Between the lines

Chapter 11

Madison walked through the town centre with Ryan by her side. The late afternoon sun bathed the streets in a soft, amber glow, and a faint chill lingered in the air. The two of them were coming back from grabbing coffee at a local café—a cosy spot tucked between a second-hand bookshop and a florist. Madison still had her latte in hand, occasionally taking small sips as they wandered aimlessly.

"Okay, but the fact that you actually think pineapple belongs on pizza makes me question everything I know about you," Madison teased, her voice carrying a playful edge.

Ryan rolled his eyes. "It's not about belonging—it's about elevating the flavour. It's sweet and salty, like—"

"Like an abomination?" Madison interrupted, grinning.

"Like art," Ryan said with mock seriousness, pointing at her like he'd just made the most profound statement ever.

Madison laughed, nudging him lightly with her elbow. The casual banter between them had become effortless, a rhythm she hadn't expected to find so easily with someone.

As they walked, Madison's eyes drifted to a wall across the street. A fresh piece of graffiti had appeared there: a large black-and-white mural of two clasped hands, broken chains dangling from their wrists.

She stopped in her tracks, staring at it. "Whoa. That's... new."

Ryan followed her gaze and nodded slowly. "Yeah. Whoever this guy is, he doesn't hold back."

"Or girl," Madison said pointedly, raising an eyebrow.

Ryan smirked. "Fair point. But it's bold. They're definitely trying to send a message."

Madison tilted her head, analysing the piece. "It's about freedom. Or connection. Maybe both. Either way, it's... powerful."

"You sound like you want to be the one making these," Ryan said, half-joking, though there was a glimmer of curiosity in his green eyes.

Madison felt a pang of excitement at his words but quickly suppressed it. "I mean, I can dream, right? But no. I'd probably mess up the first line and ruin the whole thing."

"Doubt it," Ryan said, glancing at her. "I've seen your sketches. You're talented, Maddie."

Her chest tightened slightly at the nickname—she wasn't used to hearing it from anyone but Evie. It made her feel warm, special, in a way she hadn't expected.

"Thanks," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

They continued walking, their conversation moving from graffiti to their favourite films and the weird things people did in their small town. Madison loved the way Ryan could shift between humour and depth so easily—it made being around him exciting.

As they passed an empty park, Ryan stopped suddenly. "Hold up."

"What?" Madison asked, confused.

Ryan pointed toward one of the benches. "We've been walking around for hours. Sit with me for a bit?"

Madison shrugged. "Alright."

They settled on the bench, the world around them quieting as dusk began to set in. Madison leaned back, looking up at the sky as the first few stars appeared.

"I've been meaning to say," Ryan started, breaking the silence. "This whole 'dating' thing... it's new for me. But, uh, I think I'm doing okay?"

Madison laughed, looking at him with mock disbelief. "Was that supposed to be a compliment to yourself or a question?"

"Maybe both," Ryan said, smirking. "But I mean it. I like this—us. I like how easy it feels with you."

Madison's smile softened, her heart warming at his honesty. "I like it too," she admitted. "Even if you have questionable taste in pizza toppings."

Ryan chuckled, leaning back on the bench. "Fair. I'll give you that one."

They sat there for a moment, the quiet between them comfortable. Madison glanced at him, her thoughts drifting to how unexpected this connection had been.

"Hey," Ryan said, his tone more serious now. "Thanks. For, like, sticking around. I know I'm not... the easiest person to deal with sometimes."

"Neither am I," Madison said, her voice gentle but firm. "But I think that's what makes us work. We get each other."

Ryan reached over, threading his fingers through hers. It was a small gesture, but it made Madison's chest swell with warmth.

"Yeah," he said softly. "We do."

As they sat there, the world around them quiet and still, Madison realised something: for the first time in a long while, she wasn't worried about what came next.