Daniel and Diana sat side by side on a bench in the small, quiet park. The sun was high in the sky, casting soft shadows across the grass, the only sounds around them the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. Diana shifted uncomfortably, replaying the emotional conversation they'd just had in the attic.
What did I just do? Her thoughts raced, her cheeks heating up with embarrassment. She had spoken to him like he was a child, as if she needed to console him. It felt weird, treating him that way, especially considering everything they'd been through together. She sneaked a glance at Daniel, expecting to see him lost in thought or looking as awkward as she felt. Instead, she found him looking surprisingly calm, even a little content.
Daniel was staring at his arm, poking at his forearm like he was seeing it for the first time. He flexed his fingers, watching the muscles move under his skin with a curious expression.
Diana frowned. "What are you doing?"
He glanced up, looking slightly embarrassed. "I don't know. I guess I never really paid attention before." He hesitated, then added, "Do you think I'm… you know, muscular?"
Diana tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "Yeah, actually. You're pretty muscular," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. She saw him blink in surprise, then look away, a flicker of self-consciousness crossing his face. He wasn't used to hearing that—used to seeing himself as small, helpless, and a burden, especially after breaking down in front of her.
Diana bit her lip, realizing he was still feeling vulnerable. "Come on," she said, standing up suddenly and heading over to a set of monkey bars nearby, the kind kids would use to climb across or swing from.
Daniel followed, still looking a bit confused. "What are you doing?"
Diana stretched up to grab the bar, but her fingers barely brushed the edge. She stood on her tiptoes, stretching as much as she could, but still couldn't reach it.
Daniel watched her struggle, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "You're too short."
She huffed, dropping back down and turning to face him. "Well, you're tall. Help me out."
He hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and, without much effort, lifted her up by the waist. Her hands found the bar, and she held on, her body dangling slightly.
"See?" she said, her voice strained from holding herself up. "You lifted me so easily."
"That's because you're light," he replied, his hands still steady on her waist as he kept her balanced.
Diana rolled her eyes, letting go of the bar and dropping lightly back to the ground. "Okay, Mr. Modest. Then try lifting yourself up."
"What do you mean?" Daniel asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"Do some pull-ups," she said, pointing at the bar. "Let's see what those muscles are really for."
He glanced at the bar, then back at her, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "I don't know…"
"Just try," she insisted, her tone challenging.
Daniel sighed, but he stepped up to the bar. He grabbed hold of it, his fingers wrapping around the cool metal. He pulled himself up once, then twice, his muscles flexing with each movement. Diana watched, her eyes widening as he continued to do more, his movements steady and controlled.
"Wow," she breathed, genuinely impressed. "You're really strong."
He dropped back down, landing lightly on his feet, and looked at her with a small, almost shy smile. "I guess I am."
She grinned, giving him a playful shove on the shoulder. "Told you."
He laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. A faint blush colored his cheeks.