The day had been long, but now the evening was theirs.

Maya walked beside Elias, feeling strangely relaxed. The sky was dimming, and the air was cool and gentle. They had just stepped out of her apartment, and she still wasn’t quite sure where he was taking her.

“I still can’t believe you planned this,” she said, glancing up at him. “You’ve been acting suspicious all day.”

Elias grinned. “I just wanted to do something nice for you. No surprise guests this time—just the two of us.”

Maya raised a brow. “Promise?”

“Promise,” he replied, placing a hand on his chest. “Scout’s honor.”

They both laughed as they got into...