Chapter 89: Is it a Date?
On a road where bustling cars came and went, a handsome young man walked alongside a beautiful young girl.
Wherever they passed, all eyes followed. The attention clung to them as if the world had paused to admire a perfect pair that is like a match made in heaven.
The young man, even in simple casual clothes, radiated a quiet charm that couldn’t be ignored.
Beside him, the girl wore a light dress that flowed with her every step, her beauty so captivating it seemed to glow under the sunlight.
Jessica was that girl. As she walked beside him, she couldn’t help but glance at Jeff’s outfit and let out a soft sigh.
He was wearing nothing but a pair of black shorts and a simple black t-shirt.
The look was effortless, and somehow it made him even cooler and more handsome.
But still, it wasn’t formal.
Clothing wasn’t really a problem for her, but it reflected the sincerity behind the moment.
This was supposed to be a date or at least something close to it. So why did he show up looking so casual, like it meant nothing at all?
Her eyes shifted to the road ahead, and she fought the urge to slap those thoughts out of her mind.
"Who am I kidding? I’m the only one acting like this is a date," Jessica thought to herself bitterly.
"Even though it’s not." she uttered the reality hitting her.
After walking for a while in silence, neither of them had spoken since they left the house.
Probably still recovering from Aunt Rose’s relentless teasing when they left.
"Ahh, do you want to eat breakfast?" Jeff finally asked, breaking the awkward quiet.
Jessica who is lost in her thoughts, snapped out of it at the sound of his voice.
She blinked a few times before realizing she had completely forgotten her plan. They had just been walking aimlessly, with no clear destination in mind.
Literally letting their feet carry them forward.
It made her completely forget that they had been walking in the wrong direction which is the opposite way from where she originally wanted to take him.
"Ah, yes," she replied quickly, trying to sound normal.
Jeff narrowed his eyes, noticing how she kept fidgeting when he spoke.
"Then let’s go," he said.
He then casually raised his hand to point at a nearby restaurant.
But before he could finish the gesture, Jessica reached out and gently pulled his hand down. Their fingers brushed, then locked together.
They were holding hands now.
Jessica froze, her eyes wide in panic at what she had just done. She only wanted to stop him, since she already had a place in mind.
But why did it turn out like this? Even Jeff, who was usually calm and easygoing, seemed caught off guard.
A faint blush crept up his neck as he looked away, pretending to be unbothered, but the silence between them had definitely changed.
The two avoided each other’s gaze, the air between them sense the tension that was pretty awkward.
Neither spoke, their hands still awkwardly intertwined. Not knowing why, they hadn’t let go with each other yet.
Just then, an old woman strolled past them, her eyes twinkling as she glanced at the pair.
"Young lovers are really shy these days," she remarked with a light chuckle.
Jessica and Jeff froze on the spot, stunned by the unexpected comment.
"H-haaha, young lovers? Grandma, we are not. We... we are not lovers" Jessica stammered, turning around to correct her.
But the old woman, still within earshot, looked back with a knowing smile that made Jessica’s face flush deep red.
She quickly turned away, flustered beyond saving.
"Child, you’re really shy. From the looks of it, you two are a good match. Good luck," the old woman said cheerfully before quickening her pace, disappearing into their sight.
Jessica stood frozen, her mouth slightly open, unable to form a proper response. The old lady was already gone, and any chance to explain had vanished with her.
Jeff, on the other hand, looked even more awkward now. His original plan was just to grab a simple breakfast and nothing more.
But as he glanced at Jessica, standing there with her face flushed red, eyes down, and arms fidgeting shyly, his thoughts suddenly felt heavier and more tangled.
"This is also not bad," Jeff muttered under his breath, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"So, where should we eat?" he asked, clearing his throat first to shake off the tension.
"Let’s go to a nearby cafe. It’s just a few streets away from the plaza," Jessica replied, quickly raising a hand to signal a tricycle.
The vehicle pulled over, and the two slid into the front seat side by side.
Their shoulders brushed gently, and Jessica immediately stiffened, her gaze dropping to the floor as her heart pounded in her chest.
"Where to, young missy?" the driver asked casually.
"To... to... to Sunny Side Cafe, uncle," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper, still too flustered to lift her head.
Seeing her behavior, the driver glanced at Jessica, then at Jeff.
His brows lifting slightly in surprise as if he couldn’t believe such handsomeness existed in their small, stupid country.
"Young man, your girlfriend is so shy. Haha," the driver chuckled as the tricycle began to move.
Jessica immediately straightened her posture, her lips parting wanting to argue.
But before she could say anything, Jeff gently took her hand.
She froze, his grip was warm, sweet, and completely unexpected.
"His hand is so warm," she screamed in her mind.
The words echoing in her head as her thoughts scattered. She had already forgotten whatever comeback she was about to blurt out just seconds ago.
"That’s right, uncle, my girlfriend is just shy. Especially when she’s not done practicing how to hold hands properly," Jeff said with a slight laugh, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
The driver let out a hearty laugh, "Hahaha! Ay, young lovers! It’s good to be young, enjoy it while it still lasted" he said.
As he shook his head in amusement as he glanced at them through the mirror.
Jessica, on the other hand, looked like she was about to melt right there on the seat, her face turning as red as a tomato while she tried to look away, pretending she didn’t hear a thing.
The way he held her hand, gently squeezing it, dried out every logical thought in her brain. But before she could melt any further, her instincts kicked in.
Suddenly, she pulled her hand back and shot him a glare.
"Who’s your girlfriend?" she snapped back.
While crossing her arms tightly and leaning back against the seat, cheeks still burning.
But inside she was very happy when he said that. Jeff glanced at her, then let out a small sigh of relief.
"Can’t believe that actually worked," he muttered to himself.
"Teasing during an awkward moment really does change the atmosphere." he said, remembering a scene from a film.
After a few minutes of driving, they cruised smoothly through the quiet streets. The area wasn’t crowded, and traffic was light.
Only a handful of cars passed by, most people getting around on motorcycles or tricycles. freёwebnoѵel.com
In a town like this, owning even a simple car already showed that you were well off.
Soon, the tricycle came to a stop in front of a small, cozy cafe.
The atmosphere was warm, with soft colors and inviting decor that made the place feel surprisingly charming.
As they got off, Jeff reached for his wallet, insisting on paying for the ride. But Jessica shot him a sharp glare, her tone was firm as she refused.
He froze for a second, then swallowed his words and quietly let her handle it.
With that, the two stepped inside and found the place pleasantly quiet. Only three other customers were seated, making the atmosphere feel calm and peaceful.
It was an open-air cafe, with a gentle breeze blowing through and a small, quiet park just beside it.
Melaine had recommended this spot, saying it was the best place in town for a relaxed morning breakfast.
The cafe was known for its fluffy pancakes, buttery croissants, and generous servings.
Jessica chose the cafe not just for the food, but because the prices were reasonable.
It wasn’t that she minded spending on him. What she truly feared was the look of discomfort he might show, that awkward hesitation if he thought she was footing the bill.
This way, he could eat whatever he wanted, without overthinking or feeling like a burden.
She understood his financial situation, and that was exactly why she chose this place.
Since a man needs to hold onto his pride. Even something as simple as being treated to breakfast by a girl could stir a quiet discomfort deep inside.
She didn’t want him to feel small or indebted. She just wanted the moment to feel light, easy, and equal.
With that, sitting at the edge of the table closest to the window, Jessica found herself bathed in warm sunlight.
It kissed her cheeks, making her skin look impossibly soft and glowing, while her long black hair shimmered with hints of brown under the golden rays.
...
Earlier that morning, in the classroom while she was taking note her friend stood up from her seat and walked behind her.
"Listen," she whispered as she adjusts Jessica’s hair like a personal stylist.
"You’re sitting by the window. No arguments."
"Huh? Why?" Jessica blinked, as she stopped typing.
"Because, you dummy..." Melaine rolled her eyes with a playful scoff.
"Natural sunlight. It’ll hit your face just right, thus highlighting your skin, making your eyes sparkle, and give you that soft glow like a main character in a romance anime. Trust me, I’m an expert for this"
Jessica hesitated, finding this was a bit too stupid. "Isn’t that too much? It’s not a date and he might..."
"It’s not too much, also. As a girl, you should show off your beauty at the maximum level!" Melaine cut in, poking her forehead.
"Let him see what he’s not ready for. And that sun will do half the flirting for you."
She did not react, but inwardly she nod her head, going back to this very scene he looked at Jeff who was across him who had just seated.
The two locked gaze and Jeff could not help but be in tranced for a moment.
"You look so gorgeous right now," Jeff said as he immediately regretted it.
The words had slipped out before he could stop himself.
Jessica’s eyes widened for a moment before her face turned crimson. She looked down quickly, her fingers nervously clutching the edge of her skirt.
Her heart was racing, as she could barely breathe.
"It’s actually working," she thought, biting her lip in a desperate attempt to hide the smile that threatened to bloom across her face.
But in the end, she lifted her gaze and looked at him, wearing a smile that words couldn’t quite capture.
Soft, warm, and radiant in a way that made time seem to slow down. Even Jeff felt like something sharp had struck his chest.
"Thank you," she said gently.
It was a critical hit to the heart.
No defense, no recovery it’s something that’s straight damage to the soul.
...
Special thanks to ’Meiwa_Blank👑’ – the GOAT for this month, for the Golden Tickets! Love you, brotha!
Special thanks to ’Devon1234👑’ – the GOAT for this month, for the Gifts! Love you, brotha!