Seth stood patiently across from Morris' Café, eagerly awaiting El's arrival. From the window, she spotted him in his denim jacket and brown trousers, scanning the area for her. She couldn't help but notice his poor eyesight.
How well did she really know him, she wondered. They had been childhood friends, growing up in the same neighborhood, sharing secrets and laughter. But as they entered middle school, their paths diverged. It wasn't until recently, when they both discovered their shared involvement in the EGTF, that they reconnected. However, since Seth's confession of feelings, their friendship had been strained.
Maybe he's faking his eyesight, El thought, entertaining a ludicrous idea of superhuman abilities. She quickly dismissed it, ashamed of her own wild thoughts. Carrying a small handbag discreetly containing the spyware, she couldn't make up her mind about using it.
Take it easy, she told herself. It's just a first date, after all. Besides, Seth might not even be interested anymore.
With a smile, she stepped out of the café, waving at Seth.
There was a lot of chatter before the movie, mostly from Seth. His excitement was palpable, influenced by the trailers he had watched online. El, on the other hand, felt less enthusiastic. It was hard to focus on the movie, given the weight of Norman's suspicions. Spying was one thing, but betraying a longtime friend was another. Nonetheless, she had a job to do and had to maintain professionalism.
After the movie, they walked home together. Seth's family didn't live in Brommesville, but he resided on campus in college, which wasn't far from El's house.
"I think 'Kem in Atlantis' was better," Seth remarked. "The CGI and sound effects of the water demons were perfect."
"This movie had a different charm," El frowned, struggling to recall. "The silence was used to evoke the feeling of loneliness in space."
"I wouldn't mind being in space," Seth gazed up at the sky. "Peaceful and free from worries."
"Is something on your mind?" El looked at him curiously, her eyes searching.
Seth smiled at her, a reassurance that he appreciated her concern. "Just the usual stuff. Gotta pay rent."
They crossed Brommesville Bridge, a long crossing with a river flowing beneath it. The bridge was a rare attraction in their quiet town, known for its romantic ambiance. During the day, it appeared ordinary, but at night, the street lights reflected on the water's surface, creating the illusion of dancing stars.
El stopped and turned to admire the reflection. "I enjoy some alone time now and then," she confessed. "But I wouldn't want to be in space for too long. I'd miss this place too much. The people I love."
She took a deep breath. "As a child, I didn't fully appreciate what I had. The love and kindness of my family, the acceptance and joy shared with friends, and the people who supported me. I didn't think much of this quiet little town. But now..."
She turned to Seth, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Everything seems so beautiful, and I wish time could stand still so I can savor it. I don't want to leave or go anywhere else. I want to treasure what I have right here."
A comfortable silence enveloped them, a moment of reflection. The atmosphere felt different.
Seth looked at her with tender eyes. His expression was so gentle that El couldn't hold his gaze and dropped her eyes, knowing what lay ahead for their friendship.
"El," Seth began softly. "I don't have much to offer, but I can promise you one thing."
He stared out at the river, small ripples forming along the banks. "If you ever want to venture into space, I'll go with you. You know I will."
El remained silent, her heart brimming with gratitude. She now felt even more guilt than before.
Seth grinned. "What brought on all this deep talk? You're something else, El."
"Can't a girl have deep thoughts sometimes?" El teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"Of course, you can! But it's getting late, and you have school tomorrow, right?"
El nodded and smiled. "Let's head home."
They continued walking in silence. Other couples strolled hand-in-hand nearby, further heightening the awkwardness of the moment.
Seth escorted El to her porch. She looked up at him, her heart pounding.
"Thanks for tonight. See you soon."
"See you!" Seth replied.
El took a few steps away, but then stopped abruptly. Overwhelmed with gratitude and a daring impulse, she turned swiftly, approached Seth, and planted a gentle kiss on his lips.
Time seemed to stand still in that moment. El blushed, her lips tingling from the soft touch. She was so nervous she could hardly breathe, and Seth's height made her legs tremble as she stood on tiptoes.
Finally, she pulled away, her shyness reemerging. Before Seth could utter a word, she offered him a shy smile, turned around, and ran back to her house.
Her heart raced as she entered her home and closed the front door behind her. Bernie, her sibling, was already asleep upstairs. El couldn't bring herself to explain her impulsive action. Doubt clouded her mind.
What have I done?
Have I ruined my chance?
What if he rejects me?
What if he only wanted to be a helpful friend?
Everything happened so quickly, and she hadn't planned any of it. She couldn't find it in her heart to implant the spyware on Seth.
Peeking through the living room window, hidden behind the curtain, she watched Seth walking away with a joyful skip in his step.