Our different worlds

EXCLUSIVE NEWS

The days seemed to pass in a hazy, happy blur. Being with Alex was so different than I'd imagined; he was attentive, thoughtful, and so determined to make me feel secure in our relationship. The university's reaction was better than I expected, too. It surprised me how many people actually liked us together. There were small whispers in the halls, some pointing, and sometimes I'd find notes in my locker or dorm room-messages that weren't exactly kind. But those little jabs barely fazed me. Alex was so sure of us, so clear that he wasn't going anywhere, that his confidence rubbed off on me. For the first time, I felt like I could just be happy with him, no matter what anyone else thought.

We had these little dates that felt like stolen moments, just us two in our own world. One weekend, Alex surprised me with a trip to the lake. He'd packed a basket, full of random picnic things-cheese, fruit, way too many sandwiches-and we spent hours there, laughing and talking. He'd pulled out a sketchpad and asked if he could draw me. It was so unexpected and sweet that I couldn't stop smiling. He ended up giving me that sketch, even though he swore it was only a quick doodle, saying he'd make a better one later.

The sun was setting in the most stunning shades of orange and pink as Alex and I found a spot by the lake. He had a picnic blanket and a cooler, and when he opened it, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Is that... pizza?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Only the finest," he said, looking entirely too proud of himself as he took out two slices wrapped in foil. "And to go with it... chips and salsa, obviously. Gourmet dining, Evelyn."

I laughed, taking a slice and settling down beside him. "This is already the best date I've ever been on."

"High praise," he grinned, nudging me with his elbow. "Good thing I didn't forget dessert."

"Let me guess," I teased, "donuts?"

"Okay, now you're just being stereotypical," he laughed. "But yes, I got donuts."

We ate and joked, going back and forth about the most random things. He kept adding salsa to his pizza, daring me to try it too, and I finally gave in, wrinkling my nose.

"You know," he said, watching me hesitate, "salsa and pizza is a bold combo. Only the truly brave can handle it."

I shot him a look. "Oh, I can handle it."

I took a bite, instantly regretting it. The spiciness mixed with the pizza in a way that made my tastebuds freak out, and he laughed as I reached for the water bottle, downing half of it in one go.

"Told you," he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Should've known better than to trust you with my gourmet secrets."

"Oh, please," I said, rolling my eyes. "You don't even have secrets. You're a pretty open book."

"Oh yeah?" he smirked, leaning back and folding his arms. "Bet I could surprise you."

"Try me," I challenged, raising an eyebrow.

He leaned in, close enough that I could feel the warmth from him, his gaze playful. "I'll bet you didn't know I've been secretly planning this whole date to get you to admit I'm your favorite person."

I laughed, feeling my face flush. "You think a couple of pizza slices and donuts are going to win me over?"

He shrugged, his grin widening. "I've got a couple of moves up my sleeve."

"Moves, huh?" I said, trying to sound unimpressed. "Let's see one."

Without missing a beat, he stretched out his arm behind me, that classic "movie theater move," pulling me closer with a ridiculous grin on his face.