"Troy, I told you, you don't have to make a fuss. I already forgave you," Evelyn kept insisting as Troy dragged her to their spot.

"No, no. I don't care if you've forgiven me or not. I still feel guilty and I will make it up to you," he spoke softly into her ear as his hands tightened around her shoulders. It'd been a couple days since the strange, almost falling out they had. Things had been a bit awkward between them, despite Evelyn wanting anything but that.

"Fine, as you wish," Evelyn huffed, trying her best to stop worrying and let Troy do his thing.

"Okay," Troy removed his hands from her shoulders and grabbed both of hers. "We're gonna have a nice little picnic in our spot and eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches because I know those are your favorite."

     Evelyn slightly shook her head, not knowing what to say or do in response. "Okay," she agreed with a soft voice, tightening her fingers around his.

"I know this date is pretty simple, but I thought you'd like it," Troy started after a while of sitting in silence. Evelyn looked up at him, finally. The entire time they'd been sitting there she seemed to be looking everywhere but at him. "Sorry if you don't," he finished uncomfortably. Evelyn could tell he was going to say something else, but he chose not to. She sighed.

"No, it's okay," she replied with an almost forced smile. "I like it, I really do. It's really thoughtful."

Troy didn't say anything in response. He only patted her soft hand, a sign Evelyn couldn't read. They sat in even more silence, the only noise being the ones created by the ranchers and the bugs all at once. This was their first "date" during the daytime, which made Evelyn feel a little relieved. Part of her wondered if he was too embarrassed to be seen with her, and that's why he always hung out with her in the middle of the night.

     Evelyn couldn't take it anymore. she hated feeling so uncomfortable in the presence of her own boyfriend. She let out a quiet huff before she did it. She sat up on her knees, leaned over, grabbed his face, and pressed her lips against his. It felt like they hadn't kissed in forever. Evelyn felt dizzy. She'd almost forgotten the entire situation they were in, in the first place. She somehow melted more at the feeling of Troy's hands wrapped around her waist. She'd missed him so much more than she knew.

     "What was that for?" Troy teasingly asked with a smirk once they pulled away from each other.

     "I missed you," Evelyn shrugged. She dropped her hands from his face to her lap.

Troy stared at her with a playful, teasing look that made Evelyn blush. She pretended not to notice and brought one hand up to play with the 'T' on her necklace. "You're pretty," Troy brushed his fingers along the side of her face, making her cheeks flush more if possible. "And I missed you too. It's been too long since I kissed you."

"Well," Evelyn started with a dramatic huff. "You know how you can always make it up to me!" she innocently tilted her head and grinned at the boy. He knew exactly what she was talking about. Evelyn smiled in accomplishment after Troy leaned in for another kiss.

That night, Troy laid beside her during another sleepover. "I really missed you, Ev," Troy grumbled as her rolled over, half on top of her. Evelyn laughed.

"I told you I missed you too," she wrapped her arms around his warm body.

"I know, I know, but still," Troy raised his head to stare at her through the barely illuminated lighting. "I'm sorry for bringing those dumb things up. I was scared you'd want to break up with me," he admitted with a nervous-sounding chuckle.

"Why would I ever want to break up with you?" Evelyn brought his face closer to hers. "I really like you, Troy. I like the way you treat me— better than Ethan ever could."

"I try my best," Troy quipped, finally rolling off of her.

"Well you're doing the greatest job ever."

Troy let out a sigh. "I promise I'm never going to act that stupid again."

Evelyn turned her head to look at him. "I'm holding you to that."

"I promised!" Troy poked her side.

"I did not miss that!" Evelyn exclaimed as quietly as she could while she squirmed.

Troy stopped. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her smaller body close to his. "I did," he teased.

"I'm tired," Evelyn let her head fall on his shoulder.

"So go to sleep."

"Goodnight, Troy," she mumbled, cuddling up to him.

"Goodnight, Ev."

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06.14.22