"I want to go on a date with Miguel. He's... nice, and I really like him. He's respectful, and I think he's different."

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Odessa sat at the kitchen table, her hands clasped tightly together, trying to gather her thoughts. She had been planning this for days-she knew convincing her parents to let her go on a date with Miguel would be a challenge. Kingston and April were strict, especially when it came to her dating life. Her dad, in particular, had a tendency to joke and be overprotective, often making fun of the guys she liked. Odessa just hoped this time would be different.

"Mom, Dad, can we talk?" Odessa said, her voice quiet but determined.

Kingston, who had been pacing around the kitchen, stopped and gave her a raised eyebrow. "Talk about what, kiddo?"

Odessa took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I want to go on a date with Miguel. He's... nice, and I really like him. He's respectful, and I think he's different."

April, who was flipping through a magazine at the counter, looked over at her daughter with a skeptical frown. "Miguel? You're sure about this? The Miguel who wears those ridiculous sneakers?"

Kingston, overhearing the conversation, snorted and stepped into the room, arms crossed. "Oh, you mean the kid who looks like he hasn't grown into his legs yet?" He chuckled to himself, clearly amused by the thought. "Lanky kid with braces and a weird style-he's not exactly the kind of guy I was hoping for you to go on a date with, O."

Odessa's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, but she pushed forward. "Dad, he's not like that. He's actually really cool and-"

"I'm just saying," Kingston interrupted, "he's got a lot to learn before he's good enough for my daughter. What if he trips over his own feet? What if he knocks his braces off with his words?" He grinned, but there was no malice in his teasing-just the typical overprotective father act.

Odessa gritted her teeth but kept her composure. She wasn't going to let her dad get to her this time. "He's a good guy, Dad. I promise. He's been nothing but kind and respectful, and he actually listens when I talk. And he's really into music. I think you'd like him if you gave him a chance."

April, though a little more lenient than Kingston, still had her doubts. "I'm just not sure, sweetie. You know how I feel about boys and how fast things can go. And you're still so young."

"Mom, please," Odessa pleaded, her voice soft but firm. "I'm not a little kid anymore. I can make my own decisions, and I promise I won't rush into anything. Just one date. That's all I'm asking for."

Kingston sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly still unsure. He glanced at April for support, but she just gave him a skeptical look, which didn't help his indecision. He was about to speak up when the doorbell rang.

Odessa froze, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn't expecting anyone-at least, not this soon. Kingston gave her a questioning look, and Odessa bit her lip nervously.

"I'll get it," Odessa said quickly, standing up from the table. She could hear her parents muttering behind her, but she didn't care. She needed to face this head-on, and Miguel was already here.

She opened the door and was immediately met with Miguel standing on the doorstep, holding a small bouquet of flowers. He looked a little nervous, but his smile was warm and genuine. He was dressed in a simple hoodie and jeans, but there was something about the way he carried himself that made Odessa's heart flutter.

"Hey, Odessa," he greeted, his voice a little unsure. "I thought I'd bring you these."

Odessa's breath caught in her throat as she accepted the flowers, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Miguel, you didn't have to..."

"I wanted to," he said with a small smile. "So, um, are your parents home?"

Before Odessa could respond, Kingston appeared behind her in the doorway, arms crossed and looking more skeptical than ever. "Well, well, if it isn't the famous Miguel," he said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I see you've come prepared with flowers. But I'm still wondering, kid-what's with the... how do I put this... the lankiness? And the braces?"

Miguel swallowed hard, clearly caught off guard by Kingston's remarks. He cleared his throat and stepped forward slightly, trying to stand tall despite the teasing.

"I know I might not be your typical guy, Mr. Kingston," Miguel said respectfully, "but I can promise you that I'll treat Odessa well. I care about her, and I'm just asking for a chance."

Odessa's heart swelled with pride at his words. He was handling her dad's teasing so well, and she could see that he was genuinely trying to make a good impression.

April, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally spoke up. "I appreciate the flowers, Miguel. But I'm still not sure..."

Miguel, sensing the tension, took a deep breath and stepped forward, his eyes locking with Kingston's. "Look, Mr. Kingston, I may not have all the right words or be the perfect guy, but I promise you, I care about Odessa. She's smart, funny, and kind, and I want to make her happy. So if you can just give me a shot, I'll do everything I can to prove I'm worth it."

Kingston raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed with Miguel's sincerity, even if he still wasn't completely convinced. He glanced at April, who gave him a small nod of encouragement.

After a long pause, Kingston sighed. "Alright, kid. I'll give you a chance. But don't go messing this up."

Miguel let out a relieved breath, a huge smile spreading across his face. "I won't, sir. I promise."

Odessa could barely contain her excitement as she looked at Miguel, her heart racing. "Thank you, Dad," she whispered, before turning to Miguel. "You're really going to make me the happiest person tonight, you know that?"

Miguel chuckled softly, leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm just getting started."

With her parents' reluctant but eventual approval, Odessa couldn't believe it. She was going on a date with Miguel, and everything felt right.

Odessa stood in front of the mirror, her hands trembling slightly as she surveyed her reflection. She hadn't been this nervous in a while, but this felt different. Miguel had come through for her and convinced her parents to give him a chance-now, it was her turn to make sure everything went well on their date. She couldn't help but feel like everything was suddenly moving so fast, but in the best way possible.

April knocked softly on the door before poking her head inside, a warm smile on her face. "How's my girl doing?"

Odessa turned, giving her mom a small, nervous smile. "I think I'm freaking out a little bit."

April chuckled, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. "Well, you've got every right to be nervous. First dates are always a little nerve-wracking. But I know you're going to do great. So, what's the plan?"

Odessa glanced down at the dress she had laid out on the bed-an olive-green wrap dress with delicate lace trim that felt just right for the occasion. She had spent hours debating over what to wear, but this one seemed perfect: casual but thoughtful, elegant but not too fancy. Still, it felt like such a big decision. She wasn't used to feeling so... exposed.

"I don't know," Odessa muttered, her voice quieter now. "I just really want it to go well. I want to make a good impression, you know?"

April nodded understandingly, sitting down beside her daughter on the bed. "Sweetheart, you're already making a good impression just by being yourself. That's what Miguel likes about you. And that's the part that matters the most. The rest will fall into place." She smiled softly. "Now, let's get you ready. I have just the thing for your hair."

Odessa raised an eyebrow, giving her mom a skeptical look. "Are you sure? I don't want anything too complicated."

April waved her off with a laugh. "Don't worry, I've got you covered. You'll look perfect without even trying." She stood up and motioned to the dresser. "Go ahead and put on your dress. I'll get your hair sorted."

Odessa hesitated for a moment before slipping into the dress, feeling the fabric settle comfortably against her skin. It fit perfectly, hugging her figure in all the right places but still leaving her able to breathe and move freely. The soft green brought out the color of her eyes, and she felt just a little more confident when she looked at herself.

April had already grabbed a curling iron from the counter and was getting to work on Odessa's hair, carefully sectioning it off. Odessa sat back in the chair, closing her eyes as her mom worked through the strands, curling them into loose waves that framed her face just right.

"You know," April said as she worked, her hands steady and gentle, "I can't believe how much you've grown up. It feels like just yesterday you were asking me to help you with your homework, and now you're going on your first real date."

Odessa let out a small laugh, her nerves easing just a bit as she listened to her mom's comforting words. "I guess it kind of snuck up on me too. I didn't think I'd be this nervous about a date."

April gave a lighthearted smile, her voice soft but sincere. "It's natural. But you've got this. You're smart, you're beautiful, and you deserve to have fun with someone who treats you well. Miguel seems like a good guy."

"Yeah... he is," Odessa admitted, her lips curving into a small smile. "I think I'm lucky."

After a few more minutes, April finished with Odessa's hair, brushing the last of the curls into place and giving it a final check in the mirror. "There," she said, stepping back with a satisfied grin. "Now, all you need is a little bit of lipstick and some confidence."

Odessa glanced at herself in the mirror again, surprised at how different she looked with her hair styled so elegantly. The waves framed her face perfectly, making her look more put-together than she'd ever imagined she could.

"Thanks, Mom," she said quietly, a genuine smile pulling at her lips. "I feel like I could actually go out there and not look like a total mess."

April gave her a playful wink. "You were never a mess, sweetie. Just a little unsure of yourself sometimes, like we all are." She paused, glancing at the clock. "Now, go ahead and put on some lipstick and get your shoes. You don't want to keep Miguel waiting."

Odessa nodded, rushing to grab her favorite red lipstick from the dresser drawer. She carefully applied it, the bold color giving her an added sense of strength and self-assurance. As she finished, she turned back to April. "Do you think I look okay?"

April smiled warmly, her eyes soft with love and pride. "You look absolutely beautiful, Odessa. Just remember, no matter what happens tonight, you've got people who care about you, and you'll always be our girl."

Odessa felt a wave of warmth and gratitude flood over her, and for the first time all day, the nerves in her stomach settled. "Thanks, Mom," she whispered again, feeling like she could take on the world with her family's support behind her.

She slipped into her shoes, checked her reflection one last time, and stood taller, ready to face whatever came next.

"Alright," Odessa said, her voice steady with newfound confidence. "Let's do this."

April smiled, giving her daughter a final hug before she left the room. "Have fun, sweetheart. And don't forget to text me when you're home."

"I will," Odessa replied with a grin, taking a deep breath. The excitement was building now, and she felt ready to take on this new chapter. It was a new beginning, and she was finally allowing herself to enjoy it.

Miguel stood nervously at the door, flowers in hand, glancing back at his car that was parked on the curb. He had driven over, but he didn't have a ride home, so he hoped tonight would be worth it. As he rang the doorbell, he wiped his hands on his jeans, trying to calm his nerves. He had promised Odessa's mom, April, that he would be on his best behavior. And he was determined to keep his word.

The door swung open, and there stood Kingston, Odessa's father. Miguel's breath caught in his throat at the sight of the tall, imposing figure. Kingston's eyes narrowed slightly, as if evaluating him, and his lips pulled into a tight smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Can I help you?" Kingston asked, his voice low but with an edge that made Miguel's stomach tighten.

Miguel shifted his weight awkwardly, suddenly feeling out of his element. "Uh, hey, Mr. Kingston. I'm here to, uh, pick up Odessa. We're going out for dinner."

Kingston's eyes flickered to the flowers in Miguel's hand before meeting his gaze once more. "Dinner, huh?" He stepped forward, blocking the doorway slightly, his stance rigid. "I'm sure you're aware that Odessa is a special girl, right?"

Miguel nodded quickly, his mouth suddenly dry. "Yes, sir. I respect that. I know she's-"

Kingston interrupted, his voice growing more serious. "I'm just making sure you understand that I'm not handing my daughter off to some guy who doesn't know how to treat her. You understand?"

Miguel swallowed, feeling the weight of Kingston's words. "Of course, sir. I promise I'll be respectful and-"

Kingston cut him off again, his gaze unwavering. "And what are your intentions with my daughter, exactly? You better have a good answer."

Miguel shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond without sounding too eager. "I, uh, just want to spend time with her. Get to know her better."

The air seemed to thicken with Kingston's scrutiny. He studied Miguel for what felt like an eternity before his lips curled into a humorless smile. "Get to know her, huh? How about you show me something first? I wanna know a little more about you before you take my daughter out. You come highly recommended, but I need to hear it from you."

Miguel's heart was pounding in his chest as Kingston's gaze bore into him, waiting for a response. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could form any more words, Odessa's voice echoed down the hallway.

"Dad, stop!" Odessa called, her voice cutting through the tension. She came into view at the top of the stairs, her expression a mix of surprise and frustration. "What are you doing?"

Kingston's face instantly softened, though the stern edge still lingered in his eyes. He glanced over at her, then back at Miguel. "Just making sure your date knows what he's getting into."

Miguel couldn't help but feel a rush of relief as Odessa descended the stairs, her confident stride matching the ease with which she carried herself. Her dress swished around her legs as she reached the bottom, her face lighting up when she saw Miguel standing there, looking slightly rattled but still holding his flowers.

"Sorry about him," Odessa said with a small laugh, casting a pointed look at her father. "He's just a little protective."

Kingston grunted in response, not looking convinced, but he stepped back, allowing Odessa and Miguel some space. Odessa smiled warmly at Miguel, her eyes softening when she saw the bouquet in his hand.

Miguel chuckled nervously. "I thought I should bring something," he said, extending the flowers to her. "For you."

Odessa took the bouquet, a small blush creeping across her cheeks. "Thank you, Miguel. They're beautiful," she said, her voice genuine. She then turned to her father, her expression a little more assertive. "Dad, I'm driving us. Miguel doesn't have a car right now."

Kingston's eyes flickered between his daughter and Miguel, clearly weighing the situation, but after a beat, he finally nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But I want you back by ten," he said, his voice still a little guarded.

Odessa smiled, though it was more of a polite gesture than anything else. "Of course, Dad. Don't worry."

Miguel, grateful that Odessa had stepped in, gave Kingston a small nod. "I'll have her back on time, sir. You have my word."

Kingston didn't respond immediately, but after a moment, he turned away with a grunt, clearly satisfied with his "interrogation" for the time being. "Just don't mess this up," he muttered under his breath as he retreated into the living room.

Miguel let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "That was... intense."

Odessa chuckled, shaking her head. "You'll get used to it. He's not always like that, I promise." She glanced at the flowers in her hand again, a small smile still on her face. "I appreciate it, really. You didn't have to."

Miguel smiled back, though there was a hint of relief in his expression now that the tension had passed. "I wanted to. And, well, I'm just glad I'm not making a bad impression yet."

Odessa gave him a playful look as she grabbed her purse. "Not yet. But you'll get there if you keep up the good work." She winked at him and then motioned toward the front door. "Let's go before my dad starts asking more questions."

Miguel laughed softly, following her toward the door. As Odessa opened it, he couldn't help but feel a little lighter. They had made it through the hardest part, and now all he had to do was focus on making sure she had a great time.

As they walked outside, Miguel stopped at the curb, unsure of what to do next.

Odessa unlocked the car, turning to him with a smile. "I'm driving. You can relax now."

Miguel grinned, walking around to the passenger side and climbing in. Odessa started the car, and as they pulled away from her house, he could feel his nerves finally start to calm. It wasn't going to be easy with her dad always lurking in the background, but he'd do anything for Odessa-and if it meant earning Kingston's approval, he was ready to rise to the challenge.

Miguel pulled open the door to the cozy little restaurant, letting Odessa walk in first, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The soft chatter of diners and the faint scent of fresh herbs and garlic filled the air. Odessa smiled as she entered, taking a moment to glance around at the intimate setting-dim lighting, small round tables, and candlelit decor that gave the whole place a romantic vibe. Miguel hoped he had chosen well, but honestly, he was still just trying to make a good impression.

"So," Miguel started awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "This place seemed... nice." His voice trailed off, unsure if that was the right thing to say. He was about to say something else when a waiter came up, greeting them with a warm smile.

"Table for two?" the waiter asked, and Miguel nodded quickly, his palms slightly clammy.

"Uh, yeah," Miguel said, managing a smile. "Table for two."

The waiter led them to a quiet booth in the corner, away from the hustle and bustle. Miguel slid into the seat opposite Odessa, trying to suppress his nerves. As the waiter handed them menus, Miguel gave Odessa an uncertain look, unsure how to navigate this part of the evening.

"So, uh," Miguel started again, staring at the menu but not really reading it, "are you a pasta person? Or more of a steak person?"

Odessa raised an eyebrow, amused by his awkwardness. "You know," she said teasingly, "I think I'll surprise you and go with something you wouldn't expect." She glanced at him over the top of her menu. "What about you?"

Miguel paused for a moment, then shrugged. "I'm pretty simple. Maybe... pasta? Or pizza? Can't really go wrong with pizza."

Odessa chuckled softly, her smile lighting up the room. "Pizza is a safe bet, I guess."

Miguel felt his chest lighten a little at her easy laugh, though the nervousness was still there. He hadn't really dated much, and certainly not anyone like Odessa. He knew he had to try, though. For her.

"Okay, so I know this is a little random," Miguel said, trying to ease the awkwardness by changing the topic, "but if you could travel anywhere in the world right now, no strings attached, where would you go?"

Odessa thought for a moment, tapping her chin lightly. "Hmm... probably somewhere tropical. Maybe Bali? Or somewhere with a beach where I can just relax and get away from everything. What about you?"

Miguel smiled, glad the conversation was starting to flow more naturally. "I'd probably go to Mexico to visit my dad," he said quietly. He didn't often talk about his dad, but with Odessa, he felt like it was okay to be open. "It's been a while since I saw him."

Odessa's eyes softened. "I bet he'd love to see you again."

Miguel nodded, his smile faint. "Yeah, I hope so. It's complicated... but we're trying to figure things out."

The waiter returned, and they both quickly glanced at their menus, making decisions on the spot.

"I'll have the fettuccine alfredo," Odessa said confidently, closing her menu with a small smile. "And you?"

Miguel hesitated for just a second. "Uh, I'll take the spaghetti carbonara." He handed his menu to the waiter, who nodded and left them alone again.

Once the waiter was out of earshot, Odessa raised an eyebrow. "Spaghetti? Carbonara? Really?"

Miguel grinned sheepishly. "Hey, it's classic. You can't go wrong with carbonara."

Odessa laughed, shaking her head. "Fair enough. I mean, I guess I'll allow it."

They both sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, the initial awkwardness starting to melt away. Miguel couldn't help but steal a glance at Odessa, taking in the way the candlelight danced across her features. She looked effortlessly beautiful, and the nervousness he felt earlier now felt silly in comparison to the calm presence she radiated.

"So," Odessa said after a while, breaking the silence, "tell me something about you that I wouldn't expect. You know, something random."

Miguel thought for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, this might sound weird, but I used to be obsessed with skateboarding when I was younger. Like, I was always out trying to learn tricks."

Odessa's eyes lit up. "No way, really?"

Miguel nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, I was terrible at first, but I got the hang of it eventually. I guess I just liked the challenge."

"I had no idea," Odessa said with genuine surprise. "I can totally see you as a skateboarder, though. You have that... look about you."

Miguel laughed at that. "The 'look'? What look is that?"

She grinned back at him. "You know, the 'I've got this cool, laid-back vibe, but I could probably break a few bones if I wanted to.'"

Miguel chuckled. "That's oddly accurate."

Just then, the food arrived, and the tension from earlier seemed to vanish as they started to eat. Odessa took a bite of her fettuccine alfredo, and Miguel saw her eyes light up.

"This is actually really good," she said, mouth half-full. "You have good taste."

Miguel smiled, trying not to feel too smug about it. "Told you. You can't go wrong with pasta."

The evening felt like it was falling into place. They ate and chatted about random things-movies, travel, their families-and Miguel found himself laughing more than he expected. It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be.

For a moment, it felt like everything was perfect. Just two people on a date, with no pressure. Just enjoying each other's company.

When they finished eating, Miguel offered to pay, but Odessa waved him off. "It's on me this time," she insisted, giving him a wink.

Miguel raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Look at you, taking charge."

She smiled mischievously. "Well, someone's gotta do it."

As they left the restaurant, Miguel felt a warm feeling in his chest. Maybe things weren't so bad after all. And maybe, just maybe, he could make this work with Odessa.

The night had deepened by the time Odessa drove Miguel to a quiet park on the outskirts of town. The air was crisp, the moon hanging low and bright, casting a soft glow over the empty playground. Odessa parked the car, then turned to Miguel, her face illuminated by the dashboard light.

"This place," she said, her voice a little softer than before, "is where I come when I need to clear my head. Thought it might be nice to end the night here. If you're up for it."

Miguel smiled, his heart lifting. "You don't have to ask me twice."

They stepped out of the car, and the cool night air greeted them. The park was eerily quiet, save for the faint rustling of the leaves in the trees. A few dimly lit lampposts lined the path, casting long shadows across the grass. Odessa led the way to the playground, the familiar creak of the swings sounding almost comforting in the stillness.

Miguel's eyes darted to the swings first, his mind flashing back to his childhood when he used to race his friends to the swings, seeing who could go the highest. He kicked at the gravel beneath his feet, trying to shake off the anxiety that had lingered in his chest all night.

"So," he started, nervously kicking a stone. "What exactly are we doing here? You said something about stargazing, but we might need to make a pit stop at a telescope first."

Odessa laughed softly, pushing him gently toward the swings. "No telescope needed. We just need to sit back and look up."

She grabbed the chain of the swing and gave it a little push, taking a seat and kicking off the ground. Her eyes sparkled as she tilted her head back, gazing at the heavens above.

Miguel hesitated, then followed suit, his legs kicking off the ground slowly as he swung gently beside her. They both fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the creak of their swings and the occasional rustling of the trees.

The sky above was clear, the stars scattered across the expanse in a dazzling display. Miguel tried to make out constellations, but he wasn't very good at it. He glanced at Odessa, her face serene in the glow of the moonlight, the shadows softening her features. She seemed at ease in the quiet of the night, something that made Miguel relax a little.

"It's beautiful," he said softly, more to himself than to her.

Odessa smiled, her eyes never leaving the sky. "Yeah, it is. It's hard to find peace with everything else going on. But out here... it's like everything falls away for a little while."

Miguel nodded, feeling that same sense of calm that seemed to settle over him every time he was with her. There was something about the way she could make the world feel smaller, more manageable. He liked it.

"Yeah," he agreed, his voice quiet. "I get that. It feels... nice to be away from everything."

Odessa kicked her feet in the air, her swing swaying gently with the breeze. She glanced over at him, catching his eyes. "I'm glad you're here."

Miguel gave her a small, shy smile. "I'm glad I'm here too."

They continued to swing in comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, Odessa's swing slowed, and she let herself gently land on the soft grass below. She gestured for Miguel to follow, and with a soft grunt, he jumped off his swing too, landing next to her.

They walked over to the small patch of grass where the night sky was clearer, away from the trees and the playground. Odessa spread out a blanket she'd brought along, and they both sat down, side by side, looking up at the stars again.

"Do you ever think about what's out there?" Odessa asked, her voice soft as she nestled back onto her elbows. "Like, really think about it? All the possibilities, the endless stars and galaxies. It's kind of crazy."

Miguel looked up, his eyes tracing the constellation she was pointing to. "I guess I never really thought about it that way. I always just looked up and thought, 'That's a star. That's it.'"

Odessa chuckled. "Yeah, but you're right to just look at the stars, Miguel. It's good not to overthink it. They're just there, doing their thing, not worrying about anything."

Miguel smiled, his gaze shifting from the stars back to Odessa's face. The way the light danced in her eyes made his heart beat faster. He liked that she saw things in a way that made him think. It was one of the things that made her different from anyone he'd ever met.

"That's... kind of how I want to live my life," Miguel said, a little surprised by his own words. "Just... doing my thing. Not overthinking it."

Odessa turned her head toward him, her expression thoughtful. "That sounds like a good idea. Sometimes we forget we don't have to have everything figured out."

Miguel met her eyes, and for a moment, there was nothing else but the quiet of the night, the stars above them, and the connection that had silently grown between them.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "Sometimes it's just about being in the moment. With the right people."

Odessa smiled softly, her fingers brushing against his. "Exactly."

They stayed like that for a while, hands intertwined as they watched the stars, the night wrapping around them in a peaceful embrace. Neither of them spoke much after that, but neither needed to. There was something perfect in the stillness, in just sharing this moment together. The date may have started awkwardly, but as they sat there, under the stars, it felt like exactly where they were meant to be.

Odessa pulled up to the front of Miguel's apartment complex, the engine of her car humming softly as she shifted it into park. The night air felt warmer now, the stars still twinkling above, as if the universe itself was holding its breath, waiting for the next moment to unfold. The interior of the car was filled with the soft sounds of the radio playing in the background, but everything felt quiet, almost too quiet, as Odessa and Miguel sat there, neither one ready to say goodbye.

Miguel unbuckled his seatbelt, turning to Odessa with a half-smile. "You know, you don't have to drive me all the way up here. I can just walk home. Our neighborhoods are next to each other."

Odessa raised an eyebrow, glancing over at him as she kept her hands on the steering wheel. "Miguel, you're not walking home. It's late, and I'm not letting you walk all the way to your place by yourself." Her voice was firm but gentle, a protective edge to it that made him smile softly.

"I insist," he said, leaning back in the seat, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's not that far."

Odessa smirked, shaking her head. "I know it's not that far. But no. I'm driving you to the door." She met his gaze, her smile softening, and added, "It's not even a question."

Miguel laughed lightly, not pushing the subject any further, realizing that arguing with her about it would only make things more difficult. They both sat there for a moment, the warmth between them palpable, neither one wanting to be the first to break the comfortable silence.

"Alright, alright," he said, finally conceding. "But just so you know, I'd walk with you if the roles were reversed."

Odessa's lips curled into a small, knowing smile, her eyes flicking between him and the building behind him. "I know you would."

She was about to say something else, but Miguel reached over, placing his hand on hers, the unexpected touch sending a shiver down her spine. The simple gesture was enough to send the air around them shifting, turning everything in the car into something more intimate.

Before she could react, Miguel leaned forward, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle kiss. But as soon as their lips met, the soft pressure deepened, and the kiss became longer, more meaningful. There was a tenderness in the way Miguel kissed her, as though everything he'd been feeling-every word unsaid, every thought left unspoken-was wrapped up in that one kiss.

Odessa closed her eyes, her heart racing as she responded to the kiss, her hands still gripping the steering wheel but her fingers twitching with the need to pull him closer. She felt the world around them fade, the weight of the night slipping away as if the only thing that mattered was the warmth of his lips on hers.

It was a kiss that said more than words could. It was a kiss full of all the things they hadn't yet said, all the things they hadn't even known they needed to say.

When they finally pulled away, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting gently against each other. Odessa opened her eyes to see Miguel's soft, almost vulnerable gaze.

"I've wanted to do that for a while," he whispered, his voice rougher than usual.

Odessa chuckled softly, her heart still beating erratically in her chest. "Me too."

But before either of them could say anything else, a voice broke through the quiet night air from somewhere behind them.

"¡Miguel! You better be treating my baby girl right!"

Miguel's face turned a deep shade of red as they both looked toward the source of the voice. There, standing on the balcony of his apartment, was his Yaya, waving at them with a bright grin plastered on her face.

"Yaya!" Miguel called out, his voice filled with embarrassment but also affection. "Stop it!"

Odessa couldn't help but laugh at the sudden intrusion, the tension of the moment breaking. She turned back to Miguel, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, looks like you've got a fan club."

Miguel groaned, rubbing his face in mock frustration. "She's never gonna let me live this down." He paused, glancing at Odessa with a soft smile. "But, honestly, I'm kind of glad she knows."

Odessa smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. "I'm glad she knows, too."

With one last shared look, Odessa put the car in reverse, preparing to drive away. Miguel watched her go, his heart still racing, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Goodnight, Odessa," he whispered, though she couldn't hear him.

As she disappeared around the corner, Miguel couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him, his chest lighter than it had been in a long time. Even though the night had ended, something told him that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.

ASH SPEAKS!!

they're so cute and i love them so much.
they're so nervous and awkward each other. im never having them break up.

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! ITS ANNOYING!! PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE. ITS NOT THAT HARD!!! PLEASE! please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters

im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!