The night breeze was cool and gentle as we stepped out of the bowling alley.
The city lights flickered like stars, and the air carried the lingering scent of buttery popcorn and fizzy drinks.
Daniel's hand remained in mine, his thumb brushing softly against my skin like a silent promise he didn't need to speak aloud.
Our friends spilled out after us, still buzzing with energy.
"Okay, admit it," Saraph said, slinging an arm around Daniel's shoulder, "I had the highest score."
"In your dreams," Daniel laughed. "You just got lucky in the last round."
I grinned, squeezing Daniel's hand. "Don't worry. I'll back you up next time."
"Oh, is that how it is now?" Saraph teased. "You've got backup, huh? Team lovebirds versus the rest of us?"
Everyone erupted in laughter again, but there was no edge to it, just affection.
Saraph winked at me from across the group, mouthing, Finally, as if she'd been waiting for this moment all along.
We lingered outside the alley, no one quite ready to end the night.
"Let's grab something sweet," Saraph suggested. "Milkshakes or ice cream?"
"I'm in," I said quickly, glancing at Daniel for confirmation. He nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting into a boyish smile.
Minutes later, we were sitting at a quaint little ice cream stand nearby.
A string of fairy lights hung from the awning, bathing our table in a soft golden glow.
We shared scoops of chocolate and strawberry, stealing bites from each other's cups, our laughter mixing with the hum of soft music playing in the background.
As I leaned back in my seat, I watched our friends animatedly argue over which flavor reigned supreme.
Saraph was adamant that mint chocolate chip was underrated, while Saraph swore by classic vanilla.
Daniel leaned closer to me, his voice low, almost a whisper. "This… all of this… it feels like a dream I don't want to wake up from."
I turned to him, heart fluttering. "Yeah," I said softly. "It does."
There was something unspoken between us in that moment, a quiet understanding.
It wasn't just the ice cream or the bowling or the laughter.
It was about us, about how naturally we fit into each other's worlds. Even surrounded by people, we found something personal amid the noise.
Later, after everyone had said their goodbyes with sleepy smiles and promises to hang out again, Daniel walked me to my house.
The path was quiet, our steps falling in sync as we strolled under the moonlight.
"I'm glad you and Saraph are okay again," he said gently. "You looked happy tonight."
I nodded. "Thanks to you. You reminded me not to give up on people who matter."
Daniel paused, turning to face me. "And you matter," he said, his eyes locking with mine.
"So much more than you know."
My breath caught, words tangled in my throat. I reached out and laced my fingers with his.
"You matter too, Daniel.
Tonight made me realize how lucky I am to have you, and her, and all of this."
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
"It's just the beginning, Nuella. We've got so many memories waiting to be made."
As we stood under the stars, wrapped in the comfort of each other's presence, I knew he was right.
This was just one chapter of many. One night of many more.
A spark had been lit, and with each heartbeat, each smile, each shared scoop of ice cream and burst of laughter, it burned a little brighter.