14

The next day, golden sunlight bathed the city streets, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. I pushed open the door to our favorite café, where the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries wrapped around me like a cozy hug. Spencer was already there, a grin breaking across her face when she saw me.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss ‘I Had Dinner with Levi Carson,” she teased, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Cora, give me the details before I combust.”

I slid into the seat across from her, trying to hide my smile. “You know, for someone who wasn’t there, you’re very invested.”

She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “Of course I am! Now spill—how was it?”

“Honestly? It was better than I expected,” I admitted, a flutter working its way into my stomach. “We talked, laughed, even debated over the worst movie remakes. But then there were these moments where he’d just look at me like—”

The café’s bell chimed, cutting me off, and I looked up to see Levi and Ethan walking in. Levi’s eyes found mine instantly, and a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. He made his way over with easy confidence, a bag of pastries in hand.

“Hope we’re not crashing,” Levi said, his voice warm and teasing as he slid into the chair beside me, so close our knees brushed. A current of electricity zipped through me.

Spencer’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Oh, this is getting good. Cora, did you invite your dinner date for a follow-up?”

Levi leaned in, his breath tickling my ear. “If I knew you were going to talk about me, I would’ve come sooner.”

I rolled my eyes, biting back a smile. “Please, you’d show up anywhere there’s a chance to make an entrance.”

Ethan dropped into the seat beside Spencer and placed a deck of cards on the table. “We bring not just our charm, but also a game: *Truth or Dare* with a twist. Ready to show what you’re made of?”

Spencer clapped her hands together. “Oh, this just got interesting.”

The game started simple enough—Spencer dared Ethan to compliment the barista, which he did with such flair that she blushed and nearly dropped a tray. Levi was next, tasked with singing the most embarrassing song in his playlist, which turned out to be an off-key version of an old boy band hit. By then, we were all laughing so hard my sides hurt.

Then it was my turn. Levi’s eyes met mine with a look that sent a thrill through me. “Truth or dare, Cora?”

I narrowed my eyes, challenging him right back. “Dare.”

The grin that spread across his face was dangerous. “I dare you to tell everyone what you thought the first time we met.”

Spencer gasped dramatically. “Oh, Levi’s going for the good stuff!”

My mind flashed back to that day—Levi, walking into the cafeteria with his confident stride and that insufferable grin. I’d pegged him for trouble immediately. But now, with his eyes locked on mine, that memory felt softer somehow.

“Fine,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “My first thought was, ‘Great, another show-off who’s going to be way too easy to take down.’”

Levi’s eyes twinkled as he leaned back, letting out a deep laugh. “Looks like you were half right.”

I tilted my head, leaning in. “Oh, don’t be so sure. The jury’s still out.”

Before he could respond, Ethan interrupted with a grin. “Levi, I dare you to show us the last thing you texted Cora.”

Levi’s expression shifted to mock alarm. “Oh, that’s dangerous.” He pulled out his phone, the screen glowing as he unlocked it. “Alright, but only because I’m brave.”

He handed me his phone, and Spencer immediately tried to peek. The message on the screen made my breath catch:

Last night was great. Let’s make the next one even better.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks as I handed the phone back, our eyes meeting in a silent exchange that felt more intimate than the bustling café around us.

“Happy now?” Levi said, smirking at the shocked expressions around the table.

Spencer put a hand over her heart. “I think I might faint. Cora, are you okay?”

I found myself laughing, the sound bubbling up before I could stop it. “I’m fine,” I said, meeting Levi’s gaze with a challenge of my own. “But round two won’t be so easy.”

Levi’s smile softened, turning into something warmer. “Good. I’m counting on it.”

The afternoon melted into playful banter and shared smiles, each moment pulling us all closer. By the time we were finished, I was buzzing with happiness, my heart full and light.

As we left the café, Levi walked beside me, his hand brushing against mine. He leaned in, voice low. “See you at our next dare, Cora?”

I turned, letting myself grin. “You bet.”

And as I walked away, I felt like kicking my feet and twirling with joy. The afternoon had been perfect, filled with just enough chaos, laughter, and heart to make it unforgettable.

Well what do you think of this chapter? This was more like a filler chapter. I really wanted this chapter to be easy going, fun to read. Felt nice writing this chapter. Also, Ethan made an appearance after so long and he'll be making more of those in the future chapters.

Thank you for reading!

- sky