Chapter 2 Dating Novels & Stories

“It’s, um… fun. Like spending time with someone you like.” Jessica, still grinning, decided to step in. “Okay, Jasmine, here’s the simple version. Dating is like when two grown-ups hang out to see if they want to be best friends forever.” Jasmine’s eyes narrowed as she processed this. “Best friends forever… like me and Mia from school?” “Kind of,” Jessica said with a chuckle. “But for grown-ups, it’s a little more special.” “Special how?” Jasmine pressed, her curiosity endless. “Well,” I tried again, “special because they might decide to, uh… be together for a long time.”

For the first time in years, I felt nervous about something that had nothing to do with danger. And against my better judgment, I called Daniel. It felt ridiculous—me, calling him for dating advice—but I needed a second opinion. I could already hear the amusement in his voice before he even said anything. “You? Asking me for dating advice?” Daniel asked, clearly entertained. “That’s new.” “Just answer the question,” I muttered, already regretting this conversation. “Alright, alright,” he said, pretending to think. “Take her somewhere unexpected. A paint-and-sip class? Or maybe a cooking lesson?”

He's nervous around her at first, but she's sweet and funny, and he can't help but fall in love. Henry and Jessica start dating, and they're inseparable. They do everything together, from going to the movies to studying for exams. They share a love of books and music, and they spend hours talking about their favorite novels and songs. Their love for each other only grows, and one day, Henry decides to ask Jessica to marry him. He buys a ring and plans a special night to propose. He takes her to a park near their house, and he gets down on one knee in front of a beautiful lake. Jessica says yes, and they start planning their wedding.

Only I don’t disagree with him. I’m staring at the board with a million thoughts in my head, ignoring them with their stupid remarks, and I catch Elisa glancing at me with hesitation. The face of prey caught in a trap, and I know she is thinking the same thing as me. It’s not like either of us has ever had any romantic encounters, and the two behind us have to be the most toxic dating boys in our entire school. They date, sure. Lots of short-term and shallow dates. Their primary goal is sex and nothing else, so what can they contribute? “This sucks.” Sighing and slumping as I stare at the words over and over. I verbalize louder than I meant to.

"You don't have to answer" "Well, I want to", she lightly pulls my cheek. "So, there's barely any situation when two people like each other at the same time. If someone asks you out whom you still don't know properly but you'll be interested to know after knowing a bit about them, you decide to give it a chance and go out with them. You wait to see if you both can connect and if anything can happen between you two. Then, you officially date. Then it goes on. Sometimes it works out. Sometimes it doesn't" I nod.

"But, don't worry. On this particular dating app, no real names and real photos were needed. Just a username and you're all set. Isn't it exciting? When you meet with someone, there's this anticipation inside you that you wanted to satisfy whether your date was pretty enough or not, sexy enough or not and delectable enough or not." Dionysus' grandfather even imitated a heart's thumping sound and even a disgusting slurping sound on which the infamous Chevalier's exhausted brain cannot comprehend and process anymore. "That's it, old man. I'm finished. I'm heading upstairs. Goodnight." Dionysus was about to walk away and stand up from his seat but his old man wasn't someone to back down that ea

conversation was working and she wasn't having dark thoughts. "When a girl and a guy date, they go out and have fun. Dinner, movies..." sex... she didn't need to know that so I avoided that word. "You know stuff like that." Her eyes were sparkling with curiosity. "And then they get married right?" "No, Blue. Dating doesn't necessarily mean that it ends in marriage. Most relationships don't work. People who marry are in love. Dating is something to just get to know someone." She nodded like she understood what that meant. "So after they get married, they kiss and have a human baby, right?"

boyfriend. “Now, now, let’s enjoy our valentine’s day” Elaine let out another chuckle, she slightly pushes Tanya out and lead her to one of the coffee shops that the two used to go to when they were first “dating”. “Yeah…sorry about that” Tanya muttered and apologize to Elaine while giving a smile. --- “I remember that this where we go when we first started to “date”” Elaine sat down on the chair while Tanya pushes the chair. “You said to me back then that you love sweets in an indifferent tone, I really can’t tell the difference if you really like it based on your tone” Tanya walks toward the other seat and she let out a chuckle as she reminiscence what happened 6 years ago.

“But I have no idea what I am doing, I am still hurting and still trying to heal.” “And I will be with you in every drastic step that you take. I will always be with you.” Daphne smiles cheekily. “God, I have been waiting forever for this.” I laugh, pressing my forehead to hers. “What now?” “Maybe we could take it slowly, do this weird thing that people call ‘dating’ I guess it means being involved, and lots of kissing. Do you think we can do that?” Daphne places both hands over my shoulders. “Yes, I think we can do that.” I reply. And then we kiss.

The air smells faintly of garlic and wine. We sat at a table near the window. For the first few minutes the conversation feels strangely formal. Almost awkward. Katy notices it too. “This is weird,” she says suddenly. “How?” “You’re acting like we just met.” I take a sip of water before answering. “That’s kind of the point.” “Why?” “Because tonight matters.” She studies me carefully. “Explain.” I lean back slightly in my chair. “Most relationships start with dates,” I say. “Dinner. Conversations. Learning about each other.”