ੈ✩‧₊˚
IRL!
*ੈ✩‧₊˚

↳ ❝ I GET LIKE, STUPID AROUND HER. MORE THAN USUAL.❞

Chris found comfort in the melodies that intertwined with Lovette's world. The songs she casually mentioned became gateways to her emotions, and he listened intently, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of her. Through her song choices, he recognized her affinity for R&B music, each beat and lyric painting a portrait of her soul.

As the smooth rhythm of Mac Ayers' "Easy" resonated in his ears, Chris sat at the kitchen island, basking in the comfort of Lovette's musical presence. A message from her appeared on his screen, and his heart skipped a beat as he swiftly composed a reply. Unbeknownst to him, a genuine smile curved his lips, a departure from his usual expressions, and it didn't go unnoticed by MaryLou, the boys' mother.

Interrupting her lunch preparations, MaryLou remarked, "You keep smiling at your phone."

Nick, emerging from his room, caught wind of the conversation and joined in with a mischievous grin. Opening the fridge, he teased, "Probably 'cause he's talking to his girlfriend." He grabbed a drink, feigning nonchalance.

Surprised, MaryLou turned to Chris, her curiosity piqued. "You have a girlfriend? Since when?"

Chris couldn't help but roll his eyes, dismissing Nick's playful insinuation. "She's not my girlfriend. I don't know what Nick is talking about."

Amidst the banter, Matt entered the room, catching the tail end of the conversation. With a knowing smile, he chimed in, "Yeah, but you like her."

MaryLou's face lit up, intrigued by the prospect of her son's blossoming feelings. "How much do you like her?"

Chris paused, pondering the question. He let out a sigh, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I get like, stupid around her. More than usual. It's like I can't think properly."

Sitting next to her son, MaryLou's tender gaze enveloped him. "Well, you're not stupid. None of my boys are. But I don't think it's stupidity, Chris. You're just nervous, and that's normal."

Just as her words resonated, Chris's phone buzzed, signaling another message from Lovette. A small smile graced his lips, evidence of the effect she had on him.

Amused by their brother's behavior, Nick chimed in, sharing his observations. "Mom, he's been like this since he met her. He stays up all the time just to talk to her."

Matt nodded, confirming Nick's words. "Yeah, it's like he's under a spell."

Chris brushed off their teasing, focusing on his interaction with Lovette. Today, they had planned to go out, continuing their self-proclaimed tour. He hadn't shared this with his brothers yet, aware of the playful banter that would ensue.

Breaking the news to his curious siblings, Chris declared, "I'm going out today."

Nick's curiosity piqued. "Where are we going?"

"We're not going anywhere. I'm going out with Lovie," Chris responded absentmindedly, unaware that he had accidentally let slip the endearing nickname he had for Lovette. His attention was already drawn to another incoming message from her.

Matt couldn't contain his amusement. "Did you just call her Lovie?"

A blush crept up Chris's cheeks, his embarrassment evident. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Nick smirked mischievously. "Oh my God, this is the greatest piece of information I've ever received."

Chris hissed, "Shut up."

MaryLou's hand gently touched her son's arm, offering reassurance. "It's sweet, Chris. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Matt, unable to resist teasing, chimed in again, chuckling. "Well, maybe a little embarrassment won't hurt. Do you need me to drop you off at Lovie's house?"

Chris quickly clarified, hoping to divert their attention. "No, she's picking me up."

Matt hummed, acknowledging his brother's comment. He looked over at Chris again, who was engrossed by his phone, or presumably, his messages with Lovette. "Aren't you scared of having a girlfriend? What changed?"

"It's not like we're dating. We're just hanging out," Chris responded while shrugging, attempting not to delve too deeply into Matt's comment.

At nineteen, Chris felt the weight of his youth on his shoulders. He cherished his freedom, his ability to explore his passions and chase his dreams without feeling tied down. The introduction of labels carried labyrinthian complexities in his mind. Labels held expectations and responsibilities that could potentially hinder his pursuits. That's what was so perfect about the undefined limbo Lovette and he are in. There were zero expectations, just two people hanging out.

"What if she wants to start dating?" Nick piped up.

Chris pursed his lips, contemplating the question. "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Oddly enough, Chris had explicitly instructed Lovette not to knock on his front door. Nick and Matt were circling the front door like hawks, waiting for the girl to arrive so they could give their brother a hard time in front of her. However, Chris is two steps ahead of them. In reality, MaryLou was gracious enough to distract her two other sons, leaving Chris to swiftly escape from his brothers' prying eyes.

Amidst the anticipation, Lovette finds solace leaning against her car, her mind swirling with curiosity about the next destination on their impromptu tour. Absentmindedly, she fiddles with the rings adorning her fingers, a nervous habit that has become all too familiar. The stillness of the moment is broken as the front door swings open, revealing Chris, his smile igniting a flurry of emotions within Lovette.

Caught off guard by his presence, Lovette playfully quips, "Where to, tour guide?"

Chris takes a moment to appreciate Lovette's lighthearted banter, a playful sparkle dancing in his eyes. A surge of warmth fills his chest as he looks at her.

A hint of mischief dances in Chris' voice as he responds, "Well, Lovie, today we're headed to Quincy Market and then, the North End." His words carry a touch of excitement and mystery, a testament to the effort he put into planning this day for them.

As they entered the car, Lovette's question about the North End sparked Chris' enthusiasm. He noticed the impeccable cleanliness of her white Mercedes-Benz, unsure if it was due to limited use or Lovette's inherent tidiness. "It's a neighborhood that has a bunch of Italian restaurants. Some people call it 'Little Italy.'"

Lovette flashed a vibrant smile, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Starting the car, she glanced at Chris with genuine enthusiasm. "I'm excited! By the way, you can be in charge of the music. I'm open to your playlist."

As the first song filled the car with its melodic rhythm, their conversation seamlessly flowed, peppered with subtle flirtation and heartfelt laughter. Chris couldn't help stealing glances at Lovette, captivated by her presence beside him. Their playful exchanges and the magnetic pull between them created an atmosphere charged with unspoken affection.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Upon arriving at Quincy Market, Chris immediately noticed the bustling atmosphere. The streets were filled with a lively crowd, and he couldn't help but revel in the moments when Lovette's hands brushed against his as he guided Lovette through the busy market. Each touch sent a thrill through him, making him savour the subtle contact and relish the growing proximity between them.

Chris and Lovette found themselves drawn into a quaint souvenir shop nestled within Quincy Market. The shelves were adorned with an array of trinkets, from keychains and postcards to miniature replicas of famous landmarks. Lovette's eyes lit up with childlike wonder, eager to explore the treasures that lay within.

Unbeknownst to Chris, snow globes held a special place in Lovette's heart. It was a quiet homage to her mother, a woman who had a deep love for collecting them. Each snow globe held a cherished memory, and they were a way for Lovette to carry a piece of her mother's spirit wherever she went.

Chris stood beside Lovette, silently observing her as she meticulously examined each snow globe on display. He watched the tender expression on her face, the way her fingers gently traced the glass surfaces as if seeking a connection beyond what was visible.

"What are you looking for, Lovie?" Chris asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Lovette's lips curled into a soft smile, her gaze fixed on a particular snow globe depicting the iconic Boston skyline. "I'm looking for a snow globe. They're like little worlds in glass, frozen in time. Each one tells a unique story."

Chris nodded, appreciating her sentiment. He glanced around the shop, his eyes landing on a shelf filled with various snow globes, each representing a different city or theme. As Lovette continued to explore, he couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. The way she delicately held each snow globe, her eyes filled with a blend of nostalgia and longing, sparked a deeper curiosity within him.

Lost in her thoughts, Lovette's fingers finally settled on a snow globe featuring a serene winter scene with softly falling snowflakes. She held it up to the light, a tender smile gracing her lips.

"This one," she whispered, almost to herself, as if sharing a secret with the snow globe.

Chris watched her intently, his gaze filled with an unspoken tenderness. He admired her without reservation, appreciating the way her love for snow globes mirrored her gentle and introspective nature.

"Why snow globes?" Chris finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

Lovette hesitated, choosing not to reveal the painful truth of her parents' passing. "They remind me of my mom," she confessed, her voice tinged with fondness.

A moment of silence enveloped them, the weight of Lovette's words lingering in the air. Chris felt a newfound tenderness for Lovette, a deeper understanding of the significance these snow globes held for her.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

After their delightful exploration of Quincy Market, Chris and Lovette found themselves stepping into a charming Italian dessert shop called La Dolcezza nestled in the heart of the North End. The sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air, instantly enticing their senses. Lovette's eyes widened with anticipation, her curiosity piqued by the array of delectable treats on display.

"Have you ever tried cannoli before?" Chris asked, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Lovette shook her head, a mixture of curiosity and excitement written across her face. "No, I haven't."

Lovette's gaze wandered over the enticing arrangement of desserts, her anticipation growing. Chris stepped up to the counter, engaging in a lively conversation with the cheerful Italian shop owner, Giovanni. After a brief exchange, Chris turned to Lovette, holding a plate with two cannoli in his hand.

"You have to try these," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "Trust me, you won't be disappointed."

Lovette took one of the cannoli, feeling the delicate crunch of the pastry shell in her fingers. She observed the creamy filling, a mixture of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of citrus zest. As she took her first bite, a burst of flavour exploded on her tongue. The combination of the crisp shell and the luscious filling danced together, creating a harmonious symphony of sweetness. Lovette's eyes widened, and her taste buds awakened to a whole new world of delectable delights.

Unbeknownst to Lovette, Chris watched her intently, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. His gaze lingered on her, cherishing the delight that played across her face. A small smudge of powdered sugar clung to the corner of her mouth. Hesitating for a moment, he mustered the courage to act.

With a gentle gesture, Chris reached for a napkin and delicately wiped away the powdered sugar from Lovette's lips. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, and time seemed to stand still. In that instant, the world around them faded away, leaving only tension between them.

Lovette felt her cheeks warm and she felt a flutter in her chest, a growing warmth that radiated from Chris's touch.

"Thank you for bringing me here," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft background music. "This is... incredible."

Chris smiled, his gaze locked with hers. "I'm glad you're enjoying it," he replied, his voice filled with genuine affection.

In that small Italian dessert shop, amidst the delightful flavours and their shared moment of connection, Chris had a moment of clarity. While he was always fine with acknowledging when he was attracted to someone, the thought of being interested in someone romantically scared the shit out of him. And as Lovette looks at him once more, Chris feels that same fear course through his body. The walls he had carefully built around his heart seemed to be slowly crumbling, replaced by a growing desire to explore this uncharted territory of romance with Lovette.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
i feel like this chapter is sooo boring and im so sorry for that!

do you guys prefer more writing or social media sections? b/c the social media aspect doesn't really kick in till the later acts

also me vs having to research activities to do in Boston cause I'm from Canada and know nothing about American states

until next time <3!