getting to know each other

Later in the evening, she texted me the place and location. I hadn’t even asked—guess she knew I’d show up either way. Around 7 p.m., I made my way to the school’s mini stadium. It wasn’t a fancy place, just an old practice ground with creaky bleachers and a handful of flickering floodlights. Some of the bulbs weren’t working, casting strange shadows over the field. Still, it had a vibe—quiet, hidden, ours for the night.

I spotted her under one of the working lights, her face softly illuminated. She was on her phone, legs crossed, headphones dangling from one ear. A couple of silhouettes made out further down the stands—clearly busy with their own private rendezvous. I chuckled quietly. Aalia didn’t notice me. I crept up slowly, intending to spook her, but right before I reached her, she raised her head.

“Caught you,” she said, eyes twinkling with amusement.

I laughed. “Damn, how’d you know?”

“I didn’t,” she said, shrugging. “I just felt someone coming. I’ve got good instincts.”

“Makes sense.” I sat beside her and pulled out a brown paper bag. “I brought chips and drinks.”

She grinned, took a pack of chips, and started munching without hesitation. “You really came prepared.”

“I didn’t want you thinking I just show up empty-handed to dates.”

She arched a brow. “So this is a date?”

“Maybe,” I said with a smirk. “Unless you say otherwise.”

She didn’t. Instead, she sipped her drink and leaned back on the bleachers. “So... Collins. Tell me something nobody else here knows.”

I paused, catching the challenge in her eyes.

“Alright,” I said. “I got into boxing because I watched a friend get punched in the face once. He was smaller, weaker, but he still stood up to the guy. Something about that stuck with me. I wanted to be that fearless.”

She nodded slowly. “That’s actually deep. Respect.”

“What about you?” I asked. “Tell me something about Aalia that doesn’t show up on her I*******m.”

She laughed softly. “I used to sew dresses for my dolls when I was a kid. Badly. Like, horrendously. My mum would always pretend they looked amazing. She’s into fashion, owns a boutique back home. I guess I kind of inherited the obsession.”

“Makes sense. You always look like you just stepped out of a Vogue shoot.”

She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she appreciated the compliment. “So, no siblings?”

“Just me. Grew up with my dad and my uncle. They did their best.”

“That’s cute. I’ve got an older brother. Protective as hell. You’ll probably hate him.”

“Good to know,” I said. “Do I get a warning before he comes after me?”

She grinned mischievously. “Maybe.”

We sat in silence for a moment, listening to the quiet hum of the stadium and the occasional laugh from the couples nearby. She scooted a little closer. Not enough to make it obvious. Just enough.

“You know,” she said, “I didn’t expect to like you this much.”

“Same,” I said honestly. “But here we are.”

She leaned her head on my shoulder, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt still.

No pressure. No noise. Just chips, soft lights, and her.

And maybe, just maybe... something beginning.