saudade | s.j.

forty

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Y/N's POV

"The Met? Like...the one with the gala?" I blink in surprise.

Scarlett and I are walking through central park as she finally decides to tell me where she is taking me.

She laughs. "Yes. There's a new exhibit I thought you'd like. Something about fashion throughout the decades. And afterward, I figured we could grab dinner."

I can't help but smile at how thoughtful she is. "Alright, now I'm definitely excited."

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The Met Museum as the sun is setting feels like a dream. The museum lights up, and the quiet hum of the city fades away. It's like being in a temple in the forest. Scarlett's arm brushes against mine as we walk through the galleries, following the map to the bottom floor. Her presence grounds me in the crowds of people rushing off to different areas.

The exhibit is breathtaking to say the least; vintage couture gowns, intricate beadwork, and photographs of icons who shaped the industry. Scarlett listens intently as I geek out over the details, her soft smiles and occasional teasing making me fall for her even more.

We pause in front of a dramatic gown inspired by the statue of liberty, its rose copper fabric shimmering under the lights. Scarlett tilts her head, studying the detail. "You'd look amazing in something like this."

She laughs. "I don't think I have the patience to make sure I don't mess up a dress this detailed. Only for a wedding dress."

"Maybe one day soon for one of those." I say in a hushed whisper, praying she didn't hear me.

We continue wandering until we find ourselves in one of the quieter wings, gold accents adorn the floors and ceilings. Scarlett stops in front of a sculpture, her gaze fixed on it. I don't recognize it, but it is beautiful. The detail of the face and hair blend well with the rest of the sculpture.

"I think this is my favorite sculpture in here," she says softly.

"They look at peace," I say, stepping closer.

She turns to face me, her expression suddenly serious. "Y/N, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I nod, my stomach doing flips.

She takes a deep breath, her eyes lock into mine. "I know we've been figuring things out, taking things slow... but I don't want to keep second-guessing where we stand."

I blink, caught off guard by the shift in her tone. "What do you mean?"

Scarlett steps closer, her hand finding mine. "I mean, I want us to be official. I want to stop pretending like this isn't real or like it's temporary. I want you to be my girlfriend, Y/N."

For a moment, I can't speak. The words hang in the air, and all I can do is stare at her, my heart pounding.

"You're serious?" I finally manage, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Dead serious," she says, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm all in. If you are."

A wave of warmth washes over me, and I can't stop the grin spreading across my face. "Yes," I say, my voice steadier now. "Of course, yes."

Scarlett lets out a relieved laugh, pulling me into a hug. The world seems to blur around us, and for a moment, it's just the two of us in this quiet corner of the museum. When she pulls back, there's a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know what this means, right?"

"What?"

"You're stuck with me now," she says, smirking.

I laugh, shaking my head. "Somehow, I think I'll survive."