_Leah's POV_

As the movie went on, Tariq kept up his light-hearted banter, throwing in teasing comments every now and then. When the couple on-screen shared a passionate kiss, Tariq leaned in closer.

"That could be us, you know," he said in a low, flirtatious tone.

I blushed and laughed nervously. "You’re incorrigible."

"Is that a bad thing?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

I shook my head, unable to stop the smile that spread across my face. "Maybe not."

For the rest of the movie, we exchanged more playful remarks, and despite myself, I felt more relaxed than I had in days. Tariq had a way of making...