chapter 12 / date night

Shubman parked his sleek black SUV outside Verena's apartment building, his pulse quickening as he adjusted the cuffs of his navy blazer. 

He'd gone for a casual yet polished look tonight: a white button-down shirt with the top two buttons undone, black slim-fit trousers, and leather loafers. 

His usual boyish charm was amplified by the subtle spritz of cologne he'd chosen—a scent she'd once complimented.

Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his phone and texted her.

Shubman: "I'm downstairs, baby. Take your time."

A minute later, the building door opened, and there she was.

Verena descended the steps like she owned the night, her thigh-high blue dress hugging her curves in all the right places. 

The sweetheart neckline emphasized her collarbones and delicate necklace, while her black heels elongated her legs. 

Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing her face. Her Dior bag hung effortlessly from her shoulder, completing the look of someone who could easily grace the cover of a fashion magazine.

Shubman couldn't help but stare, his breath hitching as she reached him. "Wow," he murmured, opening the car door for her. "You look... stunning, Verena. Like, unfairly stunning."

She smiled, her eyes twinkling under the streetlights. "Thank you, Gill. You clean up pretty well yourself."

As she slid into the passenger seat, he rounded the car, muttering to himself, "How am I supposed to concentrate on dinner now?"

The drive to the restaurant was filled with playful banter.

"Dior, huh?" Shubman teased, glancing at her bag. "Flexing on me tonight?"

She laughed, adjusting the hem of her dress. "Oh, please. You're the one rocking a blazer like it's a casual hoodie."

"Hey, this is me making an effort," he replied, grinning. "Besides, I have to look good standing next to you. You're setting the bar way too high."

She smirked, turning to look at him. "You're doing just fine, Mr. Gill."

The restaurant they chose was upscale but intimate, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Candlelit tables, soft jazz playing in the background, and an air of understated elegance made it the perfect spot for their date.

As they walked in, Shubman instinctively placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward their table.

The hostess seated them by a window overlooking the city lights. Verena glanced at the menu, but Shubman couldn't take his eyes off her.

"See something you like?" she teased, not looking up.

"Definitely," he replied, his voice soft but sure.

She finally met his gaze, her cheeks flushing just a little. "You're impossible."

"And you're beautiful," he shot back, leaning in slightly.

As they left the restaurant, Shubman offered her his arm, which she took with a laugh. "You're really laying it on thick tonight, aren't you?"

"Can you blame me?" he asked, guiding her toward the car. "Look at you. You make it impossible not to."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Gill."

Once they were back in the car, Shubman hesitated before starting the engine. "So," he began, glancing at her, "do you want to call it a night, or..."

"Or?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"There's this rooftop spot I know," he said, his tone casual but hopeful. "Amazing view of the city. Thought you might like it."

Her smile widened. "Lead the way."

The rooftop was quiet, the city sprawling out before them in a glittering sea of lights. Shubman had brought along a blanket, which he spread out on the ground, and a small bag of snacks he'd stashed in the car—just in case.

"You planned this?" she asked, clearly impressed.

"Maybe," he admitted, sitting down next to her.

They talked for hours, laughing, reminiscing, and stealing glances at each other under the stars. At one point, she leaned her head on his shoulder, and he slipped an arm around her waist.

"You know," she said, her voice soft, "this is perfect."

"Yeah?" he asked, looking down at her.

"Yeah," she replied, meeting his gaze. "You're perfect."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I could say the same about you, Verena."

And as the city lights twinkled around them, they sat together, wrapped up in their own little world.

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SOUP RANTS!

the twelfth chapter is here!
did we like it?
do comment your favorite part
what do you think will happen in the next chapter?

until then
yours lovingly,
soup <3