I couldn't put into words exactly how I was feeling, but I knew for certain that Mia had managed to chase away all of the negative emotions that had been weighing me down.
I was no longer sad, confused, or angry. Instead, I was filled with happiness and contentment, and I knew that Mia was the reason for this shift.
I couldn't help but smile as she leaned in to give me another quick kiss on the lips and then wrapped her arms around me in a warm embrace. Her head rested on my chest, and I held her close, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.
"Mia?" I said, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Yes, Ray?" she replied, lifting her head to look at me.
"There's a romantic comedy movie showing this evening. Would you like to come with me?" I asked, hoping she would say yes.
"I'd love to," she said with a smile. "What time should we leave?"
"How about we leave in an hour or so?" I suggested.
"Sounds good to me. Just give me a few minutes to change into something more comfortable," she said, getting up from my lap.
"Alright, I'll wait for you outside," I said, also standing up.
"You don't have to wait outside," she said with a seductive tone. "But if you do stay, don't you dare peek while I'm getting changed." She winked playfully.
"I'll try my best to resist the temptation," I replied with a smirk.
"You naughty boy," she laughed, playfully smacking my arm.
I used the time to check my WhatsApp messages and just do some random stuffs on my phone.
As I was about texting Sam to thank him for his advice, I heard Mia say she was all done.
I turned to check her out, she had slipped on a pair of snug, black jeans and a white off-shoulder top. We set off to the cinema in Kira's car, grabbed some popcorn, and snuggled up to watch the movie 'The LoveBirds.'
The movie was incredible - a perfect blend of adventure, love, comedy, and action. Mia and I cuddled up as close as our seats would allow, thoroughly enjoying the film.
"So, what did you think of the movie?" I asked Mia as we left the cinema, holding hands.
"It was really nice. One of the best I've seen this year," she replied. "I mean, it was funny, you know - trying to escape from the people who are trying to protect you, all while solving their relationship issues and a crime."
"I'm glad you liked it," I said, then glanced ahead. "There's an ice cream shop down the road. Want to go get some ice cream?"
"I could definitely use the stretch," Mia said, and we began walking down the road. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she moved closer, wrapping both of her hands around my torso.
"What do you think about marriage?" Mia suddenly asked.
"Hmmm... well, marriage is actually a great idea - being with someone you love, spending time together to build a family, having kids, you know..." I tried to put my thoughts into meaningful sentences.
"Yeah, I get you. I was just thinking about the couple in the movie," Mia said.
"They were quite a funny pair," I chuckled.
"You can say that again," Mia laughed. "If we were in their shoes, what do you think we would have done? Or what would you have done?" she asked, looking up at me.
"Honestly?" I replied, looking down at her. "I guess we would have done the same. Maybe not as stupid as them, but... you never know what a confused state can lead you to."
"I guess so," I replied.
"So, what's your favorite ice cream flavor?" Mia asked.
"I don't really love sugary foods, but I love vanilla-flavored ice cream with whipped cream," I replied, already imagining the creamy, sweet taste in my head.
Mia looked at me with a smile on her face, like a mother looking at her excited child.
"What about you?" I asked. "I'm guessing your favorite is chocolate-flavored, with chocolate chunks and white chocolate syrup?" I said smugly, knowing that I was right.
Mia moved away from my arms and stared at me in surprise, her mouth slightly open.
"How did you... wait, who's been telling you stuff about me?" she managed to say, still surprised at how I knew such specific details about her.
"Your grandma?" I joked.
"You must be a necromancer or a spirit medium to have been able to communicate with my grandma, who has been dead since I was five years old," Mia pointed out.
"Oops... forgot about that tiny bit of information," I admitted defeat, but not entirely.
"Come on, spill it. Who's the person?" Mia asked, not wanting to let the issue go.
"Hey, look - the ice cream shop. They're about to close. Let's hurry," I said, pointing to the shop which was not too far away. We picked up our pace and rushed towards the store, but Mia was trailing slightly behind me, panting by the time we arrived.
"Don't try that next time. You're a basketball player and a footballer. How do you expect me to beat that?" She pouted, her lips forming a cute little pout.
"Don't worry, I'll be lenient next time," I told her as I gently ruffled her hair, taking care not to ruin it entirely.
We moved into each other again, resuming our previous position with my hands around her waist and hers wrapped around my torso.
I closed my eyes and inhaled, savoring the moment and the scent of her shampoo. When I opened them again, Mia was still in my arms, her bright blue eyes shining up at me.
Feeling whole and better than I had earlier that morning, I held her closer as we walked the final few steps to the ice cream store.
"What flavor do you want?" I asked Mia as we entered the shop.
"I think I'll go with my favorite - chocolate, with chocolate chunks and white chocolate syrup," she said, smiling at me.
"I knew it," I said with a grin. "I'll have a vanilla-flavored with whipped cream. And can we add some sprinkles on top?"
"Sure thing," the server replied as she took our order.
We got our ice cream and took a leisurely walk back, savoring our treats as we went, and enjoying the warm evening breeze. I stole a bite from Mia's ice cream, and she reciprocated with a playful smile.
"So, who told you about my favorite ice cream flavor?" Mia asked again, determined to get an answer.
"Okay, fine. It was Kira. She mentioned it to me when we were talking about our favorite flavors," I admitted.
"Ah, I see. Well, at least it wasn't some kind of supernatural power," Mia laughed.
"Nah, just good old-fashioned conversation," I said, grinning.
We finished our ice cream and walked back to the car, hand in hand and lost in conversation about the movie and some other random stuffs.
As I checked the time, I saw that it was past nine o'clock, and we decided to end the night. I drove us to Mia's place since we had taken Kira's car.
It was a perfect evening, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion than Mia.
Mia's voice was filled with concern as she asked me again if I wanted her to drive me home. "You sound like my mom asking if she can drive me to school or prom," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. She chuckled in response, but the worry in her eyes remained.
"Don't worry," I reassured her. "I'll catch a bus home, okay? Then I'll call you before I go to bed."
She nodded, still looking hesitant. "Alright dear. Take care," she said, planting a kiss on my cheeks. I returned the kiss, pressing my lips to her forehead and giving her a hug.