioned to him once. jack wanted tonight to be memorable, a perfect first date that would set the tone for whatever might come next between them. he checks his reflection in a nearby window, straightening his collar and smoothing out his curls. it has to be perfect.

the sound of the apartment building door opening pulls him from his thoughts, and he turns just in time to see juniper stepping out. for a moment, he forgets how to breathe. she's stunning, her golden tresses loose and framing her face, a soft, flowing dress that sways slightly in the breeze. she's elegant yet effortlessly casual, the kind of beauty that makes his chest tighten.

"hey," she says, her voice a mix of warmth and curiosity. "you're early."

jack grins, trying to play it cool despite the fact that his heart is pounding. "i couldn't wait. you look... wow."

juniper blushes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "thank you. you look pretty great yourself."

"it's nice to not see just the top of your head," he joked, referencing her brown louboutin heels that matched the leather coat, making her a whopping five foot four—which still had nothing on the fact that jack was six foot one.

juniper simply glared at the tall guy, elbowing him in the side as he chuckled.

he offers his arm, feeling a little old-fashioned but wanting the contact, the connection. "shall we?"

she loops her arm through his, and the simple act sends a jolt of electricity through him. "lead the way, mr. champion."

they start walking, the city's energy buzzing around them. the streets are alive with people, taxis honking in the distance, the smell of food wafting from nearby restaurants. but as they walk, the noise and chaos of new york start to fade into the background, and it's just the two of them, falling into an easy rhythm.

"so, are you going to tell me where we're going?" juniper asks, glancing up at him with playful curiosity.

jack, shaking his head. "nope. it's a surprise. but i promise, you're going to love it."

she narrows her eyes at him but smiles. "you better not be taking me to some greasy diner, because i would've just worn sweats if you are."

he laughs, the sound echoing through the cool night air. "not tonight. maybe for date number two, and i'm sure you would stand out regardless of your attire, darling."

juniper bites her lip at the nickname, hating to admit how it made her heart flutter in her chest.

she pretends to mull it over jack's suggestion. "i could be down for that."

their conversation flows naturally as they make their way through the city, covering everything from the latest movies to childhood memories. every laugh they share makes jack feel more at ease, more confident that this night is going exactly as he'd hoped.