He bursts through the front door with more energy than usual, kicking his shoes off without caring whey they land.
"Henry?" his mom says with calm but alert. "mind where you keep your shoe."
"Sorry mom." He says excitedly.
His heart is still racing, and there's a grin on his face he can't seem to wipe away. Entering his room, he drops bag on the floor, fore playing his date in his head and lets out a quiet laugh at nothing in particular.
He checks his phone, then checks it again, even though there are no messages yet. He runs a hand through his hair, takes a deep breath and shakes his head, trying to calm down but the excitement keeps bubbling up.
He's sitting on his bed, phone resting loosely in his hand, when it suddenly beeps. He unlocks the phone slowly, almost excitedly and reads the message.
"Pick me at 6, Ava."
A smile spreads across his face without him realizing it. His shoulders relax, and he lets out a small breath while replying her message.
"Sure, see you at 6."
The room feels warmer mow, quieter in a good way, excitement and anticipation flickering with every second.
(the clocks read 5)
He moves around his room with restless energy, clothes are spread across the bed as he debates what to wear, holding up one shirt, then another, trying to imagine how he'll look when she sees him. He smooths his hair in the mirror, fixes it again then smiles at himself.
His phone buzzes nearby, and he glances at it instinctively, a rush of excitement running through him even when the message is not from her. He sprays a little cologne, grabs his wallet and keys, then pause at the door, taking a breath to calm his racing heart. There's a nervous smile on his face-half excitement, half anticipation as he steps out to his car, ready for a night he's been thinking about.
(arriving at Ava's driveway)
He sits in the driver's seat, engine off, hands resting lightly on the steering wheel. He glances at his reflection in the rearview mirror, straightens his jacket, then exhales slowly, trying to calm the excitement in his chest.
He checks his phone- no new messages yet then looks toward the house he's parked in front of, hoping for her to come. A small smile appears on his face as he sees her.
She walks toward him with confidence, dressed just right for the occasion, highlighting the care she put into getting ready. Her hair frames her face naturally, moving slightly as she walks and her face glowing with excitement and her beauty.
As she approaches, her smile is warm and genuine, a mix of anticipation and calm. She adjusts her jacket and smooth her dress almost unconsciously, eye bright, posture relaxed.
"Hi," he says, opening the passenger door for her.
"you look beautiful."
She smiles back, a little shy but pleased and thanks him as she gets in. he waits until she's settled before closing the door gently, the walk around to driver's seat. As he starts the car, he glances over at her with excitement.
"where do you want to eat?" he asks politely.
"Do you like Italian?" she responds gently. "I was thinking of Italian."
"okay," he says with a smile. "I'm good with Italian."
(arriving at Italian restaurant)
The restaurant feels cozy and intimate, filled with warm and soft murmur of conversation around them. The smell of freshly baked bread, herbs and rich sauces hangs in the air, making the space feel inviting and alive.
They sit close enough to hear each other easily, smiling as they talk and laugh between bites. She tastes her pasta and nods appreciatively, teasing him about his choice, while he raises his glass with a playful grin.
"so… have you been here before?" he says. "The pasta tastes amazing."
"A few times with my friends," she laughs softly. "But never for a date."
"I'm glad we did it then," he says sarcastically. "I mean, it's not just about the food, I'm really enjoying the night with you."
"Me too," she smiles looking down at the plate. "It feels easy to talk with you, you know?"
"To be honest," he says. "I was a little nervous about this."
"Really," she laughs softly. "You don't seem nervous at all."
"I try to hide it," he grins. "But I guess it shows a little now."
"Well, at least it's honest. I like that." She said.
"umm... so tell me something about you."
Thinking for a moment, she says;
"hmmm…. I'm obsessed with Marvel cinematic universe."
"That's awesome," he says with admiration. "I did watch some and I loved them."
"so… Do you think you can make it to professional?" she says genuinely "I mean you are so good at it."
"Haha... I don't want to make it to professional." He laughs softly.
Confused, she asks "why?"
"I know it doesn't make sense," he says in confidence. "Basketball is my passion and I don't want to make my passion my profession."
"I don't get it," she replies "isn't making your passion a career a good thing?"
"Yes, it is" he continues saying "I don't want to risk losing my love for basketball by chasing success in professional."
"wow…I'm touched," she says "you would rather choose love over success."
"Is it same with your life?" she asks with a curious face. "would you choose your girlfriend over your career?"
"Haha… I never thought of that," he brushes off her question for a moment. "But if our love is worth it, I might choose her."
"Anyway," he continues "I think we should head home."
"Did i offend you by asking that?" she says with worriedness in her voice.
"nah… its not that," he assures her. "I was worried you might be getting late."
"oh, its already 9," she checks her phone. "let's go."
They rise from the table, smile lingering on their face and steps out to the parking.
(arriving back at Ava's place)
She turns to him, smiling, a little shy.
"thanks for tonight," she says "I really had a great time."
"Me too." He says with warm voice, a little hesitant.
He opens the door and steps out first, holding it for her. She slips out and for a brief moment they stand together in the driveway.
"well," she says softly "I'll see you around."
"Definitely," he replies, smiling. He leans in for a quick, careful friendly hug and she hugs him back.
She heads inside, turning back once to wave and he watches her go, heart light, replaying the evening in his mind as he gets back into the car and drives away.