When the dessert arrived, it looked like something out of a commercial. The creamy puddling-like texture of the leche flan was very fascinating as Matthew cut into it with a fork, making Kayla's mouth water.
"Here, try some." Matthew held out a forkful to her, waiting for her to take a bite.
'Oh, he was feeding her? Like, actually feeding her?'
Kayla's brain went haywire. But before she could overthink it, she leaned forward and took the bite.
It was heavenly. The rich, warm egg pudding paired with the cool vanilla ice cream was nothing short of divine. "Wow, that's... amazing."
"I told you," Matthew said, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "But I'm glad you like it."
The two of them continued eating their dessert while dishing out compliments and pretty much enjoying the atmosphere. They shared a moment of laughter before Matthew called for the bill. As much as Kayla wanted to insist on paying her share, Matthew had already handled it before she could even get a word out.
"Seriously, you didn't have to do that," Kayla mumbled, feeling both flustered and grateful.
"I wanted to. Besides, I invited you out, remember?" Matthew said with a playful wink.
Kayla couldn't help but smile as they left the restaurant, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. The sun had already set, and the city lights twinkled like scattered stars. They walked side by side, the gentle hum of traffic surrounding them as they made their way down the lively streets.
The conversation was light, mostly filled with jokes and playful banter. Yet, even in the moments of silence, Kayla didn't feel awkward. Instead, she felt... comfortable. At ease. The kind of peace that made her heartbeat slow and her shoulders relax.
"Wow, it's getting late," Kayla remarked, her voice softer than she intended. The streetlamps cast a golden hue on the sidewalk, their shadows mingling as they strolled along.
"Yeah, but at least we got to walk off some of that delicious food," Matthew chuckled, his hands tucked casually into his pockets.
Kayla glanced at him, her eyes lingering on his relaxed expression. He was so... genuine. And patient. And just really, really kind. The thought made her stomach flutter, and she had to turn her gaze away before he noticed her staring.
As they continued walking, their path led them toward the bus stop. The street grew quieter, the distant hum of the city a comforting backdrop.
"So," Matthew started, his voice breaking through the calmness. "Did you have fun today?"
Kayla laughed. "I did. A lot more than I expected, actually. Thanks again for inviting me."
"It was my pleasure."
Their steps slowed as they neared the bus stop. Matthew seemed unhurried, his gaze drifting between her and the quiet street ahead. It was like he was in no rush to say goodbye.
Kayla's chest tightened, a strange mix of happiness and nerves swirling inside her. For once, she didn't mind the walk lasting a little longer. It was the first time in her life that she had wished that the road was a bit longer.
But alas, every feast must come to an end, and so did their lovely walk.
The bus stop was quiet, only occupied by a few tired-looking commuters glancing at their phones. The glow of the streetlamp cast soft, golden light over the bench.
"Guess we just wait here for your bus then?" Matthew asked, his voice light and casual.
Kayla nodded, fiddling with the strap of her bag. "Yeah... It shouldn't take long."
There was a gentle pause, the kind that made Kayla feel strangely comfortable. It was like the world had decided to slow down just for them, allowing her to soak in the moment.
"You know," Matthew began, his gaze fixed on the darkened road ahead. "I really had a great time tonight. I hope I didn't come off as too... I don't know, pushy? I just wanted you to enjoy yourself."
"You weren't pushy at all," Kayla replied quickly, her words almost tumbling over each other. "You were... perfect, actually. I had a lot of fun."
Matthew turned to her, a grin lighting up his face. "Perfect, huh? That's quite the compliment."
Kayla rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Don't let it get to your head."
"But it's already there," he teased, tapping the side of his head. "Too late."
Kayla laughed, the sound mingling with the distant rustling of leaves. It amazed her how easy it was to be around him. How she didn't feel the need to constantly overthink her words or worry about saying something stupid.
The two of them fell silent again. Neither wanted to break the serene feeling of the atmosphere. Just then, Matthew gave her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go.
"So... you up for a second date sometime?" he asked, his tone playful yet hopeful.
"I think I'd like that," Kayla replied, her smile stretching from ear to ear.
The bus stop had grown quiet once again. The distant hum of the city was nothing but a soft whisper in the night. Kayla and Matthew sat side by side on the cold bench, their shoulders brushing every so often, each touch sparking warmth through her entire body.
Headlights appeared in the distance. The bus was approaching, its rumbling engine breaking the quiet atmosphere.
"Oh, the bus is here." Matthew stood up and turned to Kayla.
The two of them boarder the bus and chose to sit down at the farthest back. Kayla and Matthew sat side by side, their shoulders occasionally bumping with the swaying of the vehicle. Outside, the world blurred by the city lights shimmering against the darkened sky.
Kayla's fingers fidgeted on her lap, her mind still swirling from the evening's events. Everything had felt so surreal. Matthew's kindness, the warmth of his laughter, and how easily their conversations flowed. She kept stealing glances at him, her chest blooming with warmth every time he grinned at her like she was the only person in the world.
But that warmth also carried a sense of bittersweetness. As much as she wanted to stay in this moment, she was painfully aware that her stop was coming up soon. And with it, the end of what felt like a perfect evening.
"You look like you're deep in thought," Matthew's voice broke through her haze.
"Hm? Oh, nothing," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just... I had a great time. That's all."
"Me too," Matthew replied with a sincerity that made her cheeks flush. "We should do this again sometime."
"I'd like that," Kayla admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
The bus continued its steady pace until the familiar sight of her neighborhood came into view. Her heart sank a little, but she forced herself to sit up straighter.
"This is my stop," she announced, her voice tinged with reluctance.
Matthew nodded, his expression softening. "Alright. Take care, Kayla."
"Yeah, you too," she replied, gathering her things as the bus slowed to a halt.
She stood up, her feet feeling heavier than usual. With a final glance at Matthew, she stepped down the aisle and out of the bus, the cool night air wrapping around her like a gentle embrace.
The bus door closed behind her with a low hiss, and she found herself standing on the sidewalk, watching the vehicle drive away. Her eyes followed it until it disappeared from sight, leaving only the dim streetlights and the quiet of the evening.
Kayla let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her heart was still fluttering like a trapped bird in her chest, the memory of Matthew's smile playing on repeat in her mind.
"Get a grip, Kayla," she whispered to herself, feeling both giddy and ridiculous at the same time.
The walk back to her apartment felt strangely lonely without Matthew by her side. But even as she trudged along the familiar route, the warmth of his presence lingered, like a pleasant glow she couldn't quite shake off.
Tonight, had been something special. And even though she was alone now, Kayla couldn't help but feel that her world had just gotten a little bit brighter.