Dawn Of Twilight

Chapter 9 : With You (Part 1)

That afternoon left excitement and a touch of nervousness fluttering in Dawn's chest. She had spent more time than usual tying her hair and choosing the perfect dress. Not too fancy, but not too casual either. Something that would feel just right for him.

It was 4:30 sharp when Dawn stepped outside her house, clutching her small purse and a bouquet of flowers she had handpicked for him. The soft aroma of lavender wafted up as she glanced down at it, wondering if it was too much. "The website did say I should give him gifts of high emotional value..." she murmured to herself, adjusting the flowers for what felt like the hundredth time. Then doubt crept in. "But what if he thinks I'm being too clingy?"

And then she saw him.

Erevin walked toward her with a steady, purposeful stride, and for a moment, she just stared. He looked completely different. A white shirt, tucked into blue chinos, contrasted and a navy-blue blazer that framed his broad shoulders perfectly. His hair, usually a little wild and messy, was brushed back, neat but still boyish. The golden hues of the setting sun seemed to catch every detail of his outfit, making him look... elegant. Handsome, even.

Dawn felt her heart do a strange flip, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest. Dawn couldn't help but smile.

As he got closer, she noticed the way his steps faltered slightly when he saw her. His gaze flickered to her bouquet, then to her face, then back down at the ground. Is he nervous? she wondered, her smile growing softer, she felt her cheeks flush.

When he was finally in front of her, he looked her in the eye-just for a moment-but said nothing.

Dawn waited, her heart pounding. Why isn't he saying anything? she wondered, her thoughts racing. Does he not like my dress? Is it too plain? Or does he prefer something more revealing? Her nerves threatened to spiral again as silence stretched between them.

Then she remembered something she'd read earlier on the website: Step 1: Compliment your date.

She straightened her shoulders, trying to mask her unease, and forced herself to smile. "You look... really nice," she said softly, her voice warm and sincere.

For a moment, she worried it sounded too stiff, too rehearsed. But then she saw the faintest hint of a blush creep onto his cheeks, and his lips curved into a small, awkward smile. That was enough to make her feel a little less self-conscious.

"You look beautiful," he had said, his voice soft but sincere.

She extended the bouquet toward him, her hands trembling slightly as she held it out. "These are for you," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. In her mind, a whirlwind of thoughts spun uncontrollably. Oh god, I hope he doesn't think I'm weird. Is this too much? Should I have just given him a flower or something?

Erevin's eyes widened for a brief moment before he gently took the bouquet from her. He brought the flowers closer, inhaling their delicate fragrance, and smiled softly. "Thank you," he said, his voice calm and steady. "These are beautiful."

Her chest eased, and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. So... he likes it, she thought, relief washing over her. The nervous energy buzzing through her began to settle, though the faint warmth in her cheeks remained.

Erevin quickly added, "We should probably keep them at your place for now. I'll take them home after the date-don't want to carry them around the whole time."

Without a word, Dawn nodded, spun around, and dashed back inside her house. As she rushed through the doorway, she bit her lip and smiled, thinking, Stupid me, was I really thinking he would carry a bouquet all around town?