Falling for the Goddess

Is This a Date?

After finishing the snowman, Sara Hart's cheeks were flushed from the cold, her nose a rosy red, and her hands and feet stiff from the chill. Once inside, Adrian Blake handed her a cup of hot water and turned up the thermostat to help her warm up.

Sara wrapped her fingers tightly around the cup, savoring the warmth that seeped into her frozen hands. Despite the lingering cold, her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with delight as her gaze followed Adrian's every move.

It was Saturday, and she didn't have to go to school. She could spend the entire day at home. Outside, snowflakes floated gently to the ground, blanketing the world in a serene silence. Inside, the heater radiated a cozy warmth, and the sight of Adrian bustling around filled her chest with a sense of happiness so full it felt almost overwhelming.

Sensing her gaze, Adrian turned to find her staring at him with a soft smile, her cup cradled in her hands.

"What is it?" he asked.

Sara took a small sip of water before replying in a soft, sweet voice. "I was just thinking... I'm so happy."

Her tone rose slightly on the last word, carrying a touch of shyness that made it even more endearing.

Setting down what he was holding, Adrian walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist. Looking down into her eyes, he asked with a playful smirk, "Is that all it takes to make you happy?"

Sara held the cup against his chest, her voice warm and tender. "As long as I'm with you, I'm happy no matter what."

Adrian rested his chin lightly on her head and sighed softly, his voice husky. "If you keep talking like this, we might not be going out today."

"Hm?" Sara tilted her head. "Were we planning to go out today?"

She didn't seem to catch his underlying meaning.

Adrian placed a hand over hers, finding her fingers had warmed up considerably. Looking down at her, he said, "It's the first snowfall today."

He hadn't understood why she had waited for the first snow to reveal her feelings. Curious, he had even searched online for its significance. Their relationship may not have begun traditionally, but he wanted to give her everything she deserved.

Adrian bent down to kiss her forehead gently. "How about I take you to a movie this afternoon? I already bought the tickets."

Sara toyed with the buttons on his shirt, her voice teasing. "What made you think of going to the movies?"

"Don't like the idea?" he asked, watching her reaction.

"It's not that..." She paused to find the right words. "It just feels like I've been using up all my luck today. I'm afraid I'll run out."

Everything about today felt too good to be true, like she was living in a dream.

Adrian exhaled quietly. Her cautious happiness made his heart ache. Pulling her closer, he lowered his voice, speaking with tender certainty. "You'll never run out of luck with me."

After lunch, the two headed out.

Adrian had looked up recent movie showings and picked a romantic coming-of-age film he thought Sara might enjoy.

When they arrived at the theater, Adrian held her hand firmly in his, their fingers interlocked. After collecting their tickets, he bought her a hot cocoa and a large bucket of popcorn.

Sara followed him closely, clutching the popcorn as if it were a treasure. The theater was nearly full, given it was a Saturday, but Adrian had chosen seats in the second-to-last row, right in the middle.

As they settled into their seats, Sara leaned toward him and whispered, "It's been so long since I last went to the movies. The last time was with Ella."

She didn't have many close friends, so her outings were usually limited to Ella Duvall. Watching a movie with Adrian felt completely different. It wasn't about the film; it was about being with him.

The movie started, and their attention turned to the screen. The story revolved around a couple who fell in love during college, were torn apart by misunderstandings, and reunited years later. It was a tale of sweet first love, heartrending separation, and passionate reunion.

When the film reached a particularly intense reunion scene, the dimly lit theater was filled with faint rustling and soft noises from the couple in the back row. Sara's face turned scarlet. She sat stiffly in her seat, mechanically eating popcorn to distract herself.

Thankfully, the scene ended quickly, and the couple behind them didn't take things too far. Still, her ears burned long after, the warmth refusing to fade.

Adrian leaned closer, his voice low and soothing, "Did I scare you?"

Startled by his proximity, Sara jolted. His breath brushed her ear as he whispered, "If you don't want to watch, we can leave."

Sara turned to him, shaking her head quickly. "No, I want to stay. It's our first movie together—I have to finish it."

"Alright." Adrian straightened, but he didn't let go of her hand.

Sara tried to focus on the film, but her thoughts wandered. First, her mind had been distracted by the couple behind them; now, all she could think about was the warmth of Adrian's hand around hers.

When the movie ended, Adrian disposed of their trash and shielded Sara from the crowd as they exited the theater.

From nearby, a girl's voice rang out, tinged with envy. "Look at how considerate he is. Why can't you be like that?"

"Okay, okay, my fault..." came the boy's sheepish reply.

Sara glanced up at Adrian, her lips curling into a smile. "Does this count as a date?"

"If you say it is, then it is," Adrian replied casually.

The theater was inside a shopping mall, and it was still early when they emerged. Adrian tilted his head toward her. "Hungry?"

Sara shook her head. "I ate so much popcorn I feel stuffed."

Adrian's gaze landed on a claw machine nearby, surrounded by couples trying their luck. "Want a plush toy?"

"Huh?" Sara hesitated. "But those are so hard to win."

Before she could protest further, Adrian had already led her over to the machine. He exchanged coins and handed her a small basket to hold them.

"Which one do you want?" he asked.

Sara scanned the options and pointed at a fluffy white lamb. Adrian inserted a few coins, maneuvered the claw with deliberate precision, and almost succeeded on the first try. The lamb slipped out just before reaching the drop zone.

"See? It's hard," Sara said, trying her luck but failing as well.

Adrian wasn't one to give up. After a few more attempts, he got the hang of it. When the little lamb finally dropped into the prize chute, Sara's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Wow! You're amazing!" she exclaimed, holding the lamb tightly.

Encouraged by her delight, Adrian went on to win her a duck, a pig, and a bear. By the time they left, Sara was clutching a bag filled with plushies, drawing envious looks from passersby.

"You're incredible!" she gushed.

Adrian took the bag from her hands and slung it over his shoulder. Leaning down, he asked, "So, what's my reward?"

"Reward?" Sara blinked, then glanced around to ensure no one was watching. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

Adrian's lips curved into a smile as he entwined their fingers. "Let's go. Time for dinner."

As they approached the elevator, a familiar voice called out from behind them, hesitant but unmistakable.

"Sara?"