In the dimly lit bedroom, two figures sat huddled together, their eyes fixed intently on the flickering images on the television screen. Symere and Artist had been eagerly awaiting the news that would finally confirm the demise of their notorious rival, Gucci.

As the anchor's voice boomed through the speakers, "Gucci Carter's remains has been found inside of his now burned down club. Sources say that a fight broke out and bullets began flying."

Symere and Artist exchanged triumphant smirks. They had been waiting for this moment for months, a chance to avenge the countless insults and threats that Gucci had hurled their way.

"What yall watching?" Mizzy laid across the bottom of her bed.

"The news. Apparently Gucci died early this morning."

"Oh." He chuckled.

Symere and Artist exchanged confused looks. Symere had definitely caught that and now her mind started to race.

"Wait a fucking minute." Artist sat up. "Don't tell me you had something to do with that shit."

"I plead the fifth." He smirked.

A wave of shock and disbelief washed over Symere and Artist. They had no idea that Mizani, whom they had always considered harmless was the mastermind behind Gucci's death.

"Mizani!"

"You said don't tell you." He shrugged. "Besides, I'm not the only one pulling up on muthafuckas." He eyed Symere.

"The fuck he looking at you for?"

"Snitch." Symere muttered. "Let's just say Morgan won't be a problem in your life anymore."

"What?! You killed her too?"

"Little miss bad ass pulled up on her and set the record straight."

"You told me you was going to target." Artist frowned. "Why you go meet up with that looney ass bitch?"

"We were taking entirely too long to make a move on them. So I went and told her wassup and she tried to convince me that you switched sides."

"I was gathering information from her, mama." He sighed.

"You gathered enough. She won't be a problem, at least for right now. I pretty much know her every move."

Symere and Mizzy high fived each other as Artist stared at them. He knew Sy had some fire in her but pulling up on bitches? He never would've thought.

"Speaking of this morning, Artist, why was you in her room?"

"I'm Grown." He rolled his eyes.

"You grown but y'all sneaking around trying not to get caught by Chosen." He chuckled.

"Shut up, bitch."

"Not he clocked our tea."

"If y'all freaking just make sure you wrap it up. We don't need no babies running round here anytime soon."

Mizzy laughed to himself as he exited the room. Artist laid back on her chest, wanting to be babied in the moment.

"We need to get up and get ready." Artist muttered.

"Ready for what?"

"I'm taking you out."

Symere watched as Artist stood up from the bed, adjusting his sweatpants.

"You didn't ask me on a date."

"That's cause I'm telling you. Now give me a kiss."

"No." She folded her arms.

"Girl, give me a fuckin kiss!"

Symere rolled her eyes as she leaned up to kiss him. Artist grabbed her neck kissing her lips a few more times.

"You got two hours."

***

Symere stood before her mirror, her heart pounding with anticipation. She was anxious to see what Artist had planned for the two. She carefully applied her makeup, her hands trembling slightly with a mixture of excitement and nerves. She chose a clear shade lipgloss for her lips, a natural set of eyelashes to accentuate her brown eyes, and a subtle shimmer of blush to enhance her delicate cheekbones.

With her makeup complete, Symere unbuttoned a few buttons on her shirt showing a little cleavage. She wanted to dress very casual since she didn't know what they were doing. Her phone dinged with a message from Artist stating he was outside.

As she stepped out of the house and into the warm summer air, Symere noticed a sleek black car waiting at the curb. Her nerves melted away as Artist stepped out of the driver's seat, his eyes twinkling with admiration.

"You look beautiful baybeh." His accent flowed heavily as he grabbed her hand, leading her to the car.

Symere felt a surge of warmth as she settled into the soft leather seat next to Artist. The car glided smoothly through the city streets, passing beneath twinkling streetlights and towering skyscrapers.

"Where are we going?"

"First, ima feed yo lil greedy ass then ima take you to the fair."

"Aw, you've been listening to me." She blushed.

She hasn't been to the fair since she was a little girl. Chosen always had her busy with the drug business, she never had a chance to be a kid.

"I always listen, ma."

As they made their way to their destination, Symere and Artist chatted effortlessly. They discovered shared interests in travel, music, and business. Symere found herself drawn to Artist's intelligence, wit, and infectious laugh.

The car pulled up to a cozy Italian restaurant nestled in a quaint neighborhood. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of garlic, basil, and marinara sauce.

Inside, a candlelit table awaited them. The soft glow illuminated their faces, casting an intimate ambiance. As they sat down, Symere couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Artist.

Over a delectable dinner of linguine with clams and a crisp Pinot Noir, Symere and Artist delved deeper into each other's lives.

"So this whole time you been in college?"

"Yeah, I take my classes online. I hate the thought of being in crowded places with people I don't know."

"I love that despite your upbringing, you still out here getting your education."

"You didn't finish school?" She furrowed her eyebrows.

"I didn't graduate when I was supposed to. I have my GED now and I've been thinking about taking a lil business class."

"I really think you should, Art." Symere smiled.

"Art?" He rose an eyebrow.

"It's cute. Everybody calls you Tizz, so I had to be different." She shrugged.

As the night progressed, Symere found herself increasingly smitten with Artist. He was not only handsome but also thoughtful, attentive, and possessed a wonderful sense of humor.

"Ready to go, mama?"

"Yes!" She said, excitedly.

***

As they ambled through the crowded fairground, the air crackled with excitement. The enticing aroma of popcorn and cotton candy hung heavily in the air. They marveled at the towering Ferris wheel, its colorful gondolas gliding gracefully above the throng.

"What you want to do first?" He asked, looking down at her while he held her hand.

"Can we go play the games? I want a bear." She pouted.

"Whatever you want."

They made their way to the midway, where a myriad of games and attractions beckoned. Artist tested his aim at a shooting range, while Symere showcased her agility on the ring toss.

"Go Art!" Symere cheered as Artist effortlessly shot the ball.

As the time began to run out, Artist shot the last ball right before it buzzed. Symere smiled widely knowing that she was about to get her bear.

"Pick a prize, any prize!"

"Which one you want, ma?" He queried, holding her from behind.

"Can I get the pink fluffy one!" She pointed.

As the man handed it to her, she quickly took it and held it against her chest. It made Artist heart warm at her childlike behavior. He could tell that healing her inner child was something that she always wanted to accomplish.

Next on their agenda was the funhouse, where laughter echoed through the maze of distorted mirrors and disorienting hallways. Symere giggled uncontrollably as Artist tried to catch a ball in an unpredictable game of dexterity.

"Hungry?"

"I want a snack."

Artist devoured a juicy turkey leg while Symere opted for a decadent funnel cake, generously topped with powdered sugar. As they shared their meals, they couldn't help but steal playful glances at each other.

"What, ma?" He chuckled.

"You look so good right now." She bit her lip, eyeing him.

"Is that right?" He smirked.

"Mhm." She nodded.

"Preciate it, beautiful. They about to close soon you want to get on the Ferris wheel?"

"Pleaseee!"

"C'mon." He pulled up he baggy pants, holding his hand out for her to grab.

As the evening drew to a close, they decided to ride the Ferris wheel. They ascended slowly, and as they reached the apex, the sprawling fairground unfolded before them like a miniature kingdom. The twinkling lights of the midway seemed like stars scattered across a celestial canvas.

Symere leaned her head on Artist's shoulder, her heart filled with contentment. Artist tightened his grip around her, his eyes reflecting the profound connection they had forged that night.

"I really had a good time, Art. Thank you for taking me out."

"No problem. I'm glad you had a good time, I'll do anything to keep that smile on your face."

As silence covered the two, Artist gently grabbed her face, placing his lips on hers. As they shared a passionate kiss, fireworks went off in the background.

As the Ferris wheel descended, they knew that this date would be etched in their memories forever. It had been a night filled with laughter, adventure, and the undeniable spark of a blossoming romance.